New Century College
Introduction
The mission of New Century College is to provide a learning environment that integrates
interdisciplinary knowledge with workplace and lifelong learning skills.
New Century College meets this challenge by having students interact closely with
faculty; engage in critical thinking, problem solving, creative activity, and leadership
development; and participate in experiential learning in the form of internships,
co-ops, service-learning, or study abroad. We educate our students to develop original
ideas, engage in active learning, and conduct independent inquiry with the highest
ethical standards. Both the structure and curriculum of New Century College respond
to the needs of our civic and corporate communities and provide instruction for the
changing world of work.
We believe we can offer undergraduate students the finest small college education
within the context of a large state university. Our curriculum is enhanced by our
commitment to the pervasive use of technology.
Administration
John O'Connor, Dean
Karen Oates, Associate Dean
Kelly Dunne, Academic Advisor, B.A.IN., B.S.IN.
Adina Elfant, Academic Advisor, B.A.IN., B.S.IN.
Elizabeth Gunn, Academic Advisor, B.A.IN., B.S.IN.
Karen Misencik, Academic Advisor, B.A.IN., B.S.IN.
Yvette Petty, Academic Advisor, B.A.IN., B.S.IN.
Johnson Center, Room 213
Donna R. Bafundo, B.I.S./B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Coordinator
Krug Hall, Room 213
Miriam Raskin, B.S. in Social Work Degree Coordinator Physical Education Building,
Room 205
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Studies (B.A.IN.)
Bachelor of Science in Integrative Studies (B.S.IN.)
Bachelor of Individualized Study (B.I.S.)
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (B.A.I.S.)
Bachelor of Science in Social Work (B.S.W.)
Minor in Social Work
Faculty
Barry, Brown, Davis, Eby, Gunn, John, Muir, Oates, O'Connor, Petty, Powell, Raskin,
Rome, Slaght, Williams, T. Wood, Zambrana
Centers
Center for Field Studies
Luther Brown, Director
Daniel Bury, Assistant Director
Johnson Center, Room 214
Center for Service and Leadership
Laura Gaither, Director of Service
Lynn Leavitt, Director of Leadership
Johnson Center, Room 240H
Center for Child Welfare
Ruth Zambrana, Director
North Chesapeake Module, Room 3
Center for New Students/University 100
Noreen McGuire, Director for Educational Programs and Research
Peggy Chalker, Associate Director for Educational Programs and Research
Elizabeth Patten, Associate Director Johnson Center, Room 245
Course Work
New Century College offers all course work designated NCLC, BIS, SOCW, and UNIV
in the Course Descriptions section of this catalog.
Undergraduate Programs
B.A.IN./B.S.IN. Degrees in Integrative Studies
B.A.IN./B.S.IN. Degrees in Integrative Studies The curriculum is based upon intensive,
interdisciplinary learning communities, coordinated with traditional academic programs.
The result is an integrated program of study that emphasizes collaboration, experiential
learning, and self-reflection. The program provides the option to create an interdisciplinary,
integrated major. Although there are many possibilities, the following are some examples
of the programs of study that have been created: Pre-professional (medicine, law,
education) Family Studies, Arts Administration, Computer Graphics and Design, Conflict
Resolution Studies, Liberal Studies, Non-Profit Management, and Leadership Studies.
In the first year, students take one highly focused, interdisciplinary course
(8 credits) at a time. They "learn to learn" how to make distinctions,
to appreciate different perspectives, and to find connections in what they learn.
After the first year, the curriculum offers various learning communities that feature
experiential learning and faculty-student research that addresses fundamental questions.
Students complete their degree programs with a major in a traditional discipline
or with an interdisciplinary specialization they develop with faculty guidance. Pre-professional
majors can develop a program of study best suited to their particular goals. Our
program requires demonstrated competencies (communication, valuing, global perspective,
problem solving, social interaction, effective citizenship, aesthetic response, critical
thinking) assessed through an extensive portfolio and engagement with learning outside
the classroom.
Admission Requirements
A student who meets George Mason University's general admissions requirements may
apply for the Integrative Studies degree program. Admission to the program is based
on the student's academic objectives and the likelihood of the student's benefiting
from the curriculum. Each student is assigned an advisor from the college's advising
staff.
Degree Requirements
Students must complete an equivalent of 120 credits of course work with at least
24 credits in Learning Communities, 12 credits of experiential learning (see Curriculum
Requirements), and 32 credits in general education. A student's specialization usually
consists of 30 credits, which may draw from learning communities, experiential learning,
independent study, and traditional university courses. The student must present a
final, cumulative portfolio at a College Senior Exposition.
Curriculum Requirements
The Integrative Studies curriculum has three major components. Division I is the
first year of common courses, experiences, and integrated learning. Thereafter, students
pursue their academic and career goals through learning communities (Division II)
and courses for their specialization (Division III). A student may join learning
communities or take courses in other academic units in the university any time after
Division I.
George Mason University's general education requirements are met in Divisions
I and II. The six credits of humanities, the six credits of social science and the
six credits of natural and mathematical sciences are met through completion of Division
I. The requirement of six credits of English composition are met through completion
of Division I and II. Students majoring in Integrative Studies fulfill the university
writing-intensive requirement by completing their major program. All 300-level courses
and above include at least one writing assignment that requires revision. The graduation
portfolio demonstrates competency in communication.
Division I, The First Year. Division I is a four-unit common curriculum.
Units 1 through 4 are each six weeks long and are separated by two-week interims
or a winter intersession. The units meet Monday through Thursday and may include
lectures and exams, but emphasize seminar discussions, collaborative assignments,
problem-centered projects, and self-paced learning.
The first unit emphasizes composition and communication, computer applications
and analytical reasoning;Unit 2 studies the natural world and develops computational
skills; Unit 3 studies the socially constructed world; and Unit 4 studies
the relationship between the individual and society. The intersessions are built
into the curriculum to allow cocurricular activities, such as community service learning,
leadership training, or specialized workshop courses, or to allow students to complete
their work at their own pace. The winter intersession also allows for intensive short
courses, study abroad, individualized projects, research, or experiential learning
outside the college.
Division II, Learning Communities. Division II is constructed of learning
communities, each of which combines subjects usually taught in several separate courses
into a single course of study. Learning communities offer the equivalent of between
4 and 15 credits of undergraduate work and replace the often fragmented classroom
experience many students encounter in a series of unconnected course offerings. In
interdisciplinary learning communities faculty and students explore various ways
of understanding a topic. Learning communities also offer a greater sense of identity
with an academic community, especially in the nonresidential college environment
typical of a regional state university. Several learning communities are scheduled
to make attendance easier for part-time students. Team teaching, collaborative projects,
emphasis on writing and critical thinking, opportunity for independent study, and
integrative, experiential learning are all important components of learning communities.
A minimum of 24 credits in learning communities are required for graduation.
Division III, A Specialization. The specialization is the equivalent of
a major in a traditional degree program. Students can complete a traditional disciplinary
specialization within the Integrative Studies curriculum or they can create, with
faculty advice, a unique program of study to fit their particular interests and needs.
The specialization comprises traditional courses, learning communities, independent
study, seminars, guided research, and experiential learning. Students must present
a portfolio of their work as part of a culminating College Senior Exposition.
Experiential Learning Requirement. All students are required to participate
in at least 12 credits of experiential learning. A portion of the credits can be
earned in various learning communities. Students also may meet this requirement through
internships, study abroad, and experiential learning courses. This requirement reflects
the college's commitment to providing educational experiences that will prepare its
graduates for the workplace and the demands of active and responsible citizenship.
The faculty's goal is twofold: to engage the workplace as a site of instruction and
expose students to the variety of skills needed to succeed, and to combine work experience
with academic study so that each will enrich the other. A maximum of 24 credits of
experiential learning (or its equivalent) may be applied toward the Bachelor of Arts
or Bachelor of Science.
Experiential learning may include course field trips and off-campus learning experiences.
Students may be responsible for their own transportation, including bus, subway,
and carpooling. Student liability insurance for the experiential learning internship
is provided by the university. Each student is responsible for his or her own health
care, including emergency care. New Century College assumes no financial responsibility
for the health care of students. An accident and health insurance plan is available
through the university.
Transfer Students
New Century College accepts students from other four-year institutions or community
colleges into the Integrative Studies program after admission to the university.
The college's academic advisors will work with students to best use transfer credits
and provide a plan for timely completion of the bachelor's degree. All transfer students
are required to meet with an academic advisor as soon as possible. For more information,
contact the college's academic advisors at (703) 993-1436.
B.A.I.S. Degree with a Major in Interdisciplinary Studies
The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies program offers undergraduate
students an alternative to traditional baccalaureate degree programs. With the guidance
of an academic advising committee, students develop an interdisciplinary program
of study not available through traditional majors, double majors, or major and minor
combinations.
The program provides the option to create an interdisciplinary concentration that
spans two or more academic disciplines. The resulting program of study cuts across
traditional academic programs or collegiate units. Although the possibilities are
endless, the following are some examples of the types of degree programs that have
been created: Human Resources and Organizational Management, Cultural Ecology, Environmental
Management and Public Policy, Science Writing, Child and Family Welfare, International
Policy and Economics, Media and Communication, Philosophy and History of Science,
Art Therapy, Public Policy Studies, Writing and Computer Multimedia, Political Marketing,
Geographic Information Systems, and Renaissance Studies.
Eligibility
Applicants to the program must be rising juniors who have accumulated at least 45
credits with a minimum GPA of 3.300. The GPA is determined by review of all George
Mason University and previous academic work. At least 15 of the 45 credits must have
been completed at George Mason. Freshmen and sophomores, and those in the process
of fulfilling the minimum eligibility requirements, may be declared as pre-B.A.I.S.
Application of Acceptance
Students who meet eligibility requirements may complete an application to the program
after an information/advising session with a counselor. Appointments for these sessions
may be made by calling (703) 993-2302. Students may be recommended by faculty or
administrators or may nominate themselves.
The application includes a written statement of academic objectives and an interdisciplinary
program proposal. Acceptance is based on assessment of the interdisciplinary nature
of the course of study, the availability of courses relevant to the proposed course
of study, the availability of faculty advisors, the student's GPA, and the likelihood
of the student's benefiting from the proposed course of study. Students should be
able to show a high degree of academic achievement in the various disciplines that
they want to incorporate into an interdisciplinary program of study.
Acceptance into the program is conditional until students have an academic advising
committee and an approved educational contract on file. Students must form a two-
or three-member academic advising committee to approve an interdisciplinary course
of study through an educational contract. Although staff members can assist, it is
the student's responsibility to organize the committee.
The committee is composed of professors, at least one from the senior ranks, in
areas of study contributing to the student's concentration. Wherever possible, Robinson
Professors, outstanding scholars who are dedicated to undergraduate teaching and
whose teaching and scholarship concern broad and fundamental intellectual issues,
are members of the student's committee. By a mutual decision of the student and committee,
one member is chair of the committee, taking primary responsibility for contract
development and changes. The director must approve educational contracts and changes
in contracts.
Program Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 120 credits of course work. At least 30 credits
must be completed at George Mason. A minimum of 45 credits must be in upper-level
courses (numbered at the 300 and 400 level), including at least 12 credits of George
Mason course work in the concentration.
In addition to fulfilling the general education requirements for a B.A. degree,
students must complete at least 36 credits in their interdisciplinary concentration
(including UNIV 498 and 499). The upper-level requirement for the interdisciplinary
concentration is a minimum of 24 credits. Courses in the concentration may be applied
to the degree only if passed with a grade of C or better. Students who are pursuing
the B.A.I.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies as a second degree must present 36 George
Mason University credits beyond those required by the first degree.
Within the interdisciplinary concentration, students must complete UNIV 498 Directed
Readings in Interdisciplinary Studies as a prerequisite to UNIV 499 Senior Thesis
in Interdisciplinary Studies. Three credits are awarded for successful completion
of each course. The interdisciplinary thesis is presented and discussed in a seminar
of all students taking UNIV 499 that term. The thesis is evaluated by the student's
academic advising committee and usually is completed during the final semester of
study. UNIV 499 fulfills the university's requirement that all students successfully
complete at least one course designated as writing intensive at the 300 level or
above.
The program is designed for the self-directed, high-achievement student with a
strong academic record. Once admitted to the program, students become Interdisciplinary
Scholars, entitling them to many of the services of the University Scholars Program.
The Interdisciplinary Scholars, along with the University Scholars, form a dynamic
learning community that serves to enhance the intellectual and personal growth of
its members. Interdisciplinary Scholars have priority registration and 24-hour access
to the University Scholar Center's study lounge and computer resource lab.
Bachelor of Individualized Study Degree
Since 1975, the Bachelor of Individualized Study (B.I.S.) degree program has offered
adult students in the Washington metropolitan area an alternative to traditional
baccalaureate degrees. With the guidance of a faculty advisor, B.I.S. students develop
an individualized, interdisciplinary program of study that meets their academic needs
and interests. The B.I.S. program accepts liberal transfer of nontraditional credit
from other institutions. Also, recognizing that college-level learning may be acquired
through varied professional, service, and personal experiences, the B.I.S. degree
provides mechanisms to translate experiential learning into academic credit.
Adult students have entered this individualized study program for many different
reasons. Some are pursuing the B.I.S. degree as preparation for graduate and professional
programs. Others see the B.I.S. degree as a gateway for professional advancement
or career change. Still others want to complete their undergraduate degree through
B.I.S. primarily for personal satisfaction.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants to the B.I.S. program must be admitted to George Mason University, have
completed high school at least eight years before admission, and have accumulated
at least 30 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.000. At least 15 of the 30 credits required
for B.I.S. program acceptance must have been earned through conventional classroom
instruction.
Application/Acceptance Process
Students who meet the eligibility requirements must first attend a B.I.S. information
session. Appointments for these sessions may be made by calling (703) 993-2302. While
a person may attend an information/counseling session before applying to the university,
the B.I.S. application is considered only after admission to the university. Acceptance
into the program is conditional until the student obtains a faculty advisor and has
an approved educational contract on file.
Acceptance decisions are based on assessment of the individualized, nontraditional
nature of the course of study proposed by the applicant, the availability of courses
relevant to the proposed course of study, the availability of faculty advisors in
the field, the student's GPA, and the likelihood of the student's benefiting from
the proposed course of study. In general, a nontraditional, individualized course
of study is defined as one not offered through a traditional department or academic
unit within the university.
Reapplication to the B.I.S. program is required of students who have been inactive
for two years or more or who wish to change the concentration of their individualized
course of study.
B.I.S. Residence Requirement in Northern Virginia
The B.I.S. program draws upon the educational resources of Northern Virginia, including
George Mason University (which awards the B.I.S. degree), Marymount University, Northern
Virginia Community College, Strayer College (Northern Virginia campuses), and the
Northern Virginia Center of the University of Virginia. Approved courses completed
at any of the above institutions count toward the 30-credit B.I.S. residence requirement,
at least 12 credits of which must be upper-division course work (300 or above) in
the B.I.S. concentration.
Program Requirements
B.I.S. students must complete a minimum of 120 credits of course work. At least 45
credits must be in upper-level courses (numbered at the 300 and 400 level), and at
least 30 credits must be completed at George Mason University or at other designated
Northern Virginia institutions (see B.I.S. Residence Requirement in Northern Virginia).
The 30-credit general education requirement includes six credits in English Composition
(ENGL 101 or 100, and 302, or equivalent). The remaining 24 credits must be distributed
among the following academic areas: (1) humanities, (2) social science, and (3) science/analytical
reasoning. To fill in gaps in the B.I.S. student's general education, six or nine
credits will be required in appropriate areas from the above categories.
In conjunction with an advisor from the full-time or adjunct faculty of the university,
a B.I.S. student also designs and completes an individualized study concentration
relevant to his or her nontraditional educational interest. The integrated, interdisciplinary
B.I.S. concentration constitutes the student's "individualized major."
The concentration is entered on an educational contract that must be approved by
the director. The student is encouraged to obtain a faculty advisor and submit an
educational contract as early as possible in the program. Although B.I.S. staff members
can assist B.I.S. students in the process, students are responsible for finding a
faculty advisor. A minimum of 24 credits of course work must be completed after an
approved contract is on file. Written permission must be obtained from the director
for B.I.S. students to take courses at other institutions.
The individualized study core concentration is 33-45 credits (including BIS 490).
At least 18 credits of the concentration must be upper-division course work (300-
and 400-level), 12 of which must be completed at a B.I.S. residence institution.
No more than six credits of D grades may be included in the concentration. Courses
in the concentration may not be counted toward general education requirements.
As a part of the B.I.S. core concentration, the student completes a three-credit
capstone project, BIS 490 Bachelor of Individualized Study Project. The BIS 490 is
taken when no more than two courses remain in the core concentration. The type of
final project varies according to the student's program. It may be a research paper,
a participatory project, or a creative project, but it must be appropriate to the
student's B.I.S. core concentration. A grade of C or better in BIS 490 is required
to graduate with a B.I.S. degree. A committee consisting of the student's academic
advisor and at least one other faculty member or qualified professional evaluates
the BIS 490 project.
A student who fails to earn at least a grade of C must re-enroll in BIS 490 and
complete another project. A grade of IP (In Progress) may be awarded to allow a student
additional time to complete the project. The IP grade is automatically changed to
a F grade if the project is not completed by the end of the following semester. The
completed final project should be turned in to the advisor no later than the end
of the 12th week so that the IP grade can be changed by the last week of the semester.
Following is a sampling of the more than 1,000 previous individualized B.I.S.
concentrations, which have been designed by B.I.S. students in conjunction with faculty
advisors:
Art, Dance, or Music Therapy
Aviation Administration
Children's Literature and Illustration
Computer Graphics and Digital Imagery
Computer Information Systems Management
Convention Planning and Management
Corporate/Community Relations
Environmental Writing
Family Counseling
Fire Science Administration
Government Policy and Federal Taxation
Health Care Administration
Human Resources Management
Information Systems Management and Remote Sensing
International Public Relations
Legal Studies
Performing Arts Management
Procurement and Contracts Management
Psychology and Philosophy of Design
Therapeutic Recreation
Women's Studies
Writing-Intensive Requirement
The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated "writing
intensive" in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in Individualized
Study fulfill this requirement by successfully completing BIS 490.
Credit for Nontraditional Modes of Learning
The B.I.S. program applies fewer restrictions to the transfer of credits earned through
traditional course work at accredited institutions. It also allows B.I.S. students
to receive college credit for learning acquired through a variety of nontraditional
methods:
- Nontraditional modes of learning certified by regionally accredited institutions
of higher learning
- Technical courses, as well as certain recognized certificate programs, related
to a B.I.S. core concentration
- A maximum of 30 credits through examination (CLEP, DANTES, departmental, etc.)
- A maximum of 30 training credits (private industry, government, military) if
indexed and recommended as college-level credit by the American Council on Education
- A maximum of 30 credits for experiential learning demonstrated by portfolios
equated as college-level credit by approved educational institutions
BIS 489 Directed Readings and Research can be undertaken by B.I.S. students for
specialized readings/research in their individualized B.I.S. core concentrations.
BIS 490 Bachelor of Individualized Study Project (see program requirements) can
vary according to the B.I.S. student's core concentration of study.
B.S. Degree with a Major in Social Work
The B.S. in Social Work prepares students for beginning generalist professional practice
in social work at the baccalaureate level and has been granted full accreditation
by the Council on Social Work Education. Students are expected to abide by the Code
of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers.
The social work program at George Mason University does not provide credit toward
field experience or course work based on life or previous work experience(s) of a
student.
Degree Requirements
To receive a B.S. in Social Work, the student must successfully complete requirements
for the bachelor of science degree, including the following:
- First-year general education requirements. An entering freshman should register
for the New Century College Integrative Studies first-year sequence (NCLC 110 Community
of Learners, NCLC 120 The Natural World, NCLC 130 The Socially Constructed World,
and NCLC 140 Self as Citizen) for a total of 32 credits. A transfer student fulfills
these requirements by presenting the following courses or their equivalents: ARIN
101, BIOL 103, CS 103, ENGL 101 and 207, three credits in history or government (other
than GOVT 204), MATH 106 or above, and three credits in philosophy or religious studies.
A transfer student with six or more credits in literature need not take ENGL 207.
- COMM 100, three additional credits in literature, and three additional credits
in philosophy or religious studies.
- Three credits in economics, GOVT 204, and PSYC 100.
- BIOL 104, and either PSYC 300 or SOCI 313.
- ENGL 302.
- Forty-four credits in social work, including SOCW 300, 301, 302, 323, 324, 351,
352, 357, 358, 453, 454 or 455, 471, and two 400- or 500-level social work electives.
A grade of C or better must be obtained in all of these courses with the exception
of the social work electives. The Senior Practicum (SOCW 453-454 or 455) is graded
on a satisfactory/no-credit basis.
- At least 100 hours of satisfactory service in each of two semesters in a social
service agency approved by the director of field instruction in conjunction with
SOCW 301 and 359.
- A minimum of 450 hours of successful service in a social service agency approved
by the director of field instruction in conjunction with SOCW 453-454 or 455.
- Additional credits to total 120.
To be admitted to the social work program, a student must have
- completed at least 45 credits with a GPA of 2.500;
- satisfactorily completed the NCLC first-year sequence or BIOL 103, ENGL 101,
and SOCI 101; BIOL 104; and PSYC 100;
- earned at least a C in SOCW 301, including a satisfactory evaluation of field
experience, and SOCW 351 with a grade of C or better;
- satisfactorily served at least 60 hours in one semester in a social service agency
approved by the director of field instruction in conjunction with SOCW 301; and
- submitted an application for the social work major to the director of social
work admissions. Sophomores should file this application between January 1 and March
15, juniors between September 1 and November 1. The student's application for admission
to the social work major is reviewed for action by social work faculty members. A
personal interview may be required.
There is no admission to the social work program in the summer. A student who
has not met all criteria for admission to the major (including completion of junior
field practica) by May 30 will not be considered for admission until the fall semester.
The social work faculty evaluate the student's performance periodically and may
require a student to withdraw from the program when, in their judgment, performance
is not satisfactory. The decision is based on the quality of academic and field performance
as well as on personal fitness for the profession of social work. The student has
the right to appeal.
Minor in Social Work
A minor in social work requires 18 credits in SOCW 300, 301, 323, 351, and two social
work electives. SOCW 357, 358, 359, 453, 454, and 455 are not open to minors.
See an advisor in the social work program for more information.
Immunization and Fees
All students who are enrolled in a course that requires a field placement (SOCW 301,
358, 453-454, or 455) must have an annual tuberculosis screening (PPD). In addition,
students must complete the entire Hepatitis B immunization series in accordance with
current U.S. Public Health Service recommendations. The cost of immunizations is
the responsibility of the student.
Some agencies used for field placements require fingerprinting, a criminal background
check, and/or a child protective services check. Any cost related to this requirement
is the responsibility of the student.
Insurance Coverage for Students Enrolled in SOCW 301, 358, 453, 454, and 455
Students who participate in internships are covered for liability under Virginia's
Self-Insured General Liability Insurance Plan and for medical malpractice under the
Medical Malpractice Insurance Plan established by the Department of General Services,
Division of Risk Management. These plans cover activities that the instructor has
determined to be part of the student's course work. Activities that are not part
of the course practicum are not covered. (Exclusions in the plan are listed in Section
VII.)
A copy of the Self-Insured Liability Plan for the Commonwealth of Virginia is
available in the office of the director of field instruction.
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