When does the new Compass Core Curriculum begin?
Compass Core Curriculum will begin for new students arriving in fall 2024.
Can students who first enrolled at ETSU earlier than fall 2024 change catalog years to follow the Compass Core Curriculum instead?
As part of ETSU policy, current students may request a change of catalog from the Records Office. Changing to the 2024 catalog, or beyond, will mean that students must satisfy the Compass Core Curriculum. Changing catalog can affect other graduation requirements, however, so students should only request such a change after speaking with advisors and carefully considering all implications.
I completed General Education at ETSU on an old catalog, but now I want to change catalogs. Will I need to satisfy the new Compass Core Curriculum to graduate?
No. Students who have already completed the General Education curriculum will not be required to take additional courses to satisfy Compass.
Can I use one course to satisfy more than one category?
No. Each course can only be used to satisfy one category.
Who has to take general education courses?
All ETSU undergraduate students must complete the general education curriculum. Some students may transfer in courses that satisfy some Compass Core Curriculum requirements. When do students begin and complete their general education courses? Students typically begin their general education courses during their first year. They may complete them at any time during their undergraduate studies. Some studies suggest that students benefit more from general education when they spread courses throughout their time at college. However, taking Strengthening Foundations courses early in their college education is advisable since these provide students with skills that will better prepare them for classes within their major.
I’ve taken general education classes at another institution of higher education. Will these transfer in?
Over 1,000 students transfer to ETSU every year, and many receive credit toward the general education requirements. For more information, see ETSU’s Transfer Equivalency Table.
Why did ETSU revise its general education curriculum?
In response to evidence that suggests students weren’t gaining the skills and understanding that employers, faculty, and staff valued most, many institutions of higher education around the country have been revising their general education programs.
ETSU’s General Education Redesign Task Force concluded that students would benefit more from a program that provides more choice, is more transparent about its purposes and objectives, utilizes high-impact teaching practices, and maintains academic rigor to meet student needs for the 21st century