Policies & Procedures Manual

154

Policy No: 402.6

Policy Contact: Vice President for Instruction

Policy Title: COLLEGE-LEVEL COMPETENCIES FOR ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE

In addition to the general education core for Associate of Applied Science, graduates must be able to demonstrate the following college-level competencies within the core.

Written Communication •

Use Standard American English

• Organize, develop, and present coherent ideas to meet the criteria for different writing context. Reading Comprehension • Identify the writer or speaker’s central purpose, ideas, and goals. • Distinguish between statements of fact and opinion. • Identify emotional, logical, and ethical arguments. • Analyze information and arguments in order to draw conclusions. • Read and follow complex written directions. • Interpret and apply information using visual materials (maps, charts, graphs, etc.) • Build vocabulary using context clues, word parts, and analogies. Computation • Apply mathematical concepts of measurement to solve a variety of real world problems. • Interpret, manipulate, and apply data accurately from tables, charts, and/or graphs in a manner that demonstrates knowledge of appropriate quantitative computations and mathematical methods. • Apply appropriate formulas for solving problems • Produce mathematical models such as graphs, tables, and schematics. Oral Communication • Create a central message idea supported by accurate evidence. • Choose appropriate and effective organizational pattern. • Use appropriate nonverbal and verbal language appropriate to the audience and context. • Employ effective vocal and non-vocal delivery. Identify essential elements of an argument, including hypotheses, premises, and conclusions, and also the ability to identify logical fallacies, exaggerated claims, unstated assumptions, analogies, and multiple points of view. • Evaluate arguments on the basis of consistency, validity, and strength of support. • Assess students’ skills in using given premises to reach related conclusions and in recognizing the scope of application of arguments. Information Technology • Demonstrate a working knowledge of computer basis by opening and closing a program; and by creating, saving, printing, renaming, and deleting files. • Perform basic word processing operations including document creation, formatting, printing, and saving a document. • Demonstrate the ability to connect to the Internet and to access resources, and perform searches using multiple key words, to copy and paste a link and to send an email with a file attachment. The general education component is recognized as the foundation of learning in all programs. The graduate’s ability to achieve proficient levels in these six categories is essential for successful entry into the workforce. Critical Thinking •

(Added 2/12/08; Revised 2/10/09)