For the first time in more than a decade, West Virginia University is updating its general education requirements.

Beginning in the upcoming 2016-2017 academic year, the current General Education Curriculum (GEC) will become the General Education Foundation (GEF). Instituted across the entire WVU system, the GEFs allow for increased flexibility and improved opportunity for majors to meet the University’s 120 credit hour benchmark.

“WVU is committed to creating an innovative and challenging academic environment for our students,” said WVU Provost Joyce McConnell. “The General Education Foundation courses will help students build the skills they need to be successful in today’s changing workforce and society.”

The GEFs will deliver a high-quality liberal education while giving students more latitude in their choices. It also will take fewer hours for students to complete their general education requirements, decreasing from 41-43 credits for the GECs to 31-37 credits for the GEFs. Depending on the student’s major, this can translate to a difference of one full semester of study.

This change is designed to help students graduate on time, reducing the extra costs associated with extended time to graduation.

“In keeping with President Gee’s goals outlined in his State of the University address earlier this month, we are working to transform education for the WVU system,” said Sue Day-Perroots, associate provost of undergraduate education. “We want our students to have an unparalleled academic experience at WVU.”

Approved by the WVU Faculty Senate, the GEFs encompass seven foundational areas as well as one focus area that can count toward a minor. Also, for the first time, programs will have the freedom to tailor communications skills to fit the needs of their graduates.

For more information about the general education update, visit the WVU Faculty Senate website.

-WVU-

aw/03/21/16

CONTACT: Adrianne Wyatt / Office of Undergraduate Education
304.293.6876

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