In Support of Upper Division General Education in WASC Accreditation Guidelines

Resolution Number: RS13-307
January, 2013

Support for the Continued Inclusion of Upper Division General Education Within WASC Accreditation Guidelines

***Approved January 25, 2013***

Whereas: 
The proposed Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) redesign of its 2013 Accreditation Handbook calls for the elimination of the CFR 2.2a Guideline which focuses on General Education including Upper Division; and
Whereas: 
The Academic Senate of San Francisco State University support the university goal to maintain a learning environment that promotes respect for human diversity within, and beyond, the City of San Francisco; and
Whereas: 
The Academic Senate of San Francisco State University affirm the essential value of General Education in undergraduate education, especially as General Education contributes to the development of competencies for lifelong intellectual endeavors; integration and application of the principal domains of knowledge; appreciation of diversity; ethical engagement; and qualities of mind and spirit (as outlined in the SF State Educational Goals for the Baccalaureate endorsed by the Academic Senate on March 11, 2008); and
Whereas: 
The Academic Senate of San Francisco State University affirm the vital role played by General Education within both lower-division and upper-division curricula; therefore be it
Resolved: 
That the Academic Senate of San Francisco State University strongly endorse the continued inclusion of General Education including Upper Division General Education within WASC Accreditation Guidelines; and be it further
Resolved: 
That the Academic Senate of San Francisco State University endorse AS-3109-13/AA, Support for the Continued Inclusion of Upper Division General Education Within WASC Accreditation Guidelines (see attachments) which was overwhelmingly passed by the Academic Senate of the California State University on January 17-18, 2013; and be it further
Resolved: 
That the Academic Senate of San Francisco State University distribute this resolution and attachments to WASC President Ralph Wolff, WASC Accreditation Redesign Project Manager Jessica Worchel, WASC Policy and Planning Committee Chair Jackie Donath; the CSU Board of Trustees, CSU Chancellor, Academic Senate of the California State University, SF State President, Provost, Deans, Chairs and Directors.