2008 Woodie Awards
Fewer units needed for graduation
DVC aligns its GE pattern with transfer requirements, making it easier to obtain an A.A. degree
Yan Wing Ruby Lo
Issue date: 5/2/08 Section: News
Chemistry Department Chair Tish Young said the physical science and engineering faculty worked hard to get the GE pattern so all transfer GE courses would count for DVC A.A./A.S. degree.
"Many of us didn't understand the historical reasoning for not allowing a GE course that could be used for GE for your BS at a university to count for a DVC degree." Young said in an email interview.
Ted Walker, a member of the physical sciences and engineering faculty, said every eligible student should be encouraged to apply for an A.A. or B.S. degree.
An A.S. degree provides students "with that proof of academic achievement that they might need should they not complete their four year degrees," he said.
Donna Wapner, Faculty Senate representative and health sciences professor, said students in the 37.5-unit vocational addiction studies program will be able to get their A.S. degree with 60 units and may have more room for an elective.
But Lee Rode, a psychology professor, did not favor the change, saying the current GE meets the 9-unit social science requirement for UC's and CSU's.
"Students will have to pay attention and be sure to voluntarily take elective courses in the social and behavioral sciences," he said, "so they don't come up short in that area when they try to transfer."
Students seem to favor the new GE pattern.
Veronica Rodrigues, a second-year psychology major, who also looks to transfer, said she hasn't considered getting an associate degree because the current GE pattern does not offer classes that interest her.
"Definitely." says Rodrigues when she heard of the new IGETC-aligned pattern.
Sociology major Jonathon Stewart, who is both graduating from DVC and transferring this fall, said the current GE pattern is "not too hard".
Upon learning of the new pattern, he said, "That would be easier. A lot more people would get an AA degree."
"Many of us didn't understand the historical reasoning for not allowing a GE course that could be used for GE for your BS at a university to count for a DVC degree." Young said in an email interview.
Ted Walker, a member of the physical sciences and engineering faculty, said every eligible student should be encouraged to apply for an A.A. or B.S. degree.
An A.S. degree provides students "with that proof of academic achievement that they might need should they not complete their four year degrees," he said.
Donna Wapner, Faculty Senate representative and health sciences professor, said students in the 37.5-unit vocational addiction studies program will be able to get their A.S. degree with 60 units and may have more room for an elective.
But Lee Rode, a psychology professor, did not favor the change, saying the current GE meets the 9-unit social science requirement for UC's and CSU's.
"Students will have to pay attention and be sure to voluntarily take elective courses in the social and behavioral sciences," he said, "so they don't come up short in that area when they try to transfer."
Students seem to favor the new GE pattern.
Veronica Rodrigues, a second-year psychology major, who also looks to transfer, said she hasn't considered getting an associate degree because the current GE pattern does not offer classes that interest her.
"Definitely." says Rodrigues when she heard of the new IGETC-aligned pattern.
Sociology major Jonathon Stewart, who is both graduating from DVC and transferring this fall, said the current GE pattern is "not too hard".
Upon learning of the new pattern, he said, "That would be easier. A lot more people would get an AA degree."
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