Building on the foundation provided by the University's Mission Statement and the "Attributes Document" accepted by the Faculty, the General Education Task Force proposes the following principles and goals for General Education at Salisbury State University. The principles and goals represent the concepts embedded in the Mission Statement and the Attributes Document. They will help guide the development of the general education program.
 

Learning  Principles

The general education program is designed to foster the personal, intellectual and social development of the Salisbury State student and is based on the following set of principles.

The liberally educated person:
 

• communicates effectively in diverse situations

 
• uses multiple strategies for solving problems

 
• demonstrates qualities related to personal, social and professional integrity

 
• integrates knowledge from the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences

 
• demonstrates awareness in order to function responsibly in an interdependent world

Student Learning Goals
 

A. Skills 
Acquire the personal and intellectual skills necessary for productive membership in contemporary society.
 

1) Critical Thinking 
Acquire abilities to engage in independent and creative thinking and solve problems effectively.
 

2) Command of Language 
Acquire abilities to communicate effectively--- including reading, writing, listening and speaking.
 

3) Quantitative Literacy 
Acquire abilities to reason mathematically.
 

4) Information Literacy 
Acquire abilities to use libraries, computer applications and emerging technologies.
 

5) Interpersonal Communication 
Acquire abilities to relate to and work effectively with diverse groups of people.
 
 
 

B. Knowledge 
Possess knowledge and understanding commensurate with that of a well educated person.

1) Breadth of Knowledge 
Possess knowledge from and familiarity with modes of inquiry and creative processes used in a variety of disciplines including...
 

a) Visual and performing arts (art, music, dance, theater)	e) Second language or culture
b) Literature (English, foreign language-based)	f) Mathematics
c) Civilization: cultural and historical perspectives	g) Social and behavioral sciences
d) Contemporary global issues (peoples, cultures, institutions)	h) Biological and Physical Sciences

2) Interdependence among Disciplines 
Possess an awareness of the interdependence among disciplines in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.
 
 

C. Dispositions 
Develop qualities that contribute to personal well-being and social and professional integrity.
 

1) Social responsibility 
Develop tolerance and respect for diverse groups of people and a disposition toward responsible citizenship and a connection to the community.
 

2) Humane values 
Develop an informed regard for humane values and the ability to make judgements based on ethical and environmental considerations.
 

3) Intellectual Curiosity 
Develop an intellectual curiosity and propensity for reflection and life-long learning.

4) Aesthetic Values 
Develop an awareness of and appreciation for aesthetics.
 

5) Wellness 
Develop an inclination toward personal well being.
 
 
 

Discussion of models and assessments will follow at a later date.