How do I know if I have completed my General Education Requirements?
You should go to www.gvsu.edu.  Click on "Current Students" and then click on "My Academic Records".  From there you can obtain your "Degree Progress Report" which will tell you which classes you have taken and which classes you need to take.

Can I use life experiences (work, volunteer, military service) to count for a General Education course?
Although life experiences are extremely valuable in your education they cannot count for a General Education course.

Do I have to take GE courses if I'm a transfer student?
Yes. Students who transfer to Grand Valley with the MACRAO approved associate of arts or science degree from a Michigan public community college have satisfied the Foundation Categories of the General Education Program, however, you must fulfill the two-course Cultural Emphasis requirement and one three-course Theme. There are other all-university requirements (Basic Skills, SWS, BA or BS Cognate) that must be fulfilled. Please consult the GVSU catalog for more details about these requirements. 

I transferred here from another institution and I think that one of my courses might count toward my General Education requirements. Where should I go to find out?
You need to go to the Advising Resource Center (ARC) located in 200 Student Services Building to fill out a Student Concern Form. They will evaluate the class and let you know if your request has been approved. Please note, that your advisor CANNOT make substitutions in the General Education Program.  For more information on transfer credit and course equivalency, please visit www.michigantransfernetwork.org

I have received a bachelor's degree from Grand Valley (or any other institution). Do I have to complete the General Education requirements to complete another degree?
Students with a bachelor's degree (from any college) have completed the general education and basic skills requirements. They just need to complete the 2nd degree/major requirements within the program.

There is no minimum grade requirement for General Education classes. There are however PASSING grade requirements for Basic Skills courses (i.e. SWS courses), as well as your major.

I am studying abroad this semester and I want to take one (or more) of my Theme or General Education requirements abroad. What do I need to do?
You should talk to the Padnos International Center in 130 Lake Ontario Hall or check out their website: http://www.gvsu.edu/studyabroad/

 

 

There are some classes that count for more than one General Education requirement.  An example would be GPY 235.  It is listed under Social and Behavioral Sciences AND World Perspectives, which means, if you were to take this course, it would count for both a Social and Behavioral Sciences and a World Perspectives credit.