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Undergraduate Catalog 2004-2006

General Education

General Education | Governance | Accreditation | Approved Certification Programs 
Nondiscrimination Policy | Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Commitment 
Campus, Facilities, and Sites | Catalog Statements and Terms of Issue 


General Education:

General Education at Aurora University
As members of Aurora University's inclusive community, each student will experience AU's Core Values through the General Education program. This model represents the process of students' intellectual and ethical development within the General Education curriculum. This personal development is fostered through the improvement and increasing sophistication of students' ability to think critically and to communicate clearly that critical thought.

The students' engagement with primary sources-original writings, research, or productions by scholars, experts, artists, or thinkers within the discipline under examination-allows for direct engagement with ideas. Interaction with primary sources, rather than other people's interpretations of them, marks the entry into the process of inquiry and critical thinking.

Critical thinking is the process where one is able to consider and value diverse possible viewpoints and explanations, to weigh the effects of motives and biases when drawing conclusions and formulating a position, and to propose creative solutions to problems and make ethical choices based on valid, accurate, relevant evidence. The primary objectives of General Education are for students to become critical thinkers skilled at communicating that thought.

Communication skills are the means by which critical and creative thought are made manifest. Writing is both the process of thinking critically and a product that expresses the results of it. Speaking further allows the opportunity for the direct exchange of ideas between learners.

To contribute further to the students' developmental process, AU's General Education program will expose students to ethics through their engagement with problems. Critical thinking and communication are most valuable when both are informed by ethical viewpoints.

The General Education program will also commit itself to assessing the effectiveness of the program. Assessment measures, both formative and summative, will measure the achievement of the program's outcomes and provide the rationale for further program revisions.

This process is developmental but never ending. Students internalize the Core Values of Citizenship, Integrity, Continuous Learning, and Excellence as they continually develop the ability to engage in the transformative power of learning.

General Education courses and activities will have as their primary objective the achievement of General Education foundational goals.

  1. Developing Critical Thinking and Communication Skills-The skills to think critically and to communicate effectively equip students to excel and set the foundation for continuous learning. Therefore, all courses in the General Education program will develop in students the skills of critical thinking, writing, and speaking. Critical thinking can best occur through the engagement with foundational questions and issues within academic methods of inquiry. Therefore, all courses in the General Education program will require students' engagement with primary source materials.
  2. Understanding Content Knowledge-Because the values of integrity and citizenship can be developed through interaction with various modes of inquiry, courses within the General Education program's "Ways of Knowing" will articulate a connection to the themes of integrity and citizenship.
  3. Developing Ethical Dispositions-Because the values of integrity and citizenship can be developed through reflection upon diverse ethical perspectives, courses within the General Education program's "Ways of Living" will articulate a connection to the themes of integrity and citizenship.

The General Education program will organize courses and activities into two primary categories, "Ways of Knowing" and "Ways of Living."

  1. The University's Core Values of Integrity and Citizenship can be developed within the General Education program through interaction with various methods of inquiry and reflection upon diverse ethical perspectives. The label "Ways of Knowing" describes courses designed to immerse students in the academic traditions of intellectual inquiry.
  2. The University's Core Values of Integrity and Citizenship can likewise be developed within the General Education program through exploration of ethical dispositions. The label "Ways of Living" describes courses and experiences that develop in students the ability to make ethical choices.

Ways of Knowing
Knowing through Observation of Ourselves and Others. Student outcomes will include:

  1. The ability to demonstrate critical thinking skills as evidenced by reading, speaking, and writing about human behavior and social interactions.
  2. The ability to gather and organize empirical information and to propose realistic solutions to problems related to human interaction.
  3. The ability to gather and organize historical information and to propose realistic solutions to problems related to human interaction.

Knowing through Observation of Our Natural World. Student outcomes will include:

  1. The ability to demonstrate critical thinking skills as evidenced by reading, speaking, and writing about the natural world.
  2. The ability to gather and organize empirical information and to propose realistic solutions to problems related to the natural world.

Knowing through Interaction with Aesthetic and Philosophical Expression. Student outcomes will include:

  1. The ability to demonstrate critical or creative thinking skills as evidenced by reading, speaking, and writing about fundamental questions pertaining to the human experience.
  2. A demonstrable awareness of how thinkers represent their engagement with fundamental questions of the human experience.
  3. A demonstrable awareness of how artists represent their engagement with fundamental questions of the human experience.

Knowing Through Mathematical and Technological Application. Student outcomes will include:

  1. The ability to demonstrate critical thinking skills in mathematical computation and application as defined by Aurora University and evidenced by performance on a competency activity.
  2. The ability to demonstrate critical thinking skills in technological applications as defined by Aurora University and evidenced by performance on a competency activity.

Knowing Through Reflection upon Experience. Student outcomes will include:

  1. The ability to demonstrate critical reflection upon personal experiences as evidenced by writing and speaking that integrate theory and practice within a major.

*NOTE: The designation of outcomes as 2a and 2b in some categories above indicates that different courses within these "ways of knowing" will identify themselves as achieving one or the other of these outcomes but not both. To fulfill the requirements of the General Education program, students will select at least one course that achieves outcome 2a and at least one course that achieves outcome 2b.

Ways of Living
Understanding Diversity. Student outcomes will include:

  1. The ability to demonstrate critical thinking skills as evidenced by reading, speaking, and writing about matters of racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity.
  2. A demonstrable awareness of the importance of differences and commonalities in racial, ethnic, and cultural values, ideas, and behaviors.
  3. A demonstrable awareness of the importance of justice, integrity, and responsibility to others and the role these matters play in living as an ethical human being in a diverse world.

Understanding Wellness. Student outcomes will include:

  1. The ability to demonstrate critical thinking skills as evidenced by reading, speaking, and writing about issues of health and well-being as they inform ethical decision-making and behavior
  2. A demonstrable awareness of the importance of lifestyle, nutrition, physical activity, environment, and mental health as they influence living well.

Serving Others. Student outcomes will include:

  1. Participation within a planned, university-endorsed activity designed to improve the community and to help others.
  2. The ability to demonstrate critical reflection as evidenced by speaking and writing about one's experience helping others.

NOTE: Refer to the Undergraduate Degree Requirements Section for additional information regarding the distribution and completion of the General Education requirements.


Governance:

An independent, nonsectarian institution organized under the laws of the State of Illinois, Aurora University is governed by a Board of Trustees representing the community at large and various constituencies of the University. Within the University, students are subject to the provisions of the "A-Book" (student handbook); faculty are governed under the provisions of the Aurora University Faculty Handbook; all employees are subject to the University's Personnel Manual. In common with all schools and colleges in Illinois, public or private, Aurora University is subject to the oversight of the Illinois Board of Higher Education as provided by law. Graduate students are also subject to the provisions of their respective graduate program handbooks.


Accreditation:

The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Aurora University at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels.

The following individual programs are accredited by the specific agencies listed below: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, and approved by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation); Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work (Council on Social Work Education); Bachelor of Science in Recreation Administration (National Recreation and Park Association/American Association of Leisure and Recreation); John and Judy Dunham School of Business, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Masters of Business Administration (Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs).

BSN program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
61 Broadway
New York, New York 10006
212-363-5555

BSN program accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530
Washington, D.C. 20036-1120

BSW and MSW programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
1725 Duke Street, Suite 500
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-683-8080

BS Recreation Administration program accredited by the National Recreation and Park Association/American Association of Leisure and Recreation National Recreation and Park Association
22377 Belmont Ridge Road
Ashburn, VA 20148-4501
703-858-0784

BA and BS in Business Administration and MBA programs accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs
700 College Boulevard
Overland, Kansas 66211
913-339-9356


Approved Certification Programs:

Aurora University has Teacher Certification programs approved by the Illinois State Board of Education in: Biology, Computer Science, Elementary Education, English, Mathematics, Physical Education, and Social Studies.

"Type 73" Illinois certification in School Social Work is offered through the School of Social Work.

"Type 75" Illinois certification and "Type 51" Wisconsin certification in Educational Leadership is offered through the College of Education.

Aurora University does not offer approved certification programs in any areas other than those listed above.


Nondiscrimination Policy:

Aurora University admits qualified students without discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, age, family relationship, or status as a Viet Nam Veteran to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities accorded or made available at the institution, including but not limited to: administration of educational policies, activities, and services; financial aid programs; athletic programs; and student employment programs.


Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Commitment:

In addition to pursuing a policy of nondiscrimination, Aurora University is committed to a process of affirmative action in all areas of recruitment and employment of individuals at all levels.

This policy extends to all employment practices, including but not limited to: recruitment, hiring and appointment, selection for training, upgrading, promotion, demotion, job classification, assignment, working conditions, employee treatment, hours, compensation, benefits, transfer, layoff, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.

This policy extends to all individuals, both employed and potentially employed by Aurora University, and whether on full-time, part-time, student, or temporary employee status.

Questions, comments, inquiries, or complaints should be addressed to: University Affirmative Action Officer, Aurora University, 347 S. Gladstone Ave., Aurora, IL 60506-4892.


Campus, Facilities, and Sites:

Located in an attractive residential neighborhood on the southwest side of Aurora, the 27-acre main campus contains 19 instructional, administrative, and residence buildings. The distinctive, red-tiled roofs specified by Charles Eckhart in his donation for the original campus mark the major buildings. Dunham Hall houses state-of-the art computer facilities as well as the Schingoethe Center for Native American Cultures and a pleasant atrium that is a popular campus gathering place. Athletic fields, gymnasium, and sports complex (including racquetball courts, fitness center, and weight room) are close at hand. The Charles B. Phillips Library has holdings of more than 110,000 volumes, over 950 current periodicals (including titles in print, CD-ROM, and electronic formats), and more than 10,000 audiovisual materials. Electronic resources include two dozen periodical indexes in CD-ROM and online computer formats. Through several library networks, students have access to over 10 million volumes and over ten thousand current periodical titles held in other libraries in the area as well as throughout the nation. The fully-equipped Perry Theatre, science labs, and the Spartan Spot are located in Stephens Hall. Music practice rooms, piano labs, and a spacious art studio are also available. Both modern and traditional style residence halls surround the open central quad.

In addition to the main campus, Aurora University offers programs off-campus for the convenience of students. The Nursing Program provides opportunities for students to earn a BSN degree in a rigorous but flexible program that includes clinical and internship experience at major metropolitan hospitals. A satellite B.S. in Organizational Leadership; M.A.T., M.A.T.C. and M.A.E.L. (Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Arts in Teaching with Certification and Master of Arts in Educational Leadership) programs are offered at the Lake Geneva, Wisconsin campus. Additional individual classes and degree programs are offered at numerous other sites in northern Illinois.

Special Study Opportunities: In addition to study on campus and at regular University sites, AU offers its students an opportunity to advance their studies in several special programs in the United States and abroad.


Catalog Statements and Terms of Issue:

This catalog does not constitute a contract between Aurora University and its students. Where possible, Aurora University permits its students to graduate under the degree requirements in effect when they entered the University provided enrollment is continuous from time of matriculation to graduation, or as provided under the leave of absence policy. However, the University reserves the right to modify or eliminate academic programs and course offerings and to modify academic requirements for all students at any time without prior notice and without incurring obligation of any kind. The University also reserves the right to modify its academic and administrative policies, regulations, and procedures, as well as tuition, fees, and conditions of payment, without prior notice at any time.

While this catalog represents the best information available at the time of publication, all information contained herein, including statements of fees, course offerings, admission policies, and graduation requirements, is subject to change without notice.


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