Gwynedd Mercy University
AY2020-2021 / Undergraduate Academic Catalog
formats offered by the institution , a consistency in when and how the equivalency is applied across formats , and the maximum opportunity for faculty to exercise academic freedom in meeting the extant standard while achieving the goals , objectives , and outcomes of the specific course .
Traditional Semester Format Ordinarily , courses offered within a traditional semester format will meet the 14 hours of classroom instruction per credit hour ( i . e ., 42 hours for a three-credit course , 56 hours for a four- credit course , etc .). However , if a class or classes in a course must be cancelled due , for example , to the closing of the University for Inclement Weather or the illness or other appropriate unavailability of the faculty member , then additional structured instructional activity ( or activities ) would be required to meet the equivalency standard . For example , if classroom instruction turns out to be 38 hours face-to-face , the faculty will determine the appropriate “ out of classroom ” instructional activities for the additional four hours required to meet the semester standard . Wherever possible , this contingency should be explained in the syllabus and documented accordingly .
Accelerated and Online Formats There are a number of outcome-based formats at the university in which “ face-to-face ” instructional time is less than the 14 hours per one semester credit , but meet the equivalency standard set forth in the regulation . In these alternative formats , the face-to-face instructional time and the additional outside of classroom alternative instructional activities (“ Alternative Equivalent Instruction ” or AIE ) must meet the one semester credit hour per 14 hours ’ classroom instruction or its equivalent as determined by the faculty ( i . e ., 42 hours for a three- credit course ; 56 for a four- credit course , etc .). For example , if a three- credit course in a seven-week format meets face-to-face for 28 hours , an additional 14 hours of structured , alternative equivalent instruction activities ( AIEs ) are required ; for a five-week course that meets 20 hours face-to-face , an additional 22 hours of alternative equivalent instruction activities would be needed . Online courses require 42 hours of appropriate alternate equivalent online instruction activities to meet the minimum threshold . The syllabus for the course should reflect the type of AIE ’ s to be utilized .
Assessment of Student Learning
GMercyU is committed to providing quality education and to assuring students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful . Assessment of student learning provides the information faculty and staff need to make improvements in program structure , course content , and pedagogy . To this end , information is collected at the course , program , and institutional levels . All student performance data are aggregated and confidential . For any questions related to the assessment processes , please contact : Office for Assessment & Compliance , CFC112 ,
hayward . d @ gmercyu . edu .
University Student Learning Outcomes Continuing at successively higher levels across their college studies , students prepare for twenty-firstcentury challenges by gaining or becoming : ULO1 . Knowledge of Human Cultures and the Physical and Natural World Through study in the sciences and mathematics , social sciences , humanities , histories , languages , and the arts Focused by engagement with big questions , both contemporary and enduring ULO2 . Intellectual and Practical Skills , including
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