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Multiple Associate Degrees

Proposed New Policy

2nd Presentation to AGC March 12, 2013

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Team Membership

Team Members:O Lakisha Beck, O Laurie Chesley, O Katie Daniels, O Deb DeWent, O Diane Patrick, O Lynnae Selberg, O Paula Sullivan, O Patti Trepkowski

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Review - Setting the Context

What is the Problem:O We currently have a practice but not

an institutional policy.O The problem was presented to Deans’

Council in March of 2012. O Deans’ Council assigned a team to

analyze the problem….Should a student that

meets all requirements be able to earn two or more degrees and in the same semester?

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Current practice for Multiple Degrees

We currently have a practice but not an institutional policy.

MULTIPLE DEGREES (GRCC CATALOG/2011-2013, pg 23)

Multiple degrees may be granted when requirements are met.

All requirements for the first associate’s degree must have been completed at least one semester before the requirements for the second degree are completed.

At least one-half of the added requirements for the second (or third, etc.) associate’s degree must be earned at GRCC.

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What are the issues?O It appears that we are allowing students to “double

dip” credits (with no proof of additional learning).O Our current practice of only conferring degrees in

separate semesters creates a possibility we may be conferring a degree in a semester the student didn’t take any classes.

O A second associate degree is using up more Financial Aid for students, potentially leaving them without enough money for their bachelor’s degree.

O Need clarification of our definition of degrees and the relationships between programs and degrees (i.e. establish a curriculum model).

O Additional associate degrees do not always increase employability; student should move on for a bachelor’s.

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Student ExamplesStudent #1 – Earned 3 Associate Degrees

O With a total of 123 credits (Fall 2002 – Summer 2006)

Student #2– Earned 4 Associate Degrees.O With a total of 178 credits (Winter 2005-

Winter 2011)

O Both of the student’s associate degrees were the same degree – different concentration.

O (Currently not distinctive and does not have at least 15 credit hour differences.)

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Proposed Policy Statement

The College recognizes that there are instances where students may require additional degrees for employment or for personal growth and satisfaction. This policy applies to any Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) student who has received a degree from GRCC or any other accredited institution of higher education in a similar program.

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Proposed Policy Statement (Continued)

Students may be awarded a second associate degree subject to the following stipulations:1. Students may earn only one transfer degree (Associate in

Arts or Associate in Science).2. The Associate in General Studies degree may not be earned

as an additional degree.3. Subsequent associate degree(s) must each include a

minimum of an additional 15 unique semester credit hours earned at GRCC.

4. Degree and program requirements for the additional degree will be based on the catalog that is in effect when the student officially elects the new degree and/or program.

5. No additional degree will be granted in the same program or curriculum in which the first degree was earned.

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Policy HighlightsO Propose effective date for all new students is

fall 2013; full implementation for all students fall 2015.

O Implication for policy implementation:• Students electing to pursue a second degree

will be responsible for the program requirements as they are in the current catalog at the time they declare the second degree.

• If programs have less than 15 credits hours difference, students will not be able to receive degrees in both. Departments would need to review existing programs.

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Comments?

Questions?

Feedback?

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Next StepsO Please take this recommendation

back to your departments for feedback and send feedback to Diane Patrick or any other team member before March 26, 2013

O Final vote on policy at AGC – April 9, 2013