FAQ for Students Regarding the Curriculum Enhancement Plan

Why is the College changing its curriculum?
The New Curriculum (also called the Curriculum Enhancement Plan) will strengthen Ramapo's already considerable reputation as a high-quality college offering programs in liberal arts and professional studies. In particular, it will (1) produce a more consistently rigorous set of courses in General Education and the majors, (2) reinforce the four pillars of our mission (international, interdisciplinary, intercultural, and experiential education), (3) create a teaching-and-learning environment appropriate for a first-rate residential liberal arts college, (4) enhance connections between the liberal arts and professional programs, and (5) continue to attract outstanding faculty and students to the institution.

Are courses going to carry unit, credit or course values?
A majority of courses will be the equivalent of four credits.  In much of the college literature, we will refer to these in terms of one course.

Most of the courses I've taken were worth three credits. How will those courses be treated in the transition?
If you took a course which was three credits in the old curriculum but four in the new, you will have fulfilled the requirements for completing the course, but you will receive only three credits.

So, what about the extra credit that I will have to make up?  How will I do that if most courses are four credits?
You will be able to take some one and two-credit courses.

How will the courses I've already taken be evaluated?
Many courses in the new system have been equated to courses in the old system.  Links on several Ramapo College web pages will provide you with additional information.

Will it take me longer to graduate than it did under the old system?
We will do everything possible to make sure that it does not take you any longer to graduate in the CEP than it would have in the old system.

My major used to be part of the School of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, but it is now part of the School of Social Science and Human Services. Which school core requirements must I fulfill?
You may choose the school core requirements that were in effect at the time you were admitted.

I have generally taken five courses per semester. Will I be able to do this under the new system?
No.  Courses will be much more rigorous.  A full load will be four courses, which will be the equivalent of 16 credits.  It will only be under extraordinary circumstances that students will take a fifth academic course.  Students may take a 1-2 credit conditioning course. 

I thought I had to take a senior seminar; I don't see the senior seminar listed under the new general education requirements. Is the senior seminar still required?
No, it is not.  Students will now be required to take capstone courses in their majors or academic units.

Which general education courses will be waived for continuing students?
For students graduating after summer 2006 only, those who have earned thirty credits or more will be waived out of First-Year Seminar, Social Issues or Perspectives of Business and Society, History, Readings in Humanities and Topics.

I am graduating in the summer of 2006, and I need “Readings in Humanities.” Since I have over thirty earned credits, am I waived out of this course?
NO.  Only students who will be graduating after summer 2006 will be in waived.  Students graduating in fall 2005, spring 2006 or summer 2006 will not be dealing with the new curriculum.

My major has changed under the new system. Am I required to take the new courses which have been added?
No, you are not required to do so, but it may be advised.  See your faculty advisor to discuss.

The course numbers listed in the new major sheet don't match up with course numbers on my audit.  Why not?
Many courses have been renumbered in the new system.  Please speak with your faculty advisor about equivalencies or visit the CEP Overview Page.

Who do I speak with if I still have questions?
Speak with your faculty advisor about questions about the major.  Should you have other questions, please fill out the form provided and we will provide a response as soon as we possibly can.

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