Point Loma Nazarene University
First Principles of General Education

Principles of Purpose

1. Wesleyan Connection
Point Loma Nazarene University grounds its understanding of General Education in principles rooted in the Wesleyan-Holiness theological tradition.

2. Generality
General Education focuses on general knowledge, not specialized introductions to majors. General Education exposes students to a breadth of fields and experiences and develops core abilities such as writing, quantitative reasoning, public speaking and critical thinking.

3. Commonality
General Education provides a common experience for students. Certain core General Education courses are required of all students, and it is assumed that all sections of multiple-section General Education courses have shared goals and objectives and use at least some common texts.

4. Significance
General Education teaches students skills that allow them to live responsibly and faithfully as thoughtful Christians within God’s created world.

Principles of Implementation

1. Universality
All PLNU students are required to fulfill General Education requirements, regardless of major.

2. Ongoing Development
General Education extends over all four years of the student’s academic experience.

3. Accessibility
General Education is accessible to students, and the university provides a system to facilitate transfer of units for those students entering from other accredited institutions.

4. Responsibility
General Education has concrete goals and objectives that can be and are routinely assessed.

5. Faculty Participation
Whenever possible, full-time faculty teach General Education courses. Faculty involvement with General Education is not limited to junior faculty only.

6. Accreditation Compliance
The General Education program meets or exceeds the standards of the university’s accrediting body.