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:: Debwewin :: Zoongide´ewin :: Manaaji´idiwin :: Gwayakwaadiziwin :: Zaagi´idiwin :: Nibwaakaawin :: Dabasendizowin ::

White Earth Tribal & Community College

"Gaawaabaabiganikaag Gabegikendaasowigamig"

Graduation Requirements

WETCC Graduates

A student who receives a degree or certificate from WETCC is required to satisfy the general education requirements as outlined in the selected programs. Students enrolled at WETCC will have five (5) years in which to complete their work under the terms of the catalog in effect at the time of their first enrollment. Students graduating more than five (5) years after the date of first enrollment must meet the requirements of the catalog in effect for the year in which graduation occurs.

At the beginning of their final semester, students intending to graduate must complete a Graduation Application form in consultation with their advisor. Students will receive their diplomas and officially graduate at the time they complete all degree requirements. Formal graduation ceremonies are held once each year in the spring.

Requirements for Graduation

  1. Must earn a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
  2. Must satisfy at least the number of credits required for specific degree/certificate/diploma as outlined in the catalog curriculum.
  3. Must complete the Graduation Application and Graduation Story during the final semester of a student´s attendance. This form can be obtained at Waadookoodaading.
  4. Must fulfill all financial and academic obligations prior to the date of graduation.

General Education Requirements

The White Earth Tribal and Community College General Education Program is designed to provide a broad base of knowledge and cultural themes derived from Anishinaabe world view as well as the diversity and universality of human experience. Through this requirement, students gain exposure to basic Native and non–Native thought and interpretations provided by various disciplines so as to enhance the quality of their participation in and understanding of the Ojibwe and global world.

WETCC Learning Outcomes

After completing the general education requirements at WETCC students will be able to:

  1. Communicate and relate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds. This skill includes communicating in a respectful manner and using appropriate information skills ethically. (effective use of technology, ethical use of intellectual property, etc.)
  2. Explain the role of Ojibwe culture in a global society. The key outcome is to learn about themselves and their cultural heritage then integrate this knowledge with the diverse world they inhabit.
  3. Recognize and develop their gifts and talents, interests, needs, and goals.
  4. Exercise critical and creative thinking across the curriculum and in everyday life. These skills include individual and collaborative problem solving; analytical, quantitative, and integrative reasoning; and the ability to assess the merits and reliability of information.
  5. Apply the knowledge and learning skills needed for living a productive and fulfilling life. This includes the skills to find needed knowledge and information, and the ability to apply them using the thinking skills outlined above.
  6. Demonstrate civic and social responsibility by being involved in and supporting one´s community and culture, while meeting the needs of self, family, and the broader community.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum

In 1995, the public higher education colleges and universities in Minnesota began a common liberal education curriculum called the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MTC). The MTC requires at least 40 semester credits to complete, and consists of lower division general education requirements. The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum is transferable to any state college and university in Minnesota. Requirements of the MTC are arranged around ten specific goal areas. Courses listed in each goal area address the intent of a particular goal area. Semester credit values are listed in the parentheses after each course.

WETCC furthers the goals of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum by requiring each area to include and address the topic from an Anishinaabe perspective while meeting all the standards of the MTC.

The following is a list of WETCC courses that fulfill Minnesota Transfer Curriculum requirements (Rev: FA–97). All areas require a minimum GPA of 2.00.

Area 1: Communication

Goal:
To develop writers and speakers who use the English language effectively and who read, write, speak, and listen critically. As a base, all students should complete introductory communication requirements early in their collegiate studies. Writing competency is an ongoing process to be reinforced through writing–intensive courses and writing across the curriculum.

Speaking and listening skills need reinforcement through multiple opportunities for interpersonal communication, public speaking, and discussion. (Select two courses from group A; one course from group B).

Group A

Group B

Area 2: Critical Thinking (Minimum Credit Requirement: 3 credits)

Goal:
To develop thinkers who are able to unify factual, creative, rational, and value –sensitive modes of thought. Critical thinking will be taught and used throughout the general education curriculum in order to develop students´ awareness of their own thinking and problem–solving procedures. To integrate new skills into their customary ways of thinking, students must be actively engaged in practicing thinking skills and applying them to open–ended problems. Students who complete 40 credits of Minnesota Transfer Curriculum requirements will have completed the goal and competencies of Critical Thinking.

These courses are found throughout the curriculum in areas such as math, science, the behavior and social sciences, technical sciences, etc.

Area 3: Natural Sciences

Goal:
To improve students´ understanding of natural science principles and of the methods of scientific inquiry, i.e., the ways in which scientists investigate natural science phenomena. As a basis for life–long learning, students need to know the vocabulary of science and to realize that while a set of principles have been developed through the work of previous scientists, ongoing scientific inquiry and new knowledge will bring changes in some of the ways scientists view the world. By studying the problems that engage today´s scientists, students learn to appreciate the importance of science in their lives and to understand the value of a scientific perspective. Students should be encouraged to study both the biological and physical sciences. (Select two courses. Courses may be selected from the same department. One course must have a lab component.)

Area 4: Mathematical /Logical Reasoning

Goal:
To increase students´ knowledge about mathematical and logical modes of thinking. This will enable students to appreciate the breadth of application of mathematics, evaluate arguments, and detect fallacious reasoning. Students will learn to apply mathematics, logic, and/or statistics to help them make decisions in their lives and careers. Minnesota´s public higher education systems have agreed that developmental mathematics includes the first three years of a high school mathematics sequence through intermediate algebra.

Area 5: History and the Social and Behavioral Science

Goal:
To increase students´ knowledge of how historians and social and behavioral scientists discover, describe, and explain the behaviors and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, events and ideas. Such knowledge will better equip students to understand themselves and the roles they play in addressing the issues facing humanity. (Select two courses. One course must be selected from another department.)

Area 6: Humanities and Visual/Fine Arts

Goal:
To expand students´ knowledge of the human condition and human cultures, especially in relation to behavior, ideas, and values expressed in works of human imagination and thought. Through study in disciplines such as literature, philosophy, and the fine arts, students will engage in critical analysis, form aesthetic judgments, and develop an appreciation of the arts and humanities as fundamental to the health and survival of any society. Students should have experiences in both the arts and humanities. (Select two courses. Courses must be selected from different departments)

Area 7: Human Diversity

Goal
To increase students´ understanding of individual and group differences (e.g. race, gender, class) and their knowledge of the traditions and values of various groups in the United States. Students should be able to evaluate the United States´ historical and contemporary responses to group differences. (Select one course)

Area 8: Global Perspective

Goal:
To increase students´ understanding of the growing interdependence of nations and peoples and develop their ability to apply a comparative perspective to cross–cultural social, economic and political experiences. (Select one course)

Area 9: Ethical and Civic Responsibility

Goal:
To develop students´ capacity to identify, discuss, and reflect upon the ethical dimensions of political, social, and personal life and to understand the ways in which they can exercise responsible and productive citizenship. While there are diverse views of social justice or the common good in a pluralistic society, students should learn that responsible citizenship requires them to develop skills to understand their own and others´ positions, be part of the free exchange of ideas, and function as public–minded citizens. (Select one course)

Area 10: People and the Environment

Goal:
To improve students´ understanding of today´s complex environmental challenges. Students will examine the interrelatedness of human society and the natural environment. Knowledge of both bio–physical principles and socio–cultural systems is the foundation for integrative and critical thinking about environmental issues. (Select one course)

:: WETCC: 202 South Main Street, Mahnomen, MN 56557; Phone: 218-935-0417; Fax: 218-935-0708 ::
:: White Earth Tribal & Community College is an equal opportunity educator and employer ::
:: © 2006 White Earth Tribal & Community College ::
:: Page Coordinator: Holly Ristau hristau@wetcc.org ::