Policies, Procedures, and Advising FAQ 2025-2026

Academic policies and administrative procedures for the Complex Questions curriculum are listed below.

The General Education Board oversees the general education program and formulates plans and policies relating to it. The Director of General Education serves as the Chair of the General Education Board and is responsible for the administration of the program (Faculty Manual 2014, IV, 11-12)

The Director of General Education reports directly to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. You may contact the Director of General Education or General Education Board with questions and comments by emailing education@union.edu. Selected policies and procedures below are also included in the Union College Academic Catalog. Please note that provisions of the Academic Catalog "are not to be regarded as an irrevocable contract between the student and Union College. The College reserves the right to make changes in its course offerings, degree requirements, regulations and procedures, and fees and expenses as educational and financial considerations require."

What courses from a student’s major and minor count towards completion of the Complex Questions curriculum and vice versa?

FYI/FYI-H may not be used toward completion of a major or minor. Other courses taken in the Complex Questions curriculum may be used to meet the requirements of a major or minor unless specifically prohibited by a particular program or department.

how does double counting work with the Complex Questions curriculum?

The FYI seminar does not count toward the fulfillment of the Area of Inquiry, Perspective, and WAC requirements. Approved courses may fulfill the Area of Inquiry, Perspective, and WAC requirements. No other double counting is allowed.

My course has multiple perspectives designations. Can I count all of them towards my requirements?

Each course nay fulfill one Perspective requirement no matter how many it has been approve for.

Can a non-transfer student use AP, IB, or transfer credits to complete requirements in the Complex Questions curriculum?

Due to the specific framework of the curriculum, AP and IB will not be accepted for the Complex Questions curriculum. However, transfer credits will be considered for credit on a case-by-case basis.

What courses count for World Languages (WOL)?

One term of a foreign language must be taken to fulfill this requirement. This could be an entry level or upper level course. Please see the Academic Catalog for WOL designated courses. In addition, any foreign language course taken on a term abroad automatically fulfills the JWOL requirement.

Can courses taken on a term abroad be used to complete the FYI/FYI-H requirements?

No. The FYI/FYI-H courses have unique pedagogical requirements and learning outcomes designed for Union College's academic program. Moreover, most students will have fulfilled the FYI/FYI-H requirement in their first year, before going on a term abroad.

Can courses completed on a term abroad be used for the Complex Questions curriculum requirements?

All foreign language courses taken on a term abroad would count for the World Languages (JWOL) requirement.

Non-foreign languages courses taught by Union faculty and taken while on a term abroad my count, if they have previously been approved for the Complex Questions curriculum by the General Education Board.

For non-Union courses taken on a term abroad, a student may petition the General Education Director for approval. Students wishing to petition should submit a complete course syllabus and supporting materials, such as assignments. No reviews or approvals will be made without such materials. The student must demonstrate that the course meets the standards, content requirements, and learning outcomes of both the desired Area of Inquiry and Perspective. Approval is not guaranteed.

No course completed during a study abroad program can double-count for multiple perspectives, per the double-counting policy above.

Can a practicum be used to complete Complex Questions curriculum requirements?

No, a practicum does not receive a letter grade. Therefore, it cannot be used.

Can an independent Study be used to complete the Complex Questions curriculum requirements?

No, an Independent Study cannot be used to complete a curriculum requirement.