The institution-wide Liberal Studies Committee is chaired by Angela Schwer, Professor of English. 

With representation from each department or school, as well as relevant support services, the committee has been meeting, working, and circulating drafts since the spring of 2006 to address the following charges:

• Review and update the "Desired Profile of a Fairmont State Graduate" (see version below as proposed by the committee and passed by FSU Faculty Senate in the fall of 2007)
• Revise the Liberal Studies curriculum of FSU and PCTC to ensure that liberal education abilities and outcomes are integrated throughout the curriculum, as described in Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan for Fairmont State. 
• Create outcomes for the Liberal Studies program (research practices at other institutions)
• Gather information about the outcomes of all existing courses
• Help programs develop model schedules that include the courses necessary to satisfy all the Liberal Studies outcomes

Committee Meetings/Presentations for Fall, 2007 (links go to minutes or reports in Word format):

• Dec, 2007 (revised Liberal Studies Outcomes matrix for presentation to Senate)
• Oct. 25, 2007
• Oct. 9, 2007
• Sept. 27, 2007 (subcommittee meetings: Changes to Outcomes, Matrix (Excel), Interpretation, Verification)
• Sept. 11, 2007  
• Aug. 13, 2007 (FAQs presentation to deans and chairs)

Desired Profile of a Fairmont State University Undergraduate

Students enrolled at Fairmont State University and at Pierpont Community & Technical College should work to develop the following profile, consistent with the length and focus of their programs.

Students should:

I. Develop competence in the following skills to aid them in making decisions about personal values and career strategies: critical analysis, quantitative literacy, oral and written communication, reading, teamwork, information literacy, problem solving, and technological literacy.

II. Demonstrate proficiency in their major fields of study that will enable them to compete in the global job market and pursue additional levels of formal education.

III. Understand the responsibilities of citizens, participate in the democratic process, and contribute to their society.

IV. Embrace and act upon an ethical view that respects the life, property, opinions, and feelings of others.

V. Acquire the knowledge and habits that lead to physical and mental health and well-being.

VI. Understand the complementary nature of their liberal and professional studies and develop the capacity for independent, lifelong learning.

VII. Acquire an informed appreciation of the arts, the humanities, and the social and natural sciences.

VIII. Develop sensitivity in matters of local and global social justice, respecting and appreciating differences among individuals and societies.