OTHER ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

BACHELOR OF GENERAL STUDIES

Coordinator: Dr. Samuel H. Howell Jr.

The Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) Program is offered for the benefit of certain students who, for specific reasons, are unable to complete a regular program in the academic disciplines within normal time limits. These students will normally have earned many college credits at other institutions and in various disciplines over a long period of time but have not met the specific requirements for a major. Students accepted into the BGS program at FMU choose from one of the following areas of concentration: Arts and Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Natural Science and Mathematics, or Management Technology. Students earn a Bachelor of General Studies degree (rather than a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree).

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APPLICATION

Students must complete an application for admittance into the Bachelor of General (BGS) program. The application form, along with the documentation specified in the application, must be submitted to the Bachelor of General Studies Committee. Documentation includes a written statement explaining the rationale for entering the BGS program and a proposed area of major concentration. This documentation must also include a faculty member's recommendation and statement of willingness to serve as an adviser throughout the pursuit of the BGS degree. Applications must be submitted by April 15 for fall semester enrollment and by October 15 for spring semester enrollment. Application forms are available from the Office of the Provost.

Prior to applying to the BGS program, (1) students must be enrolled at Francis Marion University, (2) have earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0, (3) and have completed all of their general education requirements. No student may enroll in the General Studies Capstone Experience (496) prior to being accepted to the program.

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ADVISING POLICY

Upon acceptance, the student is required to submit, in writing, a proposed course of study to his/her academic adviser. The student's academic adviser must approve the student's proposal before the student is officially considered a BGS candidate. A copy of the approved course of study must be placed on file in the Registrar's Office prior to the student's enrollment. The student is officially admitted as a BGS student the semester following acceptance into the program. If the student does not enroll the following semester, he or she must re-apply to the BGS program. If the student terminates enrollment with the University, the student is withdrawn from the BGS program. Students must report any proposed change in their course of study to their academic adviser for approval and the Registrar's Office.

CURRICULUM

A Bachelor of General Studies student is required to:

1. Meet all general education requirements for either a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree.
2. Have a minimum 30 credit hours above the 299 level with designation in one of the following areas of concentration:
   1. Arts and Humanities: Art, English, History, Modern Languages, Music, Philosophy and Religious Studies, Theatre
   2. Social and Behavioral Sciences: Anthropology, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology
   3. Natural Science and Mathematics: Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physical Science, Physics
   4. Management Technology: Accounting, Business, Computer Science, Economics, Finance, Management, Management Information Systems, Marketing, Mass Communication, Psychology
3. Complete the General Studies Capstone Experience course (see below). This one credit hour course may only be taken during the student's senior year.
4. Select, in consultation with his/her academic adviser, a sufficient number of elective hours to satisfy graduation requirements.

A student must earn grade point averages of at least a 2.0 for the cumulative grade point and the grade point average in the area of concentration. A Bachelor of General Studies student must meet the same general requirements for graduation, including a total of 120 credit hours, as students in any major offered by the University.

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BACHELOR OF GENERAL STUDIES COURSE (BGS)

496 General Studies Capstone Experience (1) As Needed. Includes assessment of student program goals and preparation for career advancement.

PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS

The University offers a curriculum which will prepare a student for transferring to another state-supported institution for completion of degrees in several areas. The curriculum is either General Education Requirements or a highly scientific program, depending upon the degree the student seeks. The coordinator of the particular program should be consulted for details.

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PRE-DENTAL CURRICULUM

Coordinator: Dr. Peter D. King The minimum requirements for dental and medical schools are the same. Students planning a career in dentistry or medicine must register with the Chairman of the Committee on Pre-medical Sciences (Department of Biology, Leatherman Science Facility).

PRE-LAW CURRICULUM

Coordinators: Dr. John A. Britton, Dr. William M. Ramsey, Dr. James L. Renneker, Dr. David R. White

Law schools are seeking students with outstanding academic records, not students who have majored in one particular discipline. The University offers majors as indicated elsewhere in the Francis Marion University Catalog. Any of these majors would be acceptable to a law school, provided a student has a demonstrated proficiency in the use of the English language as well as a high grade point average. However, the Supreme Court of South Carolina advises students that the Court has found the following subjects highly beneficial in taking the bar examination and for the pursuit of a career as an attorney:

1. English composition
2. English public speaking
3. United States history
4. Accounting
5. Economics
6. Logic
7. Literature
8. Political science
9. Philosophy

Introductory levels of four of these courses (composition, history, literature, and political science) are required as general education subjects. Students interested in going to law school should try to take the other five as well and should consider taking upper-level courses from some areas, in addition to the introductory-level courses. For further information, students can contact a coordinator.

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PRE-MEDICAL CURRICULUM

Coordinator: Dr. Peter D. King

Each student should acquaint himself/herself with the specific requirements of the medical schools to which he/she plans to apply for admission.

Each student planning a career in medicine must register with the Chairperson of the Committee on Pre-medical Sciences (Department of Biology, Leatherman Science Facility). Premedical students frequently major in chemistry or biology but need not major in science. The following courses, as part of the baccalaureate degree, meet the minimal requirements of most medical schools:

Medical schools prefer a broad liberal arts background rather than an excessive concentration in science. Courses in the humanities and fine arts such as literature, philosophy, sociology, and psychology are worthwhile. Future physicians will also benefit from electives in business, computer science, anatomy, microbiology, physiology, cell biology, and biochemistry.

PRE-VETERINARY CURRICULUM

Coordinator: Dr. Peter D. King

The pre-veterinary program at Francis Marion University is administered through the Biology Department. FMU offers all the required courses and recommended advanced courses for admission to the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia in Athens and at other out-of-state veterinary medicine programs. Other requirements for admission to the UGA program include satisfactory performance in the general GRE and biology GRE and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a baccalaureate degree.

There is no college of veterinary medicine in South Carolina, but each year up to 17 students are accepted to the College of Veterinary Medicine at UGA, at "in state" tuition rates, under an agreement between South Carolina and Georgia.

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Each student should acquaint himself/herself with the specific requirements of the school of veterinary medicine to which he/she plans to apply for admission. Students are strongly advised to register with the coordinator of the pre-veterinary program, Dr. Peter King. The pre-veterinary program of study is normally undertaken within a Bachelor of Science degree with a biology major and a chemistry minor (including biochemistry, comparative anatomy, vertebrate physiology and microbiology). Minimum program for pre-veterinary students includes:

All courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C.

COOPERATIVE PROGRAMS

Undergraduate cooperative majors are offered with South Carolina Technical Colleges in the areas of civil engineering technology and electronic engineering technology, with Clemson University in the areas of engineering, forest management, and aquaculture, fisheries and wildlife biology, and with McLeod Regional Medical Center or other accredited programs in the area of medical technology and with other institutions in various majors on an individual basis.

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ARRANGEMENT IN AQUACULTURE, FISHERIES, AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGY WITH CLEMSON UNIVERSITY

Coordinator: Dr. Jeffrey D. Camper

A special arrangement allows students majoring in Aquaculture, Fisheries and Wildlife Biology to complete two years at Francis Marion University with a grade of C or better in each course and to transfer to Clemson University for their final two years of work. It is imperative that the student works closely with his/her adviser in this program. Courses required at Francis Marion University are the following:

General Education Courses which will transfer to Clemson and meet Clemson's General Education requirements.

SIX HOUR SOCIAL SCIENCE REQUIREMENT
  Geography 105
  Political Science 101, 103
  Economics 203, 204

SIX HOUR HUMANITIES REQUIREMENT
  Philosophy and Religious Studies 201, 202
  Theatre 101
  English 202, 203

EMPHASIS AREA COURSES
  Biology 206 and 402

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ARRANGEMENT IN FOREST MANAGEMENT WITH CLEMSON UNIVERSITY

Coordinator: Dr. Gerald W. Long

A special arrangement allows students majoring in forest management to complete two years at Francis Marion University and to transfer to Clemson University for their final two years of work. It is imperative that the student works closely with his/her adviser in this program. Courses required at Francis Marion University are the following:

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FOREST MANAGEMENT COOPERATIVE PROGRAM WITH CLEMSON UNIVERSITY

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ARRANGEMENT IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY WITH MCLEOD REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER SCHOOL OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Coordinator: Dr. Larry J. McCumber
MMRC School of Medical Technology faculty: Anderson, Mitchell

Medical technologists usually serve as technical assistants to pathologists, performing clinical laboratory procedures helpful to physicians in the determination of the nature, course and treatment of disease. A Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with emphasis in medical technology at Francis Marion University is awarded after successful completion of 124 hours to include the following:

1. A minimum of 94 semester hours including the General Education Requirements and the following required courses:

* Credit cannot be given for Math 180 and either Math 111 or 112.

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2. Completion of a 30-hour clinical curriculum (Biology 495 and 496) in a medical technology program approved by Francis Marion University.

McLeod affiliation - Francis Marion University is currently affiliated with the School of Medical Technology of the McLeod Regional Medical Center, Florence, South Carolina. A limited number of Francis Marion students will be admitted to the McLeod program on a competitive basis, upon application during the junior year. Students will be admitted only if

1. they have completed 3 nine-month academic years (or the equivalent) of undergraduate study detailed in Item 1 including all of the General Education Requirements
2. they have a minimum grade point average of 2.6 in the biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science courses
3. they have a 2.5 overall grade point average A student can complete the requirements for the degree to become a medical technologist in four years. The student is then eligible to take the National certification Exam from the ASCP or NCA.

INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAMS

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Coordinators: Dr. James L. Renneker (Political Science) Dr. Joel H. Thayer (Sociology)

An 18-hour concentration in criminal justice is available to political science and sociology majors. For details, see the description of the major in political science or the major in sociology.

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ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Coordinator: Dr. John G. Rae III

MAJOR

Environmental Science options are offered for biology, chemistry and physics majors.

MINOR

A minor in environmental studies is offered for non-science majors.

A 19- to 20-semester-hour minor in environmental studies is offered only for non-science majors and requires the following:

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COLLATERAL

A collateral in environmental studies is offered for non-science majors and biology majors. A 13-semester-hour collateral in environmental studies is offered only for non-science majors and requires the following:

A 13-semester-hour collateral in environmental studies is offered only for biology majors and requires the following:

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GENDER STUDIES

Coordinator: TBA

MISSION STATEMENT

The Gender Studies Program at Francis Marion University is designed to provide students with an interdisciplinary lens through which to examine human conditions and experiences; gender role development; and legal, political, economic, social, and cultural systems. Gender awareness benefits individuals, communities, organizations, and institutions because gender operates as an organizing factor on social, political, and familial institutions and policies. Comprehension of gender dynamics, biases, and patterns can improve study in many disciplines. The Gender Studies Program infuses insights from an array of disciplines as part of the process of examining questions thematically and developing more inclusive perspectives.

Gender Studies courses may address such issues as femininity and masculinity theories; the social construction of gender; gender and the body; gender and culture; the biology and psychology of sex and sexuality; the dynamics of gender, language, representation, and interpretation; current and historical inquiries into the relationships between the sexes; institutional operation and development; gender role development; sexual orientation; sexual identity politics; queer theory; inter-sexuality theory; and other intersections of sex, gender, race, class, and sexuality.

MINOR

A minor in Gender Studies consists of 18 hours of courses listed under the Gender Studies Program to include GNDR 200 and 15 additional hours. At least 9 of these hours must be in courses numbered 300 or above, with no more than two courses from any one discipline.

COLLATERAL

A collateral in Gender Studies consists of 12 hours of courses listed under the Gender Studies Program to include GNDR 200 and three additional courses, with no more than two courses from any one discipline.

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GENDER STUDIES COURSES (GNDR)

200 Gender Studies (3) Introductory survey of the basic concepts and scope of gender including the intersections of sex, gender, race, class, and sexuality from the perspectives of the participating disciplines. It is recommended that students take GNDR 200 prior to enrolling in other Gender Studies courses.

Courses eligible for the Gender Studies minor and collateral include the following:
BIOL 213: Biology of Sex
ENG 369: Sex, Gender, and Literature
HIST 321: History of Family and Gender in EurAsian Perspective (pending approval)
HLTH 301: Contemporary Health Issues
PSY 312: Human Sexuality
SOCI 205: Courtship and Marriage
SOCI 306: Modern Social Problems
SOCI 315: Sex and Gender in Social Context
SOCI 331: Environment, Power, and Opportunity
SOCI 381: Sociology of Sport
SOCI 382: Families Public and Private
SOCI 407: Urban Sociology
SOCI 419: Population and Society

Special topics courses may also be counted for credit towards the program with the approval of the Gender Studies Committee.

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INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

Coordinator: Dr. Scott S. Brown

MISSION STATEMENT

The international studies program of Francis Marion University is designed to introduce students to life in the global village of the twenty-first century. The international studies program provides students with an opportunity to develop a course of study in consultation with faculty advisers that will prepare them for meaningful participation in a challenging, complex, and increasingly interconnected world. This program emphasizes individual student initiative, the use of a variety of learning media, and the importance of innovation and critical thinking. Reflecting the diversity of the modern era, the international studies program employs several approaches to the study of human endeavor in culture, business, and politics throughout the regions and nations of the world with instruction provided by faculty members in several different academic disciplines. This program supports Francis Marion University's announced mission to promote the understanding of other cultures among students in order to help them become responsible, productive citizens in a rapidly changing world.

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MAJOR

A major in international studies requires the following:

1. At least 31 hours in international studies courses including:
   1. INTS 200 and 400
   2. 9 to 12 hours in one of the seven concentrations listed below with at least six hours in courses numbered 300 or above
   3. 9 to 12 hours of additional work in any of the international studies courses listed below with at least six hours in courses numbers 300 or above
2. Minor/Collateral Requirements (two options)
   1. two 12-hour collaterals approved by the faculty adviser
   2. an 18-hour minor approved by the faculty adviser
3. The completion of 6 hours in a foreign language above the 299-level. The six hours in foreign language courses numbered 300 or above will count as part of the 31 hour international studies requirement.

MINOR

A minor in international studies consists of 18 hours plus INTS 200. The student will select six to nine hours from one of the seven concentrations and six to nine hours from the whole range of courses listed under the international studies program. At least six hours of these courses must be numbered 300 or above. In addition each minor is required to take INTS 400 for a total of nine hours in courses numbered 300 or above.

COLLATERAL

A collateral in international studies consists of 12 hours of courses listed under the international studies program from at least three disciplines. It is strongly urged that students seeking a minor or a collateral in International Studies complete at least 12 hours in a foreign language, especially if they intend to apply for employment or for graduate study in this field.

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INTERNATIONAL STUDIES COURSES (INTS)

200 International Studies (1) Introductory survey of the basic concepts and scope of the major including the perspectives of the various disciplines involved.

298-299 International Studies: Travel Seminars (3+3) Students may earn 3 hours credit for each of two approved travel seminars conducted by FMU faculty or faculty from other universities or colleges.

400 International Studies: Senior Project (3) Each international studies major will be required to take this directed studies course with a faculty member in international studies. This course will consist of a review of the student's previous international studies course work and a major research project.

497 International Studies: Special Studies (3) (2) (1) (Permission of IS Committee required. Open only to juniors and seniors with GPA of 3.0 or higher in their major courses. A maximum of 3 semester hours may be earned.) All individual research projects are reviewed by three faculty members from two different disciplines. May be taken for credit (3 hours) towards the Honors degree by special arrangement.

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Seven Areas of Concentration (for full course descriptions see the listings under the respective departments and schools)

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HONORS PROGRAM

Director: Dr. Pamela A. Rooks

In order to help meet the special needs of students with superior academic ability, the University has established an Honors Program. The program is open to eligible students with superior academic records. (Other students may apply for admission to a specific Honors Course.) Initial eligibility for the Honors Program is determined by SAT or ACT scores. A minimum score of 1100 on the SAT or 24 on the ACT qualifies an entering student for the Honors Program. Second semester freshmen must earn an overall grade point average of 3.0 in order to become or remain eligible for the Honors Program. Sophomores, juniors and seniors must earn an overall grade point average of 3.25 in order to become or remain eligible for the Honors Program.

The program is implemented through an interdisciplinary "gateway" course designed to introduce Honors students to the Honors program, Honors Sections of regular courses, an interdisciplinary Honors Colloquium, and an Honors Independent Study. Each carries regular academic credit and is designated as an Honors Course on the student's University records.

Students who wish to receive a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Business Administration, a Bachelor of General Studies, or a Bachelor of Science degree "With University Honors" must fulfill the following requirements:

1. All regular University and departmental or school requirements.
2. An overall grade point average of 3.25 or above, including transfer courses. All work that is taken at Francis Marion University and all work that is taken at other institutions and considered transferable will be included in computing a student's grade point average for Honors.
3. Completion of a minimum of 21 hours in Honors Courses with a grade point average of 3.25 or above in all Honors Courses taken. Of the 21 hours, 9 must be above 299, including three hours of the Honors Colloquium (397) and three hours of the Honors Independent Study (491-499) or acceptable substitutes. Grades below 3.0 in the Honors Colloquium and the Honors Independent Study do not count toward credit for the Honors degree, although they do count toward regular degree requirements. If necessary, the Honors Committee may accept substitutes for specific three-hour requirements through the "Honors Contract" option.
4. Honors credit may be allowed to a student transferring from another institution for courses that are accepted by Francis Marion University for full credit or elective credit. To receive the degree "With University Honors," a transfer student must meet all requirements for the degree (see above), taking a minimum of 12 hours of Honors Courses at Francis Marion University, including the Honors Colloquium, the Honors Independent Study, and one other upper-level Honors Course. Honors credits transferred from other institutions will be included in computing the student's GPA in Honors Courses.

For further information, students should contact the Director of the Honors Program.

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HONORS COURSES (HNRS)

101 Freshman Honors Seminar (3) (Prerequisite: Invitation into/eligibility for Honors Program.) An honors "gateway" course designed to introduce freshman Honors students to the Honors Program and to interdisciplinary learning. An examination of special topics from an interdisciplinary point of view. Carries elective, but not General Education credit.

397 Honors Colloquium (3) Deals with special topics, selected each time the course is offered, from an interdisciplinary point of view. Seeks to provide Honors students with the opportunity to examine subjects which do not fall completely within the province of any one department or school. Carries elective, but not departmental or school credit. May be taken for credit no more than twice. Grades below 3.0 do not count toward credit for the Honors degree, although they do count toward regular University degree requirements.

491-499 Honors Independent Study (3) Allows the Honors student to pursue independent academic work, normally in the area of major concentration, under the guidance of a faculty member. Usually takes the form of a senior research project or senior thesis. Open to students who have completed 12 hours of Honors Courses. Topics must be approved by both the appropriate chairman of department or dean of school and the Honors Committee. Projects are reviewed by three faculty members from two different disciplines. Grades below 3.0 do not count toward credit for the Honors degree, although they do count toward regular University degree requirements. May be taken a second time in a second discipline.

497 Special Studies (3) in various disciplines and PRS 499 Advanced Study may be taken for Honors credit, by special arrangement, in place of 491-499. Grades below B do not count toward credit for the Honors degree, although they do count toward regular degree requirements. Students who successfully complete the Washington Semester Program may count 3 credit hours of POL 497-H WS, ENG 498-H WS, or PSY 310-H WS in place of 491-499. Grades below B do not count toward credit for the Honors degree, although they do count toward regular degree requirements.

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WASHINGTON SEMESTER PROGRAM

A special arrangement with the University of South Carolina's Institute of Public Affairs and the South Carolina Honors College makes Francis Marion University Honors students eligible to apply for a fellowship in the Washington Semester Program. Students accepted as fellows have the opportunity to live in the heart of Washington, D.C. and gain valuable work experience in federal government or private sector Offices while earning 15 hours of Honors academic credit.

Honors students at any South Carolina institution of higher education are eligible to apply for the Washington Semester Program. Fellows must be degree-seeking students and are usually juniors. The program operates in both the spring and fall semesters.

Francis Marion Honors students accepted into the Washington Semester Program will pay FMU tuition, be registered as FMU students, and earn academic credit for the following courses:

• POL 497-H (Special Studies: Washington Semester) (6)
• ENG 498-H (English Internship: Washington Semester) (3)
• PSY 310-H (The Psychological Focus: Leadership; Washington Semester) (3)
• THEA 101-H (Introduction to Theatre: Washington Semester) (3)

For further information about the Washington Semester Program and the application process, contact the FMU Honors Director.

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NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT (NPM)

Coordinator: TBA

MISSION STATEMENT

The collateral in nonprofit management is designed first to introduce students to the contemporary nonprofit sector in terms of its structure and its role in American society, and second, to provide students with an understanding of the management processes and current management issues related to nonprofit organizations. In addition, students gain hands-on experience in nonprofit organizations through visits to nonprofits and through a one-semester internship in a nonprofit organization.

COLLATERAL

A collateral in nonprofit management consists of 12 hours of courses and requires the following:

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NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT COURSES (NPM)

351 The Nonprofit Sector: Structure and Dynamics (3) F. (Prerequisite: Junior status or permission of the program coordinator) Basic dimensions of the American nonprofit sector, review of theories for its development and its role in society; and overview of the financial and legal aspects of the sector. Examination of the various types of nonprofits, including religious, social services, health care, education and research, advocacy, arts and culture, international, grantmakers, and mutual benefit organizations. Identification of trends and likely future directions of American nonprofits.

352 Managing the Nonprofit Organization (3) S. (Prerequisite: 351) An introduction to managing and improving the performance of nonprofit organizations in an environment of pressure from stakeholders to rationalize management practices, show measurable outcomes, and keep administrative cost low. Major topics include strategic planning, strategic management, strategic marketing, fund-raising managing, public relations, political support, international opportunities, information technology, financial management, human resource management, and management of legal processes.

UNIVERSITY LIFE

Director: Julie Bush The University Life program at Francis Marion University is designed to help entering students learn the necessary academic, cultural, social, and technological skills needed to succeed in the University environment. Classes in the program are taught in sections by specially trained faculty from all areas of the University. Students enrolled in the Comprehensive Achievement Program are required to take the University Life course during their first semester at Francis Marion University. Other first-semester students may enroll in the course, receiving elective credit but not General Education credit, on a first-come, first-served basis.

UNIVERSITY LIFE COURSES

100 University Life (1) F, S, SU. This course is designed for first year students to assist in the development and enhancement of skills necessary to be successful at FMU. Students will become familiar with the resources available to help solve academic, personal, and social problems. This course is required for all students admitted into the Comprehensive Achievement Program.

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