Academics

CGENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
  
The Salish Kootenai College general education curriculum supports the mission and goals of the College. The curriculum introduces students to major areas of knowledge in humanities, fine arts, natural sciences, mathematics, social sciences and Native American studies. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, cultural awareness, citizenship and communication skills. Consistent with SKC’s mission as a tribal college, general education instruction advances knowledge and awareness of Native American cultures, particularly the Salish, Pend d’Oreilles, and Kootenai tribal cultures, histories, and languages.

All degree and certificate programs include general education requirements. General education requirements help students develop cognitive and analytical skills that will help them become more effective life-long learners. Students acquire competencies applicable to the workplace as well as knowledge and skills that enable them to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing tribal and multicultural world.

General education course requirements are organized into the following categories:  mathematics and natural sciences, humanities and fine arts, social sciences, communication, and Native American studies. Students satisfy the general education requirements by completing the college’s required courses or by transfer of equivalent courses from other accredited institutions of higher education. Prior to awarding transfer credit, the Admissions Officer evaluates transcripts and course descriptions from other institutions to ensure course equivalency. Responsibility for meeting the general education requirements rests with the student; faculty advisors will assist students with a program of study that includes the general education requirements.

DEFINITIONS
Salish Kootenai College defines citizenship as informed and committed participation in the life of one’s community at the local, national, and global level.

• Citizens recognize and address community issues, respect the rights of others, and work toward community improvement through service.
• Critical thinking is defined as a structured process for refining thought and making decisions. It engages context, multiple perspectives, and the individual mind/ heart balance (Spu’us). Critical thinkers strive for clarity, accuracy, articulation, thoroughness, relevance, and fairness.
  
• Cultural understanding is defined as the awareness of your own system of values, beliefs, traditions and history, and knowledge and respect for the systems of others, particularly those of American Indian Tribes, specifically the Salish, Pend’Oreille and Kootenai People.
  
• Communication is defined as the exchange and interpretation of information through a variety of context appropriate modalities to enhance understanding and
  build respectful human connections.
  
  

SERVICE LEARNING

Salish Kootenai College requires graduates from all degree programs to complete a service-learning course, based on the belief that service to the community is a major component of citizenship. Each department includes a service-learning component as  a part of the curriculum. The service-learning component requires students to participate in a minimum of 30 hours of service to the community outside of regularly scheduled class time, with objectives and service activities tied to content within the discipline.