| The Rollins Plan

Questions and Answers for The Rollins Plan

1.  What is the Rollins Plan?
The Rollins Plan is an alternative way to satisfy your General Education requirements.  You can take seven (7) courses organized around an interesting theme or big idea.  The courses are related to each other so you will see how knowledge and ideas are related across different disciplines.  The Rollins Plan courses will develop important skills that are important to future employers and professional and graduate schools.  The courses are designed to improve your ability to integrate knowledge and develop your critical thinking.  The two themes are Global Challenges: Florida and Beyond, and Revolution.


2.  How does the Rollins Plan replace the current general education program?
The current General Education Program requires students to take 11 courses distributed across areas of knowledge:

A—Expressive Arts
C—Non-Western Cultures
D—Western Society and Culture
F—Foreign Language
L—Literature
O, P, and N—Organic and Physical Sciences, one with Lab
Q—Quantitative Reasoning
S—Contemporary American Society
V—Values
W—Writing

Under the Rollins Plan you need to demonstrate competency in Writing, Essential Math, and Foreign Language.  The remaining general education requirements are satisfied through the seven (7) courses in the Rollins Plan.

3.  Why should I participate in the Rollins Plan?
The Rollins Plan gives students the flexibility to satisfy their general education requirements by taking seven courses related around a shared idea.  Also, the Rollins Plan develops skill important to employers and graduate and professional schools.  Employers want college graduates to be able to work across diverse environments, integrate knowledge and information in order to solve complex problems, and possess the skills that enable them to adapt to rapidly changing conditions. 
 
4.  How will students be selected?
Each Rollins Plan will have approximately 45 students.  Interested students must complete the online application at where they indicate which theme they prefer and write a 150 word paragraph about why they wish to participate in the program.  Students will be selected by October 15, 2009.

5.  Do students have choices among the courses offered in each Rollins Plan?
Yes.  Students can pick from several courses each semester that satisfy the requirements for the Rollins Plan. 

6.  Will my participation in the Rollins Plan be recorded on my transcript?
Yes.  There will be a special designation on your transcript recognizing that you successfully completed the Rollins Plan for General Education.

7.  May I count any of my Rollins Plan courses towards my major?
Students may not use a course for both their major and a Rollins Plan.

8.  What if I participate and don’t like it?   
While we believe it is unlikely any student will be unhappy in a Rollins Plan, they may leave the program.  At the time of departure, the Office of Student Records will evaluate the courses completed and determine which traditional general education requirements have been satisfied.  The student will then be required to complete any remaining general education courses for graduation.  All Rollins Plan courses will count towards graduation hours.

9.  Can I still study abroad with the Rollins Plan?
Yes, you have the flexibility to study abroad with the Rollins Plan. Study Abroad is encouraged.

10.  Can I do an internship and take the Rollins Plan?
Yes, you have the flexibility to participate in internships and participate in the Rollins Plan. Internships are encouraged and faculty and staff can even help you identify an opportunity that enhances your engagement with the Rollins Plan and/or major.

11.  Why is co-curriculum and community engagement important in the Rollins Plan?
Currently, co-curricular experiences (such as speakers, workshops, organizations) are "extra" or "add-on" in the college experience. The Rollins Plan allows you to participate in these opportunities and integrates them into classes. Also, the Rollins Plan will get you out into the community participating in academic service-learning and field work by design, giving you hands on experiences enhancing your learning, resume, and understanding of the opportunities in creating change in the world outside of Rollins.