FAQs
Students FAQs
Summer General Education Courses
Q
What summer courses are available?
A
In addition to summer courses offered by NCCU based on student demand (For the schedule and detailed regulations, please refer to the Office of Academic Affairs website or contact the Office of Registration.), students may also select courses from the Summer College and SOS Online School. Some of these courses may be recognized as general education credits. Students must follow the “Summer Academy General Education Course Implementation Guidelines and Registration Instructions.” Tuition is self-paid (discounts available for incoming freshmen and undergraduate students at partner schools; graduate students pay full tuition). Grades are recorded according to the University’s summer course regulations.
Q
Who is eligible to take summer general education courses?
A
Only currently enrolled NCCU students. Incoming freshmen may also enroll in the National Summer College or SOS Online Summer Academy using their admission proof but must apply for credit recognition at the General Education Center by October 30 of the same year. For approved courses, only the course title and credits will be recorded; the grade will not be included.
Q
What is the maximum number of general education credits from the National Summer College and SOS Online Summer Academy that NCCU will recognize?
A
According to school regulations, the recognition limit is 6 credits per semester.
Q
Is there a course limit for taking general education courses during off-campus summer sessions?
A
3 Courses for the Summer College; 4 credits for the SOS! online Summer Academy.
Q
I am missing two credits in a specific general education category to graduate. Can I take summer courses and apply for recognition?
A
Yes. For NCCU summer courses, refer to Q14 and contact the Office of Registration. For the National Summer College or SOS Online Summer Academy, check the NCCU-recognized courses on the official website, complete course selection, payment, and attendance, and then submit a credit recognition application to the Center for General Education.
Q
I want to take courses out of personal interest and do not wish to apply for credit recognition. Can I take courses not recognized by NCCU?
A
Yes. However, courses not recognized by NCCU will not have grades recorded in the system.
Q
I am currently on a leave of absence. Can I enroll in summer general education courses?
A
No, you must first resume your enrollment. Only students with proof of active enrollment can complete the registration process online and proceed with course selection, payment, and course attendance.
- National Summer College: https://www.n2.org.tw/
- SOS Online Summer Academy: https://www.ewant.org/local/enterprise/collegepage.php?id=5
- General Education Center Summer Course Guide: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1061207776056865&set=pcb.1061212512723058
For detailed regulations, contact Ms. Chang at the General Education Center (ext. 63871).
Q
How are summer course grades calculated? Will they affect my GPA or ranking?
A
Grades are recorded in the third semester for on-campus summer courses or the fourth semester for the National Summer College and SOS Online Summer Academy. They are not included in the GPA calculation for the first and second semesters, so they do not affect your GPA but will count toward your graduation ranking.
General Education Credit Transfer for Domestic and International Exchange Programs
Q
Can I use courses taken at a domestic or overseas exchange school to fulfill the University’s general education requirements?
A
According to the Regulations on NCCU Students Taking Courses Abroad, after your exchange semester ends, you may submit your official transcript or proof of grades from the exchange school and apply for credit transfer by the one-third mark of the following semester. You need to search in the University’s course database for general education courses with the same or similar course title or syllabus (note: core and college-level general education courses cannot be used for this transfer). The course must be offered during the semester of your exchange, but general education courses within ten years of that year are also eligible. For transferable courses and credits, please refer to Article 6 of the University’s Student Credit Transfer Regulations. Once your application is approved by the General Education Center, the courses taken at the exchange school can be credited as the University’s general education courses.
Q
What is the procedure for applying to transfer general education credits from domestic or overseas exchanges?
A
1. Based on the syllabus of the foreign school, search in the University’s course database for general education courses with the same or similar course title or syllabus. During the review, credit transfer will be judged based on syllabus similarity.
2. Prepare a copy of your transcript from the foreign school (stamped “certified true copy” by the Office of International Cooperation or your department), the syllabus of the course(s) you wish to transfer, and the corresponding NCCU course syllabus. Submit these materials along with the application form to the General Education Center within the designated period. For detailed regulations, please refer to the NCCU Student Credit Transfer Regulations.
Department Transfer / Switching Double Major to Single Major
Q
After transferring departments, or adding a double major or minor, I found that some general education courses I previously took are now excluded for students in my current program. Can these still count toward my graduation general education credits? Also, if I transfer to a department exempt from the Information Literacy requirement, can the previously completed Information Literacy credits still count?
A
According to Article 6 of the University’s Regulations on Double Majors and Minors: courses taken before obtaining eligibility for a double major or minor, even if they are excluded for students in the new program, will still be counted toward graduation general education credits. Previously completed Information Literacy credits will be retained and can count toward graduation credits. Conversely, if you transfer from a department exempt from Information Literacy to one that requires it, you must make up the required credits.
Q
Regarding the maximum number of general education credits that can be recognized across different combinations, if I have a minor and also a credit program, how many general education credits can be recognized?
A
The total number of recognized credits across all categories is capped at 9 credits. Please refer to the National Chengchi University General Education Credit Recognition Guidelines.
Q
I was originally in Department A, then added Department B as a double major and plan to graduate from Department B, while my original department becomes a minor. How can I apply for recognition of general education credits?
A
You must first apply at the Registration Office for “Double Major to Primary Major” status. Then, you can use courses from your original Department A (now a minor) for general education credit recognition. Please note that if you want to change your original department to a minor, you must complete at least two-thirds of the required minor credits to be eligible. For detailed rules, please refer to the University’s regulations on double majors and minors.
Q
I was originally in Department A, then transferred to Department B and plan to graduate from Department B. Can I use the required courses from Department A to fulfill my general education credits?
A
No. If you wish to use Department A’s required courses to fulfill general education credits, you must first apply to have Department A as a double major or minor. Then review the required courses table for the double major or minor, as well as the general education categories recognized for the double major or minor. Use the required and elective courses listed in the table to determine the corresponding general education credits.
General Education Credit Recognition / Exemption
Q
Which courses from double majors, minors, or credit programs can be recognized for general education credit?
A
Please refer to the required course lists for your double major, minor, or credit program, and only courses listed there are eligible for recognition.
Query double major/minor required courses
Q
Which courses from double majors, minors, or credit programs can be recognized for general education credit?
A
Please refer to the required course lists for your double major, minor, or credit program, and only courses listed there are eligible for recognition. Query double major/minor required courses
Q
If I use courses from my double major, minor, or credit program for recognition, will the credits counted as elective or required for my major/minor/credit program be deducted, potentially affecting my qualification?
A
No. Courses from a double major, minor, or credit program used for recognition will count as general education credits for graduation purposes, but they do not affect your qualification or degree for the double major, minor, or credit program. As long as you have completed the required courses for these programs, you remain qualified. Only the credit category changes from “major/required” to “general education.” Please ensure that your remaining major/required credits meet graduation requirements.
Q
What should I pay attention to when applying?
A
1.Once submitted, applications cannot be changed. It is strongly recommended to apply during your intended graduation semester.
2.Confirm the number of general education credits you have already earned, check which categories your double major, minor, or credit program courses can be recognized under, and then download the application form online or obtain it from the General Education Center and submit it.
3.Once recognized courses are approved and recorded, no further changes may be made.
Other Issues
Q
What should I do if I realize I am missing general education credits before graduation?
A
First, check which general education category credits are missing.
- If you are eligible and have taken courses in your double major, minor, or credit program, you can apply to have those courses recognized under the corresponding general education category.
- If the course category does not match or you do not have eligibility, you can enroll in summer courses, including:
- Summer courses offered by the University (for details, please refer to the bachelor summer course registration procedures or contact the Office of the Registrar).
- Inter-university summer general education courses (e.g., SOS! Summer Online Academy, National Summer College, the courses approved for credit recognition by the University). For more details, please refer to the summer course information.
Q
Can an interdisciplinary general education course count toward two different categories at the same time?
A
No. Interdisciplinary general education courses can only be recognized under a single category. During your study period, the course may appear under either of the two relevant categories in the academic system. At graduation, the course will generally be counted toward the category in which you have fewer credits.
Example: If you take an interdisciplinary course covering both social and humanities domains, the system may display it as either “Humanities” or “Social Sciences” while you are enrolled. When calculating graduation credits, if your Social Sciences credits are fewer than Humanities credits, the course will be counted as a Social Sciences credit. If you need to request a change in the recognized category, please contact the Office of the Registration.Q
How can I apply to have Chinese or foreign language general education credits recognized?
A
For Chinese general education credits, please contact the Department of Chinese. For foreign language general education credits, please contact the Foreign Languages Center.
Teachers FAQs
Course Offering Issues
Q
Are there resources or funding available for offering GE courses, such as TAs or budgets?
A
Currently, only core GE courses provide TAs and course funding. Other general GE courses may apply for funding based on course type and enrollment. Self-directed learning college GE courses have corresponding funding support. Additionally, courses that meet the criteria for the Office of Academic Affairs’ teaching innovation grants may apply for funding, but courses that have already received support from other units in the same semester are not eligible for duplicate funding.
For more details, please see Course Subsidy.
Q
What kinds of courses require re-approval?
A
1.Course modifications, including: adding/changing instructors, adding/changing the offering department, adding sections, modifying excluded departments, changing course title, syllabus, or credit hours.
2.Courses that have not been offered for more than three years. (Core GE courses are exempt from this rule.)
Q
How can I apply to offer a GE course?
A
Please refer to the procedure for proposing a new GE course.
(1) Language and Humanities General Courses: Ms. Wu, Ext. 63872, Email: yun63872@nccu.edu.tw
(2) Social Sciences Courses: Mr. Hsiao, Ext. 62856, Email: yuanchao@nccu.edu.tw
(3) Natural Sciences Courses: Ms. Chang, Ext. 62847, Email: changwc@nccu.edu.tw
(4) Technology and Informatics Courses: Ms. Lin, Ext. 62857, Email: jeanlin@nccu.edu.tw
(5) College General Education Courses : Ms. Chang, Ext. 63871, Email: chy@nccu.edu.tw
Q
What is the difference between Core General Education and General Education courses?
A
1.Course design: Core GE courses are planned by the department with a common syllabus. A single core GE course may be taught by multiple instructors, but at least 70% of each instructor’s content must follow the common syllabus. A 3-credit course includes 2 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion.
2.Teaching approach: Core GE courses aim to develop students’ macro-level thinking, self-learning ability, independent thinking, and civic awareness. Classes use a combination of large lectures and small group discussions, with teaching assistants (TAs) supporting the discussion sessions.
Self-Directed Learning FAQs
Q
What are Self-Directed Learning College GE courses?
A
These courses are designed to develop the unique characteristics of the College’s GE curriculum, fostering students’ self-directed learning, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary practical skills. They provide students with opportunities to proactively plan and develop courses while promoting a culture of co-learning between faculty and students. Self-directed learning is divided into two types based on the application method: “Course-Based” and “Certification-Based.”
Q
What is the difference between the “Course-Based” and “Certification-Based” self-directed learning types?
A
1.Course-Based: The course content and learning methods are planned by students independently or jointly with faculty. These courses follow the same procedure as applying for a newly proposed GE course.
2.Certification-Based: These courses aim to encourage students to develop problem-solving and innovative practical skills. Students may be guided by faculty in the relevant field or complete a learning plan independently. The learning environment is not limited to on-campus settings.
Q
How do I apply to offer a course?
A
Complete the Course Proposal Application and the New GE Course Application Form, and submit them along with the preparatory meeting minutes to the Center for General Education. Please note that a representative must attend the subsequent review meeting to provide explanations. Applications are accepted in March and October each year. Check the Office of Academic Affairs website for deadlines, or contact Ms.Chang in the Center for General Education. ( Mailbox: chy@nccu.edu.tw)
Q
How many credits does each course carry?
A
Each course carries 1–2 credits, determined jointly by the students and instructor.
Q
Is there a minimum number of students required?
A
Only one student is needed to propose a course. Once approved, the course will be listed in the registration system for all students to select. A minimum of seven students must enroll for the course to officially run.
Q
How do I apply for accreditation?
A
The process is pre-registration followed by accreditation. You must first report your plan through a Google Form. After completing your learning project, you are required to present your results and submit learning documentation. Applications for credit accreditation are accepted each March and October. Please pay attention to the deadlines announced on the Office of Academic Affairs website, or consult the Center for General Education for details.
Q
What are the requirements for applying for general education credit accreditation?
A
Accreditation is based on one credit as the basic unit, with a maximum of two credits. To apply for accreditation, you must present results and submit learning documentation. The result presentation can either be a public presentation organized by the students themselves or participation in the Center fpr General Education ’s joint final result exhibition. The learning documentation must include the following four elements: learning objectives, methods and process, results , and personal reflection, along with supporting evidence.
Q
Who can serve as instructors?
A
Courses must be taught by full-time or part-time NCCU faculty or qualified research staff. External instructors or industry professionals may also be invited, with all guidance hours and methods documented for the Center for General Education.
Q
How are grades calculated?
A
Grades follow the University’s regulations and may be Pass/Fail or letter-graded, as decided by the instructor and students. Upon completion, students must present their outcomes and submit a Learning Portfolio. The portfolio may include documents, photos, videos, performances, exhibitions, or design products.
Q
What should I keep in mind when planning an accredited self-directed learning project?
A
Accredited self-directed learning is divided into three categories: social practice, academic exploration, and innovative implementation. There are no restrictions on methods, venues, or timeframes. Projects may involve participation in various on- or off-campus programs, extensions of what you have learned in courses, or subjects you wish to explore in greater depth. Each project must involve at least two participants. If you plan to carry out an accredited self-directed learning project, it is recommended that you first consult with a faculty member (or your class advisor), which will also facilitate smoother progress later on.
Q
What if I need assistance during the learning process?
A
For any questions, you may consult your supervising faculty member or the General Education Center. If needed, the General Education Center can also help promote your project to find suitable partners, or provide information about various available resources.
Q
Can students withdraw midway?
A
If unable to complete the course, follow the standard course withdrawal procedures.
Q
If the course includes guest lectures, guidance from external instructors, or industry professionals, how should the related expenses be covered?
A
The maximum budget for each course is calculated based on the instructor’s hourly pay rate multiplied by the number of credits and the number of teaching weeks. The use of funds should be jointly discussed and decided by both the instructor and the students.
For detailed regulations, please refer to the Guidelines for the Implementation of the General Education Courses of the College of Self-directed Learning, National Chengchi University.