With the implementation of the new Global Passport Strategies (GPS) program this school year, students have several ways to fulfill the core requirement for global competency.

Although students still have the option of taking a traditional foreign language, the GPS program presents new ways to broaden their knowledge while at Ashland University.

Consisting of three main tracks, the program allows students to select the track that best fits their interests. These three tracks include the Modern Language Track, the Global Studies Track and the Study Abroad Track.

Essentially, the Modern Language Track focuses on the traditional study of a foreign language. Students must complete courses of their chosen language through Intermediate Level II.

Although this track can take up to 12 credit hours, a placement test can be used to allow students’ entry directly into an upper level class. In addition, ACT test scores, GPA and prior language experiences may also be taken into consideration in order to provide the best situation for the individual.

In the Global Studies Track, people are required to complete a three credit hour Border Crossings course. Border Crossings courses are often embedded in other disciplines. For example, certain classes in history, music, social work and political science are considered Border Crossings courses.

As well as the Border Crossings course, students must meet another requirement in the Global Studies Track. They can either complete six credit hours of a new foreign language, three credit hours of a value-added foreign language or take a global studies experience. A global studies experience may be a different class or a study abroad trip.

The last track is the Study Abroad Track. In order to fulfill this option, the study abroad trip should last at least eight weeks and count for six or more credit hours. Students also prepare a GPS narrative, which provides a summary and evaluation of their trip and is 1500-3000 words in length.

Not only incoming freshmen but also upperclassmen can participate in the GPS program. If upperclassmen choose to partake in the new elements of the program, they must switch from their previous catalog into the 2012-2013 year catalog. As a result, classes and requirements for their major could change. Students should use caution before switching into the new catalog and check to ensure that it will not have a significant impact on their major.

Heidi Jones, Director of Academic Advising for the College of Arts and Sciences, recommends that current students discuss the options with their faculty advisors and carefully review the 2012-2013 course catalog, which is available online.

Jones said that students should also consider the foreign language that they took in previous years and their placement test results when making their decision.

“Some students have more foreign language than they realize,” Jones said.

Regardless of the track selected, the GPS program holds numerous benefits.

“It will broaden the students’ views of the world. It gives them the opportunity to gain experience to other parts of the world,” Jones said.