Academic Affairs

The primary role of the Academic Affairs department is to provide students with an integrated educational pathway from entry through their baccalaureate program completion and preparation for graduate school.  To meet this objective, the department has implemented an array of assessment processes to provide tracking to determine if we are meeting this objective and to ensure acceptable outcomes. In particular, we are addressing the areas of basic skills and other related educational activities as discussed below.

 The College only offers associate and baccalaureate degree programs at this time.  The approved program offerings are presented in the College Catalog.  Potomac students have a broad range of work experiences, as well as formal academic learning, as evidenced on the admissions application to the College.  At this time, the College does not have a formal program for the evaluation of experiential learning; however, students have used Thomas Edison University’s portfolio program to earn transferable college credits.  

The accelerated Upper Division and Lower Division curriculum format is delivered consistently in a traditional classroom setting at both campus locations.  In fact, students can and have moved from one campus to another for completion of their program to accommodate work assignments.  Full-time or adjunct faculty teach all courses at the College.  Non-credit offerings or distance education processes are not a part of the College’s curriculum design and delivery at this time.

Academic Affairs supports the expanded Mission of Potomac College developed in the fall of 2004, and supports the adult students who have earned a high school diploma or equivalent and with no prior work experience. The new admission criteria require new processes to ensure the success of these students.  These Lower Division students are provided a varied general educational program as well as electives to prepare them for an Upper Division program major.  In addition, the students can declare one of the Associates of Science degrees as their major. With this new direction, the College has created “pathways” for the first-time college student that can end with a para-professional degree. The student will also have the option of continuing in the baccalaureate program or transferring to a program at another college.

Lower Division students are provided opportunities for collateral learning in particular courses. For example, an adjunct faculty member who works at the Smithsonian Institution has arranged for tours as a part of the African-American History course. The instructor for the Art History course incorporated visits to several Washington, D.C. art museums as a part of the curriculum. Instructors of Political Science have invited guest speakers to the classroom.  These related education activities provide students with a wider perspective of the subject matter, allow them to take advantage of our Nations Capital’s cultural resources, and give a first-hand view of governmental process.