Programs

Instructional Programs

The delivery of education and training programs in line with the economic and social objectives of the FSM is an important part of the mission of the College. The National Campus is primarily responsible for the delivery of associate degree and third-year level certificate of achievement programs. The four State Campuses are primarily responsible for the delivery of programs that address the individual needs of their states. These needs include teacher education (up to associate degree level), vocational education, and certificate programs aimed to upgrade basic and specific skills, remedial English, and short-term training. The College remains flexible to meet expressed needs.

All students are required to take the COM-FSM Entrance Test (COMET) as part of the admission process. The results of this test determine the level at which students begin their program of study and placement in English and math courses.

All 100 level courses, with the exception of math, art, music, computer, agriculture, and ED/CD courses, have ESL 089 Reading V or divisional placement to EN 110 Advanced Reading as a prerequisite. Degree students may place into developmental English (ESL 089, ESL 099) or math (MS 096, MS 099) or test into Achieving College Excellence (ACE) and must successfully complete this series of courses before continuing with 100 level courses. Therefore, students may spend the first semester or two in developmental coursework before beginning study in their major program.

The math placement test, developed by the COM-FSM Math/Science Division, determines whether a student is placed in MS 095, 096, 099, 100, or 101.

Placement Criteria: The College has three levels at which students may enter the College – Certificate, ACE, and Degree.

  1. Certificate - students placing into specific one-year programs with English and math specific to the study area such as Technical English or Technical Math.<
  2. ACE – Degree students required to take a series of developmental courses: Combined Skills: ESL 091 ACE English I, ESL 092 ACE English II Math: MS 091 ACE Math I, MS 092 ACE Math II
  3. Degree – students may place into one or more developmental courses or degree courses.
    Reading: ESL 089, EN 110
    Writing: ESL 099, EN 120a
    Math: MS 095, MS 096, MS 099, MS 100

ACHIEVING COLLEGE EXCELLENCE (ACE)

ACE is a series of courses focused on developing English and math skills, establishing links to college level courses and providing first year experience seminars for the students. Students who have decided to pursue an academic degree, but placed into ACE from COMET, must complete ACE before taking college level courses. ACE consists of two levels of English courses and two levels of math courses. Once it is determined that a student should enroll in ACE, the COMET scores then again determine if the student takes level one or level two in English and Math. ACE is two six week sessions with evaluation at the end of each six weeks. Students must achieve mastery in both the course modules and on the exit evaluation.

MISSION SATEMENT AND GOALS

COM-FSM Achieving College Excellence Program is committed to providing the learning opportunities for college-bound students to develop intellectually, socially, and emotionally for academic success at an institution of higher learning.

Goals:
Develop in participants the skills and attitude necessary for the attainment of academic career, and life goals.

ACE Learning Outcomes:
Develop in participants the skills and attitude necessary for the attainment of academic career, and life goals.
The students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate mastery in math and English skills to be able to complete successfully an introductory level course.
  • Determine the value of lifelong learning and demonstrate the skills and attitudes necessary for the attainment of academic goals.
  • Demonstrate the critical thinking skills necessary to analyze, interpret, evaluate, process, and apply academic content.
  • Utilize and transfer knowledge of the foundations and concepts for math and English to the academic setting.

    • ACE REQUIREMENTS (16 credits)

    ESL 091 ACE English I (4)
    ESL 092 ACE English II (4)
    MS 091 ACE Math I (4)
    MS 092 ACE Math II (4)

    ACE includes weekly seminars on the first year of college experience.

Degree Program Placement: Degree students are placed into the following developmental and college-level courses based upon divisional placement tests. Students who place into any ESL course are also required to take ESL 079

Listening and Speaking: ESL 087
Reading: ESL 088, 089, or EN 110
Writing: ESL 098, 099, or EN 120
Study Skills: ESL 079

Degree Program Placement: Degree students are placed into the following developmental and college-level courses based upon divisional placement tests. Students who place into any ESL course are also required to take ESL 079

Listening and Speaking: ESL 087
Reading: ESL 088, 089, or EN 110
Writing: ESL 098, 099, or EN 120
Study Skills: ESL 079

GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

The primary purpose of the General Education Program is to offer courses for general academic and vocational growth, personal enrichment, and cultural development which will encourage students to formulate goals and develop values for the enrichment of their lives.

General Education Goals:
Goal 1: Effective Communication
Goal 2: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Goal 3: Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning
Goal 4: Ethics and Culture
Goal 5: Workforce Readiness


General Education Goals:
Students will be able to:
1.1 Write a clear, well-organized paper using documentation and quantitative tools when appropriate.
1.2 Make a clear, well-organized verbal presentation.
2.1 Demonstrate the ability for independent thought and expression.
2.2 Demonstrate understanding of the modes of inquiry by identifying an appropriate method of accessing credible
information and data resources; applying the selected method; and organizing results.
3.1 Demonstrate understanding and apply mathematical concepts in problem solving and in day to day activities.
3.2 Present and interpret numeric information.
3.3 Communicate thoughts and ideas effectively using proper mathematical terms.
3.4 Define and explain scientific concepts, principles, and theories of a field of science.
3.5 Perform experiments that use scientific methods as part of the inquiry process.
4.1 Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of world geography.
4.2 Demonstrate knowledge of the cultural issues of a person’s own culture and other cultures.
4.3 Demonstrate knowledge of major historical events affecting one’s culture and other cultures.
4.4 Demonstrate familiarity with contemporary global issues.
4.5 Demonstrate an understanding of major ethical concerns.
5.1 Determine healthy lifestyles by describing the value of physical activity to a healthful lifestyle and participating in
regular physical activity for at least one semester.
5.2 Demonstrate professionalism, interpersonal skills, teamwork, leadership and decision making skills.

The following general education core requirements apply to all associate degree programs.

GENERAL EDUCATION CORE REQUIREMENTS (29 credits)

English Communication Skills (9 credits)
EN 110 Advanced Reading (3)
EN 120a Expository Writing I (3)
EN 120b Expository Writing II (3)

Mathematics (3 credits)
Any 100 level or above mathematics course (3). Natural Sciences (7 credits)
A science course with Laboratory or AG 101, AG 110 or AG 140 (4)
A non-lab science (3)

Social Sciences (3 credits)
SS 150 History of Micronesia (3)

Computer Applications (3 credits) CA 100 Computer Literacy (3)

Exercise Sports Science (1 credit)
Exercise Sports Science Course (1)

Humanities (3 credits)
Any course in art, culture, music, history, literature, philosophy, or language (3)

Natural Sciences (7 credits)
A science course with laboratory or AG 101, 110, 140 (4)
A non-lab science (3)

General Education Program

Degree Programs

Certificate Programs

Vocational Programs

Degree Program Placement: Degree students are placed into the following developmental and college-level courses based upon divisional placement tests. Students who place into any ESL course are also required to take ESL 079

Listening and Speaking: ESL 087
Reading: ESL 088, 089, or EN 110
Writing: ESL 098, 099, or EN 120
Study Skills: ESL 079