Degree Audit Reporting
System (DARS)
Degree Requirements/
Check-sheets
Schedule Changes/
Change of Major
Many incoming freshman are underprepared for the complexities of college reading. Two general studies courses (GENS) are designed to develop the reading skills and strategies necessary for the demanding reading load of USI’s Core Curriculum: GENS 099: College Reading Strategies and
GENS 151: Applied Content Reading.
Even though GENS 099 and GENS 151 are not required, they are highly recommended! Recent research shows that students who took and passed their reading placement had significantly higher end-of-the-semester GPA’s than similar students who did not take the course. Placement recommendations are listed for students in Banner.
Distinctions between the two classes are as follows:
GENS 099: College Reading Strategies (3 hours)
• Designed to assist students towards college reading readiness by improving active reading skills, reading comprehension, and vocabulary
• Does not count towards graduation, however does count as three-hours towards full-time status for financial aid purposes
• Enrollment in a reading-intensive class while taking this course is not recommended
GENS 151: Applied Content Reading (3 hours)
• Designed to assist students towards making the transition to college-level reading materials by focusing on the reading/study strategies necessary for reading across the disciplines
• Does count towards graduation as three-hours elective credit
• Enrollment in a reading-intensive course (i.e. history, sociology, political science) as a companion for applying the reading strategies is highly recommended
For more information, please contact: the Director of University Division or
Lori Saxby, Study Skills Specialist, Academic Skills 464-1743