Connections General Education Program
The Connections General Education Program connects Castleton and life beyond college.
All students begin their studies at Castleton in the Connections Program. This program assures a common academic experience for incoming students, and it helps them to discover and appreciate the dynamic disciplines of the liberal arts.
Whether you pursue a major in one of the liberal arts or a professional program, courses and common themes in the Connections Program will provide the basis for your studies. They will equip you with the skills and ideas you will need to be successful.
Joining a Community
A Connections Seminar 1 course, taken in your first semester, provides an in-depth introduction to college. Connections Seminars introduce you to some of the interesting questions of one of our academic disciplines while helping you to make a transition into life in a college community.
Making Connections
Your Connections Seminar courses also incorporate Castleton’s Soundings Program. Soundings events and courses in the Areas of Understanding open up the broad experience of the liberal arts.
These courses will also help you make connections: connections between your previous experiences and the college life, connections between your different courses, and connections between what you learn in the classroom and your wider life both during and after college.
Sharing Your Ideas
You will hone academic skills such as writing and public speaking. You will practice these skills in special courses in your major or professional program.
Lifelong Learning
The liberal arts tradition is important at Castleton, and it is at the center of a Castleton education, no matter what field you choose to study.
At Castleton, we believe that various academic experiences and your experiences as a student should inform one another. These connections will help you live a rewarding life during and after your time here.
Current students can review these requirements and their progress by surveying their Program Evaluation on the Castleton Portal page.
The Connections General Education Program will be detailed in the 2021-22 University Academic Catalog.