3-11 REACH Act Compliance

Rationale and Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that Greenville Technical College complies with the Act 26 of 2021, known as the Reinforcing College Education on America’s Constitutional Heritage Act (REACH Act) which requires undergraduate students of South Carolina public institutions of higher learning to complete a three-credit course which requires, at minimum, students to read in their entirety the following Founding Documents:

• The United States Constitution
• The Declaration of Independence
• The Emancipation Proclamation
• Five (5) Federalist Papers
• One or more documents foundational to the African American Struggle

Policy Statement

In accordance with South Carolina statute Section 59-29-130 and through guidance by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education and the South Carolina Technical College System, Greenville Technical College will require undergraduate students enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program to complete a three-credit course that requires, at a minimum, the reading of the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Emancipation Proclamation, five Federalist Papers, and one document foundational to the African American Struggle; collectively known as the “Founding Documents.”

Scope

This policy requires reading of the Founding Documents in their entirety in the PSC 201 (American Government) and HIS 201 (American History: Discovery to 1877) courses. All undergraduate students enrolled in the baccalaureate degree will be required to complete either the PSC 201 or HIS 201 course in order to receive their degree. Further, students who plan to transfer to a public 4-year institution of higher learning in South Carolina will be advised to complete either PSC 201 or HIS 201.

Roles/Responsibilities

• Dean of Arts and Sciences will ensure content is included in both PSC 201 and HIS 201.
• Department Head responsible for PSC 201 and HIS 201 will ensure that the reading of the Founding Documents in their entirety is documented in each course syllabus.
• Faculty assigned to teach PSC 201 and/or HIS 201 will incorporate the reading of the Founding Documents into their respective course plan and syllabus.
• Office of Academic Compliance and Review will prepare documents necessary for submission to the college president and will submit course syllabi to SCTCS upon request.
• Vice President for Learning and Workforce Development will prepare letter to be submitted by the president verifying compliance with the REACH Act requirements and submit letter to the president for signature.
• President will submit letter and all course syllabi to SCTCS for audit.
• Advisors will advise students in accordance with this policy.
• Registrar will validate completion of requirements through degree audit.

Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with/follow this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.