How to Satisfy the CSM Information Competency Graduation Requirement
Students with catalog rights beginning Fall 2010 must satisfy the new Information Competency requirement prior to graduation. The information competency requirement can be satisfied by one of the following options:
- A minimum grade of C or P in one of the following CSM courses: BUSW 530, CIS 110, DGME 100, DGME 102, LIBR 100 or LIBR 105. Additional courses may be approved in the future.
- A passing score of 70% or higher on the CSM Information Competency Proficiency Exam. The exam can only be attempted once. Learn more about the CSM Information Competency Requirement with our Information Competency Requirement Guide. Prepare for the exam with our Information Competency Video Tutorials.
- Summer 2013 Exam Date: Wednesday June 26th 5-6:30pm - Waitlist Only
- Fall 2013 exam dates will be posted the first week of the summer session.
- To take the exam, you must sign up by filling out the exam sign-up form
- Earning a minimum grade of C or P in LIBR 100 at Cañada College.
- Earning a minimum grade of C or P in LSCI 100 (completed prior to Fall 2011) or ENGL 100 (only classes completed Fall 2011 or after) at Skyline College.
- Earning a minimum grade of C or P in an equivalent course taken outside of the SMCCCD that meets the College of San Mateo Standard for Information Competency.
Students who desire to satisfy the requirement by options 3, 4, or 5 must submit an Information Competency Equivalency Petition.
Definition of Information Competency
Information competency, sometimes referred to as information literacy,
consists of the ability to locate, evaluate and ethically use the information that satisfies an information need. College of San Mateo embraces the information
competency position statement set forth by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) which is
derived from the Information Literacy Competency Standards
for Higher Education issued by the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL).
Community college students must be information literate learners who can:
- Determine the extent of information needed
- Access the needed information effectively and efficiently
- Evaluate information and its sources critically
- Incorporate selected information into one's knowledge base
- Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose
- Understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information, and access and use information ethically and legally