American Civic Literacy (ACL) Requirement at Ohio University
What is the American Civic Literacy (ACL) requirement?
The American Civic Literacy (ACL) requirement is a new graduation requirement established under Ohio law for students pursuing bachelor’s degrees at Ohio public universities. The requirement is designed to help students develop knowledge and understanding of American history, government, civic engagement, and democratic processes.
Who is required to complete the ACL requirement?
The ACL requirement applies only to students graduating in Spring 2030 or later with a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University. (This is also applicable to students who already have a bachelor’s degree and complete another bachelor’s degree Spring 2030 or later.)
Students graduating before Spring 2030 are not required to complete the ACL requirement.
How will I know if the ACL requirement applies to me?
If you plan to graduate Spring 2030 or later with a bachelor’s degree, the requirement applies to you.
The Degree Audit Reporting System report (DARS) will list the requirement for all bachelor-degree-seeking students. However, if you apply to graduate before Spring 2030, the requirement will be removed from your DARS.
I am a re-enrolling student. Does this ACL requirement apply to me?
If you plan to graduate Spring 2030 or later with a bachelor’s degree, the requirement applies to you.
The Degree Audit Reporting System report (DARS) will list the requirement for all bachelor-degree-seeking students. However, if you apply to graduate before Spring 2030, the requirement will be removed from your DARS.
How do I complete the ACL requirement?
Students meet the requirement by successfully completing an approved ACL-designated course.
ACL courses are identified with a “Z” suffix at the end of the course number and are listed on your DARS report and in Course Offerings.
Examples include:
- HIST 2000Z
- POLS 1010Z
- PHIL 2120Z
Additional approved courses may be added over time.
What does the “Z” at the end of a course number mean?
The “Z” designation indicates that the course includes the required American Civic Literacy content approved by Ohio University and the State of Ohio.
For example:
- POLS 1010Z satisfies the ACL requirement.
- POLS 1010 without the “Z” designation does not represent the Ohio University ACL-designated version of the course and does not meet the ACL requirement.
Can transfer courses satisfy the ACL requirement?
Yes. Transfer coursework can satisfy the ACL requirement if the course has been approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) for the American Civic Literacy designation. Only courses with this official designation will count.
A transferred course that meets the ACL learning outcomes will be equated to a course with a “Z” designation in its number.
Will Ohio University continue offering the non-“Z” versions of these courses?
No. Going forward, Ohio University will offer the ACL-designated “Z” versions of approved courses so students can clearly identify courses that satisfy the requirement.
How can I search for ACL courses?
Course Offerings has a “Special Course Filters” feature that allows students to search specifically for American Civic Literacy (ACL) approved courses:
Students may also search by the American Civic Literacy attribute in Schedule Planner:
Who should I contact if I have questions about the ACL requirement?
Students should contact their success advisor with questions about:
- Whether the requirement applies to them
- Which courses satisfy the requirement
- Transfer credit applicability
- Graduation planning, schedule planner, and DARS information