Handbook of Operating Procedures > Series 300 Faculty and Academic Policies > 3.4.6 Courses

3.4.6 Courses

A. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide information regarding course requirements.

B. Persons Affected

All faculty.

C. Definitions

Course - An organized lecture course shall consist of 750 minutes of instruction per credit hour.

D. Policy

A semester (fall or spring) shall normally include 14 weeks of instruction plus one week for final exams. An organized lecture course shall consist of 750 minutes of instruction per credit hour; summer sessions shall normally consist of at least 5 ½ weeks of instruction, registration and final exams and conform to the 750 minutes of instruction standard. Courses may be offered on a schedule different from that above provided they conform to the following criteria:

a. All shortened courses shall consist of the same number of class contact hours as similar courses offered in a regular session or summer session. Courses shall also have the same objectives, requirements, and quality of instruction as regular length courses. 

b. Students may not carry more courses at one time in a shortened format than will give them total credit for more than one semester credit hour per week of instruction. 

c. No three-credit hour course shall consist of fewer than nine days of classes offered over not less than three weeks. 

d. Requirements for three-hour courses apply proportionately to courses of other credit hour value. 

E. Responsibilities

Faculty, chairpersons, and deans. 

F. Procedures

All courses shall be scheduled in accordance with published deadlines and procedures and be approved by the chairperson of the department offering the course.  Courses will be scheduled in accordance with established meeting patterns.  Instructors seeking to offer a course at a non-standard meeting time must obtain written approval by the departmental chairperson, dean, and the Provost in advance. 

G. Review

The divisional head for this policy is the Provost. This policy shall be reviewed every five years or sooner if necessary by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs in consultation with the Faculty Senate.