Academic Regulations Committee Proposals (April 2006)

Proposals one and two were approved by the Faculty Senate 4/10/06, with the following revisions:

1. It is requested that a University policy be adopted that all new courses with numbers ending in in the format of x960 (Directed Readings or Honors Readings), x980 (Thesis/Dissertation or Honors Research) and x990 (Independent Study) be S/U graded except by appeal, and that all new courses ending in in the format of x970 (Special Topics/Seminar) be letter or S/U graded at the instructor’s discretion.

Rationale: This proposal establishes consistency in grading for these courses, while providing a way to appeal through the existing Changes in Course Grading form process. This policy would set a consistent standard and also provide a mechanism for appeal that is consistent. The Committee believes this will eliminate confusion and ease administrative burden for departments and administrators. 

2. It is also requested that a University policy be adopted that all new courses with numbers ending in in the format of x960 carry the title of Directed Readings or Honors Readings, courses with numbers ending in in the format of x990 be titled Independent Study, courses with numbers ending in in the format of x980 be called Thesis/Dissertation or Honors Research, and courses with numbers ending in in the format of x970 have the title of either Special Topics or Seminar with an additional variable title. If a topic is offered under this number, a specific topic could only be offered twice within a six-year period. After offering the course a maximum of twice, the department must request a permanent number for that specific course content. A course cannot be offered a third time within that six-year period without being approved for a permanent number.

Rationale: Related to this grading issue is the issue of consistency of course titles for these groups of courses. Much like the policy of having the first number of a course number signify the level of the course and the last number signify the number of credit hours for the course, establishing consistent titles across the University will more properly identify these specialized courses. Consistent numbering and titling will greatly facilitate enrollment, advising, degree audit and degree clearance since many degree programs have limitations on how many hours and/or attempts are allowed in these types of courses.

Proposal 3 was approved by the Faculty Senate 2/13/06, with the following revisions:

3. It is also requested that a University policy be adopted so that Directed/Honors Readings, Independent Study, Thesis/Dissertation/Honors Research and Special Topics/Seminar courses will be added to the course inventory as part of the process of creating any new degree-granting department or program. Existing departments or programs which do not have these courses established would also be identified, and the courses would be created in coordination with the academic department or program. The Curricular Changes and Academic Publications office will coordinate creating the course forms and will send the forms to the department or program for departmental and dean’s office signatures department or program, dean and provost approval in order to record the date of the action. The requests would not require review/approval by college committees or the Academic Programs Council, which is normally required for adding a course.

Rationale: These courses, established for all departments, will ensure appropriate uniformity across the university. The process is intended to facilitate manageable change for all departments.