Curriculum Workshop University Curriculum and Catalog Visit: Rev. 10/08

Linda O. Stanford, Associate Provost for Academic Services Linda O. Stanford, Associate Provost for Academic Services Joy Speas, University Curriculum Administrator Joy Speas, University Curriculum Administrator Doug McKenna, Associate Registrar Doug McKenna, Associate Registrar Stephanie Smith, Administrative Assistant Stephanie Smith, Administrative Assistant University Curriculum and Catalog University Curriculum and Catalog Office of the Registrar 176 Administration Building

Purpose To understand and improve the curricular process To understand and improve the curricular process To assist colleges and departments in achieving curricular change responsive to their needs To assist colleges and departments in achieving curricular change responsive to their needs To provide some helpful hints and resources To provide some helpful hints and resources To provide a time for questions To provide a time for questions

Whose responsibility is it to shape the curriculum?

The faculty!

The faculty shapes the curriculum for students. Directed to the skill and knowledge needs of students. Directed to the skill and knowledge needs of students.

As an Associate/Assistant Dean, Chairperson, or Staff Person, you are: Helping to improve the curriculum at Michigan State University Helping to improve the curriculum at Michigan State University Helping faculty to propose new or changed undergraduate and graduate programs and courses Helping faculty to propose new or changed undergraduate and graduate programs and courses Working with faculty and staff to facilitate the movement of curricula through the academic governance system Working with faculty and staff to facilitate the movement of curricula through the academic governance system

ACADEMIC GOVERNANCE SYSTEM The academic governance system is The academic governance system is the “system for the participation of faculty and students in the development of policy on academic matters.” Bylaws for Academic Governance

ACADEMIC GOVERNANCE SYSTEM (cont.) The academic governance system is essentially a large communication system. The academic governance system is essentially a large communication system. The academic governance system includes committees that have faculty and student representatives. The academic governance system includes committees that have faculty and student representatives. One of these standing committees is the University Committee on Curriculum (UCC). One of these standing committees is the University Committee on Curriculum (UCC). The UCC exercises “delegated” authority over the curriculum. The UCC exercises “delegated” authority over the curriculum.

UCC and THE CURRICULAR PROCESS 1. Faculty – propose a new, change, or delete request 2. Department or School – enters the request in the Academic Programs or COURSES system 3. College – approves the request and forwards to the University Committee on Curriculum (UCC)  The College is responsible for discussing curricular initiatives and resource needs with the Provost via the annual planning and budget process. The UCC does not consider resource needs. 4. UCC – reviews and approves/disapproves all curricular requests.  The University Curriculum and Catalog office, on behalf of the UCC, forwards requests as appropriate to other committees. (University Committee on Academic Policy, University Graduate Council, and Teacher Education Council)  The UCC itself may also forward requests to other colleges and departments for sign-offs and approvals as needed.

Path of Curricular Requests UCAP UGC TEC About ½ of all programs go to at least one of these committees

University Committee on Curriculum (UCC) The UCC has four subcommittees: Subcommittees A, B, and C have faculty and student representatives who review courses and programs submitted by all colleges on behalf of their departments and schools. Subcommittees A, B, and C have faculty and student representatives who review courses and programs submitted by all colleges on behalf of their departments and schools. Subcommittee A includes the Colleges of: Subcommittee A includes the Colleges of: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Engineering, Human Medicine, Lyman Briggs, Natural Science, Nursing, Osteopathic Medicine, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Engineering, Human Medicine, Lyman Briggs, Natural Science, Nursing, Osteopathic Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine Subcommittee B includes the Colleges of: Subcommittee B includes the Colleges of: Agriculture and Natural Resources (Department of Agricultural Economics), James Madison, Law, and Social Science Agriculture and Natural Resources (Department of Agricultural Economics), James Madison, Law, and Social Science Subcommittee C includes the Colleges of: Subcommittee C includes the Colleges of: Arts and Humanities (RCAH), Arts and Letters, Business (Eli Broad), Communication Arts and Sciences, Education, and Music Arts and Humanities (RCAH), Arts and Letters, Business (Eli Broad), Communication Arts and Sciences, Education, and Music Subcommittee D is composed of the chairs of the subcommittees. This committee considers policy and procedural matters. Subcommittee D is composed of the chairs of the subcommittees. This committee considers policy and procedural matters.

UCC Full Committee The Full Committee of the UCC, comprised of Subcommittees A, B, C, and D, considers recommendations from UCAP, UGC, TEC and votes on the recommendations from the subcommittees. This becomes the Report of the UCC to Academic Council. The Full Committee of the UCC, comprised of Subcommittees A, B, C, and D, considers recommendations from UCAP, UGC, TEC and votes on the recommendations from the subcommittees. This becomes the Report of the UCC to Academic Council.

University Committee on Academic Policy (UCAP) Undergraduate program changes that implicate academic policy or impact students must be approved by UCAP. Undergraduate program changes that implicate academic policy or impact students must be approved by UCAP. Specifically, most requests are for grade-point requirements, admission requirements, certain new programs, disbandments, or moratoria. Specifically, most requests are for grade-point requirements, admission requirements, certain new programs, disbandments, or moratoria.

University Graduate Council (UGC) Reviews all new or changed graduate programs with attention to policy implications. It also reviews all requests for moratoria and disbandments. Reviews all new or changed graduate programs with attention to policy implications. It also reviews all requests for moratoria and disbandments.

Teacher Education Council (TEC) Teacher Education Council reviews all new or changed programs that lead to teacher certification. Teacher Education Council reviews all new or changed programs that lead to teacher certification.

Report of the UCC to Academic Council This report is the official record of all approved courses and programs. This report is the official record of all approved courses and programs. A copy of this report is available on the web at: A copy of this report is available on the web at:

In addition to being approved by Academic Council, some programs are also sent for Statewide Academic Program Review. Statewide Academic Program Review Criteria Statewide Academic Program Review Criteria New program (new field of study for the institution) New program (new field of study for the institution) Spin off (conversion from an existing program) Spin off (conversion from an existing program) Disbandment (program deletion) Disbandment (program deletion)

Path of Curricular Requests UCAP UGC TEC About ½ of all programs go to at least one of these committees

How long will it take for my program to become effective?

For a SPRING effective date, colleges must be submit program requests by September 1st. New programs that fit Statewide Academic Program Review criteria must be submitted by January 1 st for the following spring. New programs that fit Statewide Academic Program Review criteria must be submitted by January 1 st for the following spring. For a FALL effective date and availability for annual enrollment, colleges must submit program requests by January 1st. Program Submission Cycle for the University Committee on Curriculum

The length of time until approval depends on the.. Completeness of the program request Completeness of the program request Program submission cycle Program submission cycle Necessity for Statewide Academic Program Review Necessity for Statewide Academic Program Review

Creating a Program Request Program requests must be entered by an authorized Academic Programs user in the Academic Programs system. Program requests must be entered by an authorized Academic Programs user in the Academic Programs system

New Programs – Things to Consider Name of Program Name of Program Type of Program Type of Program Effective Date Effective Date Target Student Audience Target Student Audience Enrollment Enrollment Source of budget for program Source of budget for program Projected costs as compared to others Projected costs as compared to others Staff Requirement Staff Requirement Will additional equipment be required? Will additional equipment be required? Will additional library materials be required? Will additional library materials be required? Will additional space be required? Will additional space be required? Detailed description of the program Detailed description of the program

Revising an Existing Academic Program Simply enter revisions by creating a academic program change request in the Academic Programs system. Simply enter revisions by creating a academic program change request in the Academic Programs system. Take care to include all necessary signoffs and approvals. Take care to include all necessary signoffs and approvals.

Discontinuing an Academic Program Simply request the discontinuation of an academic program in the Academic Programs system. Simply request the discontinuation of an academic program in the Academic Programs system. Programs will be phased out and discontinued based on current student enrollments and time limit to degree. Programs will be phased out and discontinued based on current student enrollments and time limit to degree.

Completeness of the program request.. Clarity of requested changes Clarity of requested changes Appropriate sign-offs and/or approvals Appropriate sign-offs and/or approvals Sign-off is a request for support or commentary (act of collegiality) Sign-off is a request for support or commentary (act of collegiality) Units have 14 days to respond Units have 14 days to respond Indication of support/non-support is not binding Indication of support/non-support is not binding Approval is a request for support (required) Approval is a request for support (required) Example: interdepartmental programs require approvals Example: interdepartmental programs require approvals

Academic Programs: Guidelines and Procedures Detailed information regarding guidelines and procedures for academic programs can be accessed on the University Curriculum and Catalog website: Detailed information regarding guidelines and procedures for academic programs can be accessed on the University Curriculum and Catalog website: Visit - Visit -

COURSES What do you need to know about courses? What do you need to know about courses? Creating a New Course Creating a New Course Revising an Existing Course Revising an Existing Course Deleting a Course Deleting a Course

Creating a New Course Course requests must be entered by an authorized COURSES user in the COURSES system. Course requests must be entered by an authorized COURSES user in the COURSES system COURSES Training is available for those needing authorization. COURSES Training is available for those needing authorization.

New Courses – Things to Consider Course Numbers Course Numbers Non-Credit Non-Credit Undergraduate Undergraduate Advanced Undergraduate Advanced Undergraduate Graduate-Professional Graduate-Professional Graduate Graduate Advanced Graduate Advanced Graduate See Academic Programs for definitions:

New Courses – Things to Consider Course Title Course Title The full course title should be consistent with the information provided in other items on the form, especially the course description, course objectives, and outline of major topics. It should be succinct enough to be abbreviated meaningfully to a short title. The full course title should be consistent with the information provided in other items on the form, especially the course description, course objectives, and outline of major topics. It should be succinct enough to be abbreviated meaningfully to a short title. The short title is the 30-character course title that is printed on the MSU transcript. The short title is the 30-character course title that is printed on the MSU transcript. Avoid abbreviations such as: Ass, Stud, Anal Avoid abbreviations such as: Ass, Stud, Anal

New Courses – Things to Consider Course Description Course Description A well-written course description accurately reflects the content of the course. Avoid unnecessary phrases such as “ An introduction to” or “This course is designed to.” Spell out acronyms unless they have become common words in the English language (example: RADAR). Incomplete sentences are acceptable. A well-written course description accurately reflects the content of the course. Avoid unnecessary phrases such as “ An introduction to” or “This course is designed to.” Spell out acronyms unless they have become common words in the English language (example: RADAR). Incomplete sentences are acceptable.

A poorly written course description As submitted for a University Curriculum Committee agenda: MT 150Introduction to Biomedical Research Spring of every year. 1(1-0) Survey course intended to assist students in deciding whether a biomedical research career is appropriate for them. An introduction to Biomedical Research in the United States, including funding, safety, regulatory agencies, ethics, experimental design, trouble- shooting, and data interpretation. This course also intended to assist students in deciding whether a biomedical research careers appropriate for them.

A well-written course description As rewritten and approved by the UCC: MT 150Preview of Biomedical Research Spring of every year. 1(1-0) Exploration of biomedical research careers. Biomedical research in the United States. Funding, safety, regulatory agencies, ethics, experimental design, trouble-shooting, and data interpretation.

New Courses Policy Considerations Remedial-developmental-preparatory Courses Remedial-developmental-preparatory Courses Tier II Writing Courses Tier II Writing Courses Diversity Designation Codes for Integrative Studies Courses Diversity Designation Codes for Integrative Studies Courses

New Courses Policy Considerations Remedial-developmental-preparatory courses Remedial-developmental-preparatory courses The policy governing remedial–developmental–preparatory types of courses was established to protect the academic standards of Michigan State University undergraduate degrees while at the same time reinforcing the University's commitment to assist students in remedying their academic deficiencies in fundamental skill areas. The policy serves to motivate students to overcome their deficiencies while ensuring that all students complete a minimum of 120 credits of college level work as a condition of graduation. The policy governing remedial–developmental–preparatory types of courses was established to protect the academic standards of Michigan State University undergraduate degrees while at the same time reinforcing the University's commitment to assist students in remedying their academic deficiencies in fundamental skill areas. The policy serves to motivate students to overcome their deficiencies while ensuring that all students complete a minimum of 120 credits of college level work as a condition of graduation. There are five types of remedial-developmental-preparatory courses. See Academic Programs for definitions of these types: There are five types of remedial-developmental-preparatory courses. See Academic Programs for definitions of these types:

New Courses Policy Considerations Tier II Writing Courses Tier II Writing Courses The designation code is (W) following the course title or a restriction of “Completion of Tier I writing requirement.” The designation code is (W) following the course title or a restriction of “Completion of Tier I writing requirement.” The University’s Tier II Writing Requirement is met by completing either: The University’s Tier II Writing Requirement is met by completing either: One or more level Tier II writing courses as specified for the student’s academic major and degree program or One or more level Tier II writing courses as specified for the student’s academic major and degree program or A cluster of level courses that involve writing experiences and that are approved as the Tier II writing requirement for the student’s academic major and degree program. A cluster of level courses that involve writing experiences and that are approved as the Tier II writing requirement for the student’s academic major and degree program.

New Courses Policy Considerations Diversity Designation Codes for Integrative Studies Courses Diversity Designation Codes for Integrative Studies Courses The designation codes follow the course title and are as follows: The designation codes follow the course title and are as follows: (I) International and Multicultural Diversity (I) International and Multicultural Diversity (N) National Diversity (N) National Diversity (D) National Diversity, and International and Multicultural Diversity (D) National Diversity, and International and Multicultural Diversity Students must include at least one “N” course and one “I” course in their Integrative Studies programs. A “D” course may meet either an “N” or an “I” requirement, but not both. Students must include at least one “N” course and one “I” course in their Integrative Studies programs. A “D” course may meet either an “N” or an “I” requirement, but not both.

New Courses Academic Preparation and Access Prerequisites Prerequisites Recommended Background Recommended Background Corequisites Corequisites Restrictions Restrictions Semester Alias Semester Alias

New Courses Academic Preparation and Access Prerequisites Prerequisites A course to be completed either prior to or concurrently with another course. The Student Information System (SIS) will verify. A course to be completed either prior to or concurrently with another course. The Student Information System (SIS) will verify. Recommended Background Recommended Background Prior academic work, experience, or other qualifications recommended, but not required, to be successful in the course. SIS will not verify. Prior academic work, experience, or other qualifications recommended, but not required, to be successful in the course. SIS will not verify.

New Courses Academic Preparation and Access Corequisites Corequisites A course completed concurrently with another course. SIS will verify. A course completed concurrently with another course. SIS will verify. Restrictions Restrictions A limitation on student access to the course. A limitation on student access to the course. Class levels, majors, departments, or colleges Class levels, majors, departments, or colleges Semester Alias Semester Alias A course identified as the equivalent of another course. A course identified as the equivalent of another course.

New Courses Checklist Does the course accurately inform the student about the course content? Have you requested appropriate approvals and/or signoffs? Is the course request form complete?

Revising an Existing Course Simply enter revisions by creating a course change request in the COURSES system. Simply enter revisions by creating a course change request in the COURSES system. If the revision is substantial and completely alters the content of the course, it will be necessary to request a new course. If the revision is substantial and completely alters the content of the course, it will be necessary to request a new course.

Deleting a Course Simply request the deletion of a course in the COURSES system. Simply request the deletion of a course in the COURSES system. Course numbers may not be reused for a period of six years. Course numbers may not be reused for a period of six years. Courses not taught for a period of four years will automatically be deleted by the Office of the Provost with notification to the Associate Dean. Courses not taught for a period of four years will automatically be deleted by the Office of the Provost with notification to the Associate Dean.

How long will it take for my courses to become effective?

New Courses A new course may have a two-year interim approval in SIS after being approved by the College. A new course may have a two-year interim approval in SIS after being approved by the College. The request for interim approval must be made to the University Curriculum and Catalog office. After interim approval is granted, the course may be scheduled. The request for interim approval must be made to the University Curriculum and Catalog office. After interim approval is granted, the course may be scheduled. Concurrently, the new course will continue its normal route through the governance process. Concurrently, the new course will continue its normal route through the governance process.

Course Changes and Deletes Must go through the governance process. May not be scheduled as an interim course to avoid negative impact on students. Must go through the governance process. May not be scheduled as an interim course to avoid negative impact on students. The UGC and UCC recognize that departments, schools, and colleges are responsible on an ongoing basis for monitoring enrollments in the courses that they administer and taking the actions that they deem appropriate. The UGC and UCC also recognize that the courses that are listed in the catalog must be taught on a regular basis as part of the University's contract with students. The UGC and UCC recognize that departments, schools, and colleges are responsible on an ongoing basis for monitoring enrollments in the courses that they administer and taking the actions that they deem appropriate. The UGC and UCC also recognize that the courses that are listed in the catalog must be taught on a regular basis as part of the University's contract with students.

Course Changes and Deletes Four Year Rule - To provide a mechanism for deleting from the catalog those courses that have not been taught on a regular basis, the UGC and UCC reaffirm the goal of deleting from the catalog courses that have not been taught in the preceding four calendar years. Four Year Rule - To provide a mechanism for deleting from the catalog those courses that have not been taught on a regular basis, the UGC and UCC reaffirm the goal of deleting from the catalog courses that have not been taught in the preceding four calendar years. After the end of every Summer Semester, courses that have not been taught, either on or off campus, during the preceding 4 calendar years (12 calendar semesters including summer sessions) shall be identified and administratively deleted from the catalog. After the end of every Summer Semester, courses that have not been taught, either on or off campus, during the preceding 4 calendar years (12 calendar semesters including summer sessions) shall be identified and administratively deleted from the catalog. Notification will be sent to Assistant/Associate Deans. Notification will be sent to Assistant/Associate Deans.

To find all the information needed for MSU’s curricular process, visit..

University Curriculum and Catalog Website University Curriculum and Catalog Website University Curriculum and Catalog Website What’s New ? What’s New ? Academic Programs (Keyword Search) Academic Programs (Keyword Search) Course Descriptions Course Descriptions Academic Programs and COURSES Academic Programs and COURSES Academic Policies Academic Policies Academic Programs: Guidelines and Procedures Academic Programs: Guidelines and Procedures Academic Program Terminology Academic Program Terminology University Committee on Curriculum University Committee on Curriculum

Important Items to Remember Think about how your change affects other existing programs or courses and notify affected units before the college submits to the University Curriculum and Catalog office. Don’t assume others know. Share! Approvals and signoffs are necessary! If they are not available, program review will be delayed. If they are not available, program review will be delayed. COURSES Training is available for those needing authorization. See If you have questions, ask!

University Curriculum and Catalog To serve as a curricular resource To serve as a curricular resource Explain academic policies and procedures Explain academic policies and procedures Develop and maintain the University catalog Develop and maintain the University catalog Academic Programs Academic Programs Descriptions of Courses Descriptions of Courses To assist units in implementing curricular changes via academic governance To assist units in implementing curricular changes via academic governance To facilitate faculty efforts in shaping the curriculum. The University Curriculum and Catalog office works with you (Associate Deans, Chairpersons, and Staff) in this ongoing process. To facilitate faculty efforts in shaping the curriculum. The University Curriculum and Catalog office works with you (Associate Deans, Chairpersons, and Staff) in this ongoing process.

Whom to Contact Office of University Curriculum and Catalog 176 Administration Building Joy SpeasUniversity Curriculum Administrator Stephanie SmithAdministrative Assistant