Courses
- Build the justification for deleting, adding or changing courses on how the change will impact student learning.
- Avoid using individual faculty names in the justification section which goes to the SDBOR.
- Avoid being very specific with course descriptions which will become outdated quickly. Course descriptions are short, concise summaries that typically do not exceed 75 words.
- Do: Address the content of the course and write descriptions using active verbs (e.g., explore, learn, develop, etc.).
- Do not: Repeat the title of the course, layout the syllabus, use pronouns such as “we†and “you,†or rely on specialized jargon, vague phrases or clichés.
- Prerequisites can only be specific courses and cannot use any words as part of the prerequisite other than and, or.
- Verify on the SDBOR if the new course exists within the database. SDSU can request to offer the same course authorized for another university. The course would become a common course.
- If the course contains a lecture and laboratory component, identify both the lecture and laboratory numbers (xxx and xxxL), credit hours, description and requisites associated with each.
- The SDBOR Enrollment Services Center assigns the short, abbreviated course title that appears on transcripts. The short title is limited to 30 characters (including spaces); meaningful but concise titles are encouraged due to space limitations in Banner.
Program Modifications
- Reference the online catalog to review the current program requirements.
- Minor and substantive program modifications need to include all program requirements on the form. In the first column list the current courses as reflected in the catalog. If a course is being removed include that course in the proposed column highlighted in yellow and use the strikeout feature to cross it off.
- Have a strong basis for the proposed change. Rationale for substantive changes include:
- To insure the program offered aligns with (referenced) national standards.
- To address weaknesses identified through program assessment and review.
- To address weaknesses identified by external advisory committees, employer feedback and/or alumni/graduate surveys.
- Courses that may fulfill multiple requirements cannot have the credit hours count twice. For example, if the course meets a college and a major requirement the hours can only be applied in one category.
- Check the math – all credits and totals should add up.
Intent to Plan, New Minor and New Degree/Program Requests
- Answer all parts of each question. Use sub-headings within sections which ask more than one question. For example, for the Intent to Plan form, question one, three separate questions are posed. Use sub-headings of “nature of the proposed requestâ€, “expected demand†and “need for the proposalâ€.
- Avoid the use of personal pronouns (“weâ€, “usâ€, “ourâ€) in the request. Instead use “South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State Universityâ€, “SDSUâ€, “the universityâ€, “the department of …â€
- Each of these types of requests must include a curriculum map outlining the student learning outcomes and where in the curriculum the outcomes are addressed.
- Include numerical data to support the request and quantify the need for the new program. A good resource is the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Include citations when applicable.
Checklist
- Have the correct SDSU and SDBOR forms been used to prepare the request?
- Does the curriculum proposal reflect findings from other planning processes such as academic program reviews, student outcomes assessment, strategic planning and/or licensure, accreditation and reaccreditation requirements?
- Have the appropriate and required consultations been completed?
- Have all consultation forms been included in the curriculum request submission packet of information?
- Have any unresolved objections been identified?
- Have all budgetary needs been identified and estimated?
- For a new undergraduate or graduate program has the SDBOR , and been completed? For a new undergraduate or graduate program has the SDBOR , and been completed?
- Have the required electronic signatures been obtained for all proposals?