CEHSP Curriculum Process
This page outlines the CEHSP curriculum process. Once they are approved by the Dean's Office, proposals are submitted to the VCAA's office where they are forwarded to the next step (e.g.., liberal education, Council of Deans, UMD Graduate Council for 4xxx - 8xxx, Twin Cities Graduate Council for 8xxx-level and to the Regents when necessary). The College is notified when final approval has been received; approval notification will be forwarded to the Department and to Student Affairs.
All proposals must be submitted to the Associate Dean electronically by the department head or the DGS at least one week prior to the date of the appropriate curriculum meeting. Refer to Academic Affairs Council or Graduate Program Council for scheduled meeting dates.
Course Proposals
A course proposal is initiated by a regular faculty member. Templates for proposals are listed below. Choose the template that reflects the type of proposal to be developed. Carefully follow the instructions in the form and in the linked pages, and forward as indicated in these steps.
- Choose a template, complete all parts, and save the file using a descriptive file name, e.g., eled_1010_change, hper_3000_add, etc.
- Proposal templates are available from the UMD Curriculum Process page.
- Use all URL links in the form to make sure you conform to University policies.
- Send the file to Linda Rolfe, Office of VCAA, for editing and clearance (not required for minor course changes or drops). Linda will return the proposal to you, with suggested changes highlighted. Make the appropriate changes and go on to the next step.
- Submit the proposal to the department curriculum committee. After final editing and approval by the department, send the electronic proposal file to the department head via email.
- The Department Head enters x.500 login, followed by name (e.g., jsmith—John Smith) in the signature box. If the proposal is for a Graduate School course or program, forward to the DGS for electronic signature.
- The department head or DGS forwards the proposal file to the Associate Dean via email.
IMPORTANT: The file must be received by the Associate Dean one week prior to a scheduled curriculum meeting.
Curriculum Committee Consideration
After Associate Dean review, proposals will be printed and circulated to the appropriate curriculum committee. Curriculum committee members will consider the following questions in their review.
- Is the level of the proposed course appropriate?
- Are the outcomes stated in measurable terms? Example.
- Do the evaluation methods address the stated outcomes? Example.
- Is the conceptual outline congruent with student outcomes? Example.
- What is the rationale for the proposal?
- Does any duplication across programs result?
- Is the proposal congruent with the objectives of the program/department?
- Does the proposal conform to relevant University policies?
The proposal should include sufficient information to answer these questions. In addition, the department representative on the curriculum committee should be well versed about the proposal, and/or invite the faculty sponsor to attend the meeting in which the proposal will be considered.
Where (which curriculum committee) are course proposals submitted?
Course Level |
Considered by |
1xxx, 2xxx, 3xxx or 4xxx level |
Academic Affairs Council |
4xxx, 5xxx, 6xxx, 7xxx or 8xxx level for graduate credit |
Graduate Program Council |
NOTE: Proposals for 5xxx courses, and 4xxx courses for which graduate credit is sought, should reflect academic requirements and standards consistent with graduate credit. |
|
Proposals associated with Graduate School Programs, or collegiate graduate courses for which Graduate School credit is desired, after approval by CEHSP Graduate Program Council, will be forwarded by VCAA to the Graduate School Council as follows: |
|
4xxx, 5xxx, 6xxx or 7xxx level from programs with no DGS |
Graduate School Council (append rationale for 4xxx level) FOR ACTION |
8xxx level with approval of DGS |
Graduate School Council FOR INFORMATION |
Changes to Programs
- Updates to programs should be outlined in memo format and submitted to the Dean's Office.
- Updates to undergraduate majors and minors will be reviewed by Academic Affairs committee.
- Updates to graduate programs will be reviewed by Graduate Program Council.
Any variation on delivery of existing programs (e.g., distance delivery, cohort model, accelerated programming, etc.) should be outlined in memo format and reviewed by the appropriate Committee/Council. The memo should include rationale and explanation of how the content and mission of the program are being effectively delivered in the adaptation. Any exceptions to GPC approved policies necessary for the adapted program should be outlined for approval by GPC.
Proposals for New Programs
Use Guidelines for preparation of academic program proposals for Regents' review. (Note: this page is temporarily unavailable.)
- Proposals for undergraduate programs, minors and concentrations or specializations are reviewed by Academic Affairs Council, with a recommendation for approval/disapproval forwarded to the Dean of the College.
- Proposals for graduate programs or specializations are reviewed by Graduate Program Council, with a recommendation for approval/disapproval forwarded to the Dean of the College.
The template for proposing a new program, off-site delivery, new track or concentration, etc., is available from the UMD Curriculum Process page.