UNIV - University Studies Courses

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CRITERIA

While it is not essential that all criteria be satisfied, the selection of UNIV course offerings will be based on the existence of a reasonable fit with the following (which are listed in no particular order):

1. Courses should appeal to a wide range of students. (Typically they should be GE and/or USCP certified, with a targeted student audience from majors that are in at least two different colleges.)
2. Courses should be team-taught or, at a minimum, have the potential to be taught at different times by individuals from different colleges.
3. Courses should be available to as many students as possible, depending on the nature of the course and the number of instructors involved. (For example, a writing-intensive course with two instructors should be offered in a section accommodating at least 46 students; a non-writing-intensive course with multiple instructors should accommodate a substantially larger number of students, possibly using "break-out" sessions or recitations for discussions or other activities.)
4. Courses should address university-wide learning objectives (e.g., diversity, environmental literacy, sustainability, etc.).

Proposals for repeat offerings of UNIV courses will be considered; however, given limited funding at the present time, no long-term commitments can be made. Note: If the on-going pilot is judged successful (from faculty, student, and administrative perspectives), Academic Program's intent is to seek increased funding in the future, which may allow particular UNIV courses to be offered on a regular basis.

Instructors offering courses under the UNIV prefix are expected to conduct student evaluations in all sections.

PROCESS

Requests for UNIV proposals are made annually (or more frequently, as needed) by Vice Provost David Conn.

Each submission should consist of:

1. 1. The standard course description form (It is not necessary to re-submit this form if it was submitted in response to a previous UNIV solicitation, unless changes are being proposed.)
2. 2. A memo specifying:
   1. a brief rationale for offering the course under the UNIV prefix, in light of the criteria listed above;
   2. the quarter (or quarters) in which the course would be offered;
   3. the targeted student audience;
   4. the number of students to be accommodated in a section;
   5. the names and departments of proposed instructors;
   6. the funding, if any, sought to replace each instructor (measured in WTUs).

The Academic Senate Curriculum Committee is involved in reviewing the proposals. Every effort will be made to complete the selection process, and notification of the results will be made in sufficient time for class scheduling purposes. The offerings will be subject to available funding, which may be sufficient to support up to 3-4 courses in each of the three AY quarters.