Guidelines for Course Forms

Guidelines for Course Forms

In ACRES

General Guidelines for Courses and Programs...……………………………………….Pg. 2

New Course Form ……………………………………………………………………………………. Pg. 4

Instructions for Cross- Listing Courses …………………………………………………….. Pg. 6

Course Deletion Form ……………………………………………………………………………… Pg. 7

Annual Deletion of Courses within a Prefix ……………………………………………….Pg. 8

Modification to an Existing Program Form ………………………………………………. Pg. 9

Form for X99 Course (099, 199, 299) ……………………………………………………….. Pg. 10

Deletion of an Existing Program Form …………………………………………………….. Pg. 11

Modification to an Existing Course Form ………………………………………………….Pg. 12

NewProgram Form ………………………………………………………………………………….Pg. 13

Appendix I ……………………………………………………………………………………………….Pg.14

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR COURES AND PROGRAMS

All forms are housed in ACRES. Contact faculty in Educational Technology to be given a login for ACRES.

Once you are in ACRES, select Create New Forms, and then select the form you need from the drop down menu.

To obtain approval for a course or program, within ACRES, the correct formmust be completed and submitted in ACRES.

As you work on your form, it will be saved within ACRES. After you submit itto your department chair and/or Dean for approval, you will not be able to edit it.

If changes need to be made, you can request your dean or department chair (the next level above you) to return the form to you and then it can be edited and resubmitted or you will need to clone the form found under the “More” tab on page 2. Select “Clone Form”, make the changes, and then re-submit the form. Then you need to make a request to faculty in Educational Technology to delete your previous forms. You will need to re-attach any documents.

Any field with a red * will need to be filled in or the form will not be saved.

The Department Chair or Division Dean may request that course forms be removed from ACRES if they are more than one fiscal year old and they are marked as “not approved”, “not yet submitted” or “pending revisions”.

New Course Form guidelines.
If the title changes, a New Course Form will likely be required.
If the course number changes, a New Course form will be required.
If the number of credit hours changes, a New Course Form will be required.
If the course is changing, to help you determine whether to use a Course Modification Form

or a New Course Form, consider this scenario:

A student takes the original course. Then, changes are made to the course. If the same student takes the course after the changes are made, is it still the same course? If not, then a New Course Form will be required.

Catalog description: There is a50-word limit for course descriptions. This does not mean you have to use them all. Hit the high points and major emphasis of what you offer, but not necessarily every single thing you teach. You may change your mind; demands may change. Do not begin your description with the words, “Course…” or “This course…” or “This is…” That phrasing is understood. Instead, open your description with what the course is or does.

For example: “An overview of…” “Covers…” “Summarizes…” “Principles of…” “History and social effects of…” Use present tense. (Studies show the immediacy of present tense generates more positive response than using future tense.) In other words, don’t use the word “will.”Use active voice not passive voice. “Students learn…” not “Students are instructed…” “Covers basic skills…” not “Basic Skills are covered…” Passive voice is the refuge of scoundrels (like the US Congress), as it never names who is doing the doing! Spell out mathematics, especially in course titles. Spell out Microsoft, especially in course titles.

When you submit your course revision or new course request, you include the rationale. Often, the

key to your course description is contained in that rationale. (Example: with Kenny Keith’s

permission.)

MET 110 Manufacturing Fundamentals 3 cr. (As originally submitted)

This course provides the student with an overview of the various types of manufacturing that takes

place in the discrete, hybrid and continuous sectors and of the jobs that must be performed within

manufacturing and energy production. Prerequisites: Satisfactory placement scores in Reading,

Writing and Math. Two lecture; three lab.The rationale says, “…basic skills and knowledge that any

technical employee in manufacturing needs to be successful in the workplace.”

Here is the suggested revision:MET 110 Manufacturing Fundamentals 3 cr. (As included in Catalog)

Overview of various types of manufacturing and jobs performed in the discrete, hybrid and

continuous sectors within manufacturing and energy production. Provides basic skills and

knowledge that any technical employee in manufacturing needs to be successful in the workplace.

Prerequisites: Satisfactory placement in reading, writing and mathematics. Two lecture; three lab.

Watch formatting carefully. If you cut and paste into ACRES, it sometimes distorts the formatting and punctuation.

Before submitting your document, it is best to cut and paste it into a Word document for proofreading purposes. In ACRES click “Print View”, select “All”, then copy and paste the form into a Word document.

Wilk, Kenneth

In ACRS, once you have completed all routing paths (dept. chair, dean) and your course is at the IC level it is a good idea to check your course daily for comments. Your course may not be expediently voted upon online if substantial question or concerns are

Fri 3/21

After the course has been posted in ACRES for IC review, it is a good idea to check your course daily for comments. Your course may not be expediently voted upon online if substantial questions or concerns are raised. Questions can sometimes be resolved through online discussion in acres. By effectively managing this process you can greatly increase the speed at which you curriculum receives approval.

All new programs, program modifications, and program deletions are approved in Instructional Council Meetings. Forms are submitted for archival purposes.

When a catalog format document is requested, NPC’s Media Relations Coordinator can provide a Word document template.

The term “3035” has been replaced with the term “course form.”

NEW COURSE FORM

Course Number Please verify the course with Coordinator for Student Services Information Systems

Course Title The course title is limited to 25 characters.

Cross-Listing If “yes”, mark yes. If “no”, mark no. In “Rationale” field, include verbiage “This course meets

the requirement to be cross-listed with (list specific course).” Note: there is NO need to

provide a rationale in the course form as to why it is being cross-listed. See Instructions for

Cross-listing Courses Pg. 6.

Cross-listing

Information List the cross-listed course.

Semester for

Implementation Next catalog year (Fall).

Credit Hours CREDIT HOUR PROCEDURE – 2910 – FOUND ON SEARCH OF

Transfer Course Transfer information: Please verify with Dean of Students.

For a list of transfer courses:

Catalog description Write a 50 word or less description of the course content. This is not a place for contact

information or how to get into the course. (See General Guidelines Pg. 2)

Rationale Give a brief explanation (reason) for proposing this course. If the

course is part of a degree program, please list the degree.

Lecture/ Lab Hours CREDIT HOUR PROCEDURE – 2910 – FOUND ON SEARCH OF

To calculate lecture credit hour: 16 weeks is divided into total hours of lecture for the classroom. i.e. class

meets 3 hrs/week for 16 weeks = total contact hours of 48. 16/48 = 3 credit hours. Another way to look at this

is how many lecture hours per week equals credits if it meets for the entire semester.

To calculate lab credit hour:the total hours in a semester divided by 2:1 or (3:1 only in Nursing and Allied

Health)either 32 or48 basedon 16 weeks. So, if lab meets 2 hrs/week = 32 hrs in semester. 32/32 = 1 credit

hour.

Clinical Hours As determined by the department.

Total Contact Hours

Lecture, Lab, and clinical hours are expressed in units of hours per week. Total contact hours is a function of

the sum of the weekly contact hours (lab, lecture, and clinical) times the 16 weeks the course is taught. For

example: a 3 credit CON class that has two lecture hours and 2 lab hours per week would have 64 contact

hours for the duration of the course. This does not mean that course cannot be offered in shorter or longer

durations that 16 weeks it simply provides a basis for how much instructional time is needed to complete a

course. If the CON class above is scheduled for five weeks in the fall semester, it would need to meet at least

13 hours a week to satisfy the total contact time. This is an issue to discuss with the appropriate Dean. For

simplicity, courses are listed in acres on the assumption of a 16 week semester. Also, contact hours does not

simply mean a minimum amount a time a student needs to spend on a course to be successful.

Load Factor This is not a required field; however, the instructor may be paid on how the course is loaded not

thecredit hours for the course.

Library Resources Library resources can be specific material you require for the students to study with

periodical, DVD, CD, web site access, etc – this should be indicated particularly if a

student has to write a paper or give a presentation.

Literacy/ Critical Inquiry This is required for General Education classes, but not for other courses.

Example: Literacy and Critical Inquiry components are

satisfied with the completion of fifteen (15) 200-word papers critically evaluating

children’s literature the students have read (from a reading list provided by the

instructor). Mark N/A if it does not apply.

Ethnic Gender Awareness This is required for General Educations classes, but not for other courses.

Example: Racial/Ethnic/Gender awareness will be met through systematic

integration of issues into course content in course lectures, student discussion, and

audio-visual materials. Course may also include the use of adjunct reading and

writing which meet the criteria as stated for Racial/Ethnic/Gender Awareness.

Mark N/A if it does not apply.

Sustainability Does the course involve topics related to green footprint, environmental protection, or

eco-friendliness? If not, simply put ano or N/A in the box.

Course Topics List broad generic topics and categories. Do not list the Table of Contents of the text

so that the text book can be changed.

Course Outcomes List generic outcomes to allow for faculty flexibility.

Proposer List below attachment bar.

After you have completed the form please copy and paste into a Word document and use the Spell Check function. When the form is ready to submit, please attach a course syllabus and any other documents to support the creation of this course. On page 2 click “Submit”. You may check the status of your course in ACRES under the “My Forms” Tab.

Cross-listed Courses

See example below.

Cross-list CIS 286 (existing course) with EDU 286
Courses will basically be identical except department and possibly the course number.
PRIOR to cross-listing, check with ALL appropriate Department Chairs and Deans to make sure everyone is in agreement. Provide documentation of contact person and date.
In ACRES, create a New Course Form for EDU 286
In “Cross-Listing” field, mark yes.
In “Cross-Listing Information” field, mark CIS 286.
In “Rationale” field, include verbiage “This course meets the requirements to be cross-listed with CIS 286”. (Note – there is NO need to provide a rationale in the course form why it is being cross-listed.)
In ACRES, create a Modification to an Existing Course Form for CIS 286.
In “Cross-Listing” field, mark yes.
In “Cross-Listing Information” field, mark EDU 286.
In “Rationale” field, include verbiage “This course meets the requirements to be cross-listed with EDU 286”. (Note – there is NO need to provide a rationale in the course form why it is being cross-listed.)

Cross- listing Effects on Programs, Courses, Catalog, and Degree Check Sheets

It is up to the individual program to decide whether they will or will not accept either of the cross-listed courses into their program. If eithercourse is accepted, program modifications will need to be completed by the appropriate department.

IC will make the decision on the correct wording of the cross-listing in the NPC programs/courses/catalog/degree check sheets, as it affects many areas.

Individual Course Example: HES 180 Prerequisite: Any MAT course numbered 100 or higherAny MAT course numbered 100 or higher, including MAT 103/BUS 133

Program Examples:

Listings under Associate of Applied Science (AAS) General Education Requirements

Mathematics • 3 credits

MAT 103MAT 103/BUS 133 Business Mathematics...... 3 credit

Listings under Certificate of Applied Science (CAS)

To earn the Certificate of Applied Science in Accounting, a student must successfully complete the course requirementsof the Certificate of Proficiency in Accounting.

Fundamentals plus ENL 101 and MAT 103MAT 103/BUS 133 or MAT 152 or

any MAT class for which MAT 152 is a prerequisite, and BUS

120 and BUS 123 (30 credits).

COURSE DELETION FORM

For course deletions that affect any programs of study, the program modification(s) must be completed and approvedprior to approval of the course deletion, and only after making sure it doesn’t affect a pre-requisite issue.

For course deletions where the course is a prerequisite for another course, the course modification for the prerequisite course must be approved prior to the course deletion, and only after all programs of studies have been reviewed and modified as necessary for this course deletion.

Department:Choose from the drop down menu.

Prefix:List the prefix of the course being deleted.

Course Number (s): List course number being deleted.

Course Title:List the course title being deleted.

Credit Hours:List the credit hours of the course being deleted.

Effect on Existing Courses:(Are any of these courses a pre-requisite or co-requisite for any other active courses?) Choose from the drop down menu.

List Affected Courses:(For each course being deleted list the course or courses for which it is a pre-requisite or co-requisite.) List all courses affected.

Effect on Programs:(Are these courses a part of any existing programs?) Choose from the drop down menu. ***Research all programs and contact department chairs to check if other programs are affected by deletion.

List Affected Programs:List all affected programs.

Effective Term of Deletion:Choose from drop down menu.

Effective Year of Deletion:Choose from drop down menu.

Retain in Course Bank:(Normally a course deletion removes the course/courses from both the catalog and the course bank. If you wish to retain a course in the course bank check yes and include a rationale for retention in “Rational for Deletion” field. Reasons may include but not limited to: Teach out plan or a future offering of the course.) Check the appropriate box.

Rationale for Deletions: List the reasons for the deletion of the course.

Attachments: Attach any pertinent documents.

Proposer:List the name of person requesting the deletion.

After you have completed the form click “Submit”. You may check the status of your course in ACRES under the “My Forms” tab.

ANNUAL DELETION OF COURSES within a Prefix Form

List Affected Courses: For each course being deleted list the course or courses for which it is a pre-requisite or co-requisite.List all courses affected. For support, search NPC catalog on NPC website and/or contact the Coordinator of Student Services.

Effect on Programs:Are these courses a part of any existing programs? Choose from the drop down menu. ***Research all programs and contact department chairs to check if other programs are affected by deletion.

Rationale for Deletions: Give a brief explanation (reason) for deleting this course.

MODIFICATION TO AN EXISTING PROGRAM FORM

It is required to attach a document to IC to show how your change will affect other programs. See attached example.

1)Figure out ahead of time which programs would be affected by the proposed change and

documentit.

2)Talk with each department to get their input and ask permission to make the change.

3) Document approval and date.

4) After program change approval by IC, makesure the program changes for each program has

been completed.

5) Please provide astrike-through catalog document.

6)Complete Financial Aid Worksheet (Appendix I) and submit to the Director of Financial

Aid.

EXAMPLE:

PROPOSED MODIFICATION OF PROGRAMS RESULTING FROM IMPLEMENTATION OF CIS 105

CIS 105 Computer Applications and Information Technology was passed in April 2010 by the Instructional Council. The course replaces CIS 100 Survey of Computer Information Systems. CIS 100 will be removed from the Course Catalog at a later date. CIS 100 will not be offered starting Spring 2011, CIS 105 is being offered. The CIS 100 course is in a number of programs which need to be modified to reflect the change to CIS 105.

PROGRAMS AFFECTED BY THE CHANGE FROM CIS 100 TO CIS 105 SHOWING CURRENT STATUS AND CHANGE REQUIRED

Department/
Division / Area / Current Program Requirements / Program Modification / Contact
Person / Permission
given
Yes or No / Date / Additional Program
Modification Forms
Completed?
Date
A&S / Associate of Arts in Elementary Education / CIS 100 – Required Elective / CIS 105 – Required Elective
A&S/CTE / Associate of Business – General Education / 1)Requirements: Graduates must complete CIS 100
2)General Electives Options
Computer Science – CIS 100 / 1)Requirements: Graduates must complete CIS 105
2)General Electives Options
Computer Science – CIS 105
A&S / Associate of General Studies / Additional courses that will meet AGS discipline studies
requirement
Computer Science – CIS 100 / Additional courses that will meet AGS discipline studies
requirement
Computer Science – CIS 105

Program Modifications areapproved in Instructional Council Meetings. Forms are submitted for archival purposes.