These procedural guidelines address most but not all of the circumstances that arise when amending the Trinity University curriculum. When considering curricular changes, be mindful that even small revisions may have larger consequences. In addition, be aware that not all circumstances can be addressed on the “Proposal to Create, Revise, or Delete a Course” form. Finally, keep in mind that the Office of the Registrar must interpret course proposal language for practical implementation; clarity and consistency are essential. If you have any questions about UCC procedures, please contact the UCC Chair.

As you develop a new course or adjust a department’s or program’s curriculum, keep in mind the following questions:

Other departments and programs: Will adding, revising, or deleting a course impact another department’s or program’s curriculum? Have the departments or programs been contacted about the change?

Course number: Does the proposed or revised course number fit logically within the department’s numbering sequence? Will deleting a course render obsolete or confusing the department’s numbering sequence?

Common Curriculum: Is the course being proposed for the Common Curriculum? If so, please submit a proposal to add the course to the appropriate Understanding list: Cultural Heritage [link to file], Arts and Literature [link to file], Human Social Interaction [link to file], Quantitative Reasoning [link to file], and Natural Science and Technology [link to file].

Curricular impact: All new courses impact a department’s curriculum; please be clear about any trade-offs. (“No impact” is not a sufficient answer.)

Teaching resources: All new courses require new faculty or adjustments to faculty teaching schedules; please be clear about staffing for the course. (“No impact” is not a sufficient answer.)

Grading: Can the course be taken pass/fail? Are students required to take the course pass/fail only?

Effective date of change: Please indicate the semester during which the addition, revision, or deletion is to take effect. Curricular changes must be formally approved by the Faculty Assembly before they can take effect; “immediately” is not a viable option. Keep in mind as well that students cannot be expected to fulfill curricular requirements that were not in place upon their matriculation.

Pre-requisites and co-requisites: Are pre-requisites or co-requisites for the course clear and practicable? Will pre-requisite or co-requisite requirements increase the number of credit hours needed to complete a major or minor? Is the course a pre-requisite or co-requisite for a course in another department or program? Keep in mind that the Office of the Registrar must ultimately program the requirement into the University online registration system; it is not always possible to code for all circumstances.