Section 6 - Course Numbering & Attributes

1000 and 2000 level courses deal with fundamental concepts or introductory material and are preparatory courses that provide foundational material for specialized courses. These courses are normally suited for a wide variety of student backgrounds. It is suggested that 2000 level courses be more specific and detailed than 1000 level courses while retaining the broad overview concept. In programs shorter than baccalaureate degrees, some 2000 level courses may be much more specific.

5000 level courses are advanced, upper-division undergraduate courses. These courses allow for extension beyond bachelor's degree requirements, preparation for a graduate degree, or a natural connection between the two. Content requires significant independent thinking on the student's part and offers opportunity for specialized seminars, directed reading, independent study, and research. 5000-5999 level undergraduate courses may be applied toward a Weber State University graduate degree with program approval. (PPM 11-1)

The committee recommends the following uses for 5000 level courses:

• Workshops

• Refresher/recertification - prerequisite: bachelor's degree or permission of instructor.

• Upgrading skills/recertification - specified prerequisites. Courses would be designed to improve student knowledge or skills from a general background to a specific area or to become skilled in a related field.

Mixed level courses are those taught at different academic levels (e.g., 2000/4000, 4000/6000, or 5000/6000). The syllabi need to show appropriate assignments for the different levels. Graduate level courses may only be scheduled concurrently with undergraduate courses when there are substantially different course requirements for graduate students, reflecting a degree of academic rigor appropriate to graduate- level study.

6.7.1 – Definition

Program attributes are short acronyms embedded in the course title that identify specific elements of content and/or pedagogy within a course. Content refers to a focus on agreed-upon outcomes. Pedagogy refers to a focus on use of specific types of instructional approaches or strategies.

The purpose of the attributes is to support the organizational mission by increasing:

1. Advising transparency for students

   1. Identify required course work such as General Education or Diversity courses.

   2. Identify specific content and pedagogy that may inform appropriate course selection.

2. Institutional identification by making visible engagement in specific learning outcomes and high impact practices, particularly for underrepresented students.

3. Facilitation of interdisciplinary study and University curriculum initiatives.

4. Third party recognition of University accomplishments, such as Carnegie Foundation recognition of the Center for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) attribute.

5. Leverage for graduates in applying to graduate school or for employment, by defining attributes on the back of transcripts and/or offering certificates or recognitions for completing a given number of courses.

The scope of an attribute may be limited to courses within a specific department or college, or inclusive of courses across the University. A single course may not hold more than three attributes.

6.7.2 – Requesting & Monitoring Program Attributes

Requests to offer a new program attribute are submitted through Curriculog to centralize data and manage the approval process.

The Faculty Senate Executive Committee will review an annual inventory of all active attributes. The organization sponsoring the attribute is responsible for providing a report summarizing the total number of active attribute courses that were taught, number of courses that renewed the attribute, number of courses newly approved, and number of courses that dropped the attribute during the previous academic year. This report is due to the Faculty Senate Chair by March 31st.

The Faculty Senate may discontinue an attribute that is no longer supporting the organizational mission.

6.7.3 – Process for Approving Courses to have a Specific Attribute

The campus organization that applies for the attribute and receives approval is responsible for approving course attribute requests, monitoring renewals, and removing an attribute from a course. Campus organizations offering attributes will use Curriculog for proposal submissions to facilitate institutional tracking.