1. Proposals are initiated by a faculty member or group by completion of the UHM-1 form or UHM-2 form and submission of a justification.
   
   
2. Proposals are reviewed at the departmental level by both the curriculum committee and chairperson. If approved, the proposal is forwarded to the CTAHR Academic and Student Affairs Office.
   
   
3. Proposals are screened and reviewed at the Associate Dean’s level. Proposals with incomplete information are sent back to departments for more work. Those requesting minor modifications or deletions are generally approved and forwarded to the Graduate Division (graduate course proposals) or Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (undergraduate course proposals). The Associate Dean works in concert with the Faculty Senate Instruction Committee on all other proposals. The committee may recommend approval or request that the initiating party provide additional information or clarification. These latter proposals are returned to departments for revision. Approved and revised proposals are forwarded to the Associate Dean. Those approved at the college level are sent to the Graduate Division or the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
   
   
4. Proposals are given a final review at the campus level before they are formally adopted and listed in the UH Catalog.
   
   
   

GUIDELINES FOR COURSE JUSTIFICATIONS

Course proposals are reviewed at the departmental, college, and campus levels before final adoption. A number of faculty committees and individuals participate in this process, many who are not intimately familiar with the courses under review. For this reason, it is necessary for faculty members initiating the proposals, particularly if it concerns a new course or major modifications to an existing course, to describe fully why the action is requested. Past experience indicates that when the following questions are answered in justifying the proposal, the need to submit additional justifications is reduced considerably. The following guidelines are provided to assist you in preparing the justification.

1. What is the course modification?
   
   If the proposal is to modify a course, describe the change.
   
   
2. Why is this course being requested or modified?
   
   Explain the philosophy behind the action. Why is the action being requested now? What will be the impact of the proposal being approved or disapproved.
   
   
3. How will the content be organized?
   
   Include a detailed syllabus which indicates the material to be covered throughout the semester and the period of time allotted to each topic.
   
   
4. What other courses at UHM closely parallel the proposed course and in what way will the latter make a distinct contribution?
   
   To avoid duplication of course offerings and to assure that the course makes a unique contribution to the curriculum, discuss the proposal with academic colleagues in other units offering courses that may overlap with the one being proposed. CTAHR routinely circulates the proposal to departments with a possible interest. Whenever possible, document the coordinating efforts (e.g., attach a letter of support from the department chairperson or dean of the other unit to the proposal).
   
   
5. Where or how does the proposed course fit into the current and future curriculum?
   
   A diagram showing the proposed course in relation to other courses may assist the reviewers to see at a glance what is being described.
   
   
6. Why is the number of credits and level justified? Explain the prerequisites and the absence thereof.
   
   Prerequisites are generally required for non-introductory courses, or courses beyond the 200-level. Credits are assigned at UH using the following guidelines:
   
   Lecture course: 50 minutes of contact per week = 1 credit hour;
   
   Laboratory sessions: 150 (50 x 3) minutes of contact per week = 1 credit hour;
   
   Reminder: preparation for lectures and labs are not considered part of the
   contact hours.
   
   
7. How will the course assist students to achieve the critical skills and competencies expected of CTAHR graduates?
   
   The CTAHR Curriculum Task Force identified a list of critical skills and competencies which all CTAHR graduates should have (see “Critical Skills and Competencies for CTAHR Graduates.” For each critical skill, either state that your course proposal (or modification) will not address that skill, or describe briefly (in a sentence or two) how the students will be assisted in gaining mastery of that critical skill.
   
   
8. How will students be evaluated?
   
   In all courses, particularly those involving practicum and field work, credit must depend upon documentation that appropriate learning has occurred, rather than “time spent on-site.” Students have a right to know, at the start of the course, what is expected of them and how they will be evaluated.
   
   
9. What are the minimum qualifications for teaching this course? Is a qualified instructor now available?
   
   Indicate whether an instructor is currently available, and if the instructor becomes unavailable (e.g., takes an extended leave or another position), the academic requirements necessary for another individual to teach the course.
   
   
10. How will the course be financed, assuming no further cutbacks?
    
    This question pertains to lecturer funds, equipment, and supplies necessary for the course which are above and beyond normal departmental operating funds.
    
    
11. Has the course been offered before? Is there a demand for it?
    
    If the course has been given before on an experimental basis, provide enrollment data or other indicators of demand or need. If the proposal is for a new course, demand might be indicated by reference to the disciplinary literature, legislative mandate, or other ways. Need can also be documented by stating that the course is required or a prerequisite for another course.
    
    
12. Is the course cross-listed with another department?
    
    Cross-listed courses require the approvals of all departmental chairpersons offering the course. However, the UHM-1 form should be submitted by only one department.