UCCC

Guide and Format

for Curriculum
Proposals

Revised by:
Dr. Dana Franz, Chair
University Committee on Courses and Curricula
August 2020
 The University Committee
on Courses and Curricula

UCCC Officers

Committee Chair: Dr. Dana Franz

Assistant Coordinator for Curriculum and Scheduling:
Ms. Jenny Turner

Garner Hall – Room 281

Mail Stop: 9702
P.O. Box 5268
Phone (Dr. Franz): 325-7117
Phone (Ms. Turner): 325-9410
Fax: 325-1846

Website: http://www.uccc.msstate.edu

The UCCC web page provides access to this document as well as other useful information. Please
contact the UCCC Chair or the Assistant Coordinator for Curriculum and Scheduling with comments
or suggestions on design or content.

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 University Committee
on Courses and Curricula
2019-2020
Proposal Deadline and Meeting Dates

Proposal Deadline Committee Meeting

August 21, 2020 September 4, 2020

October 2, 2020 October 16, 2020
October 30, 2020 November 13, 2020
November 20, 2020 December 4, 2020
January 8, 2021 January 22, 2021
February 5, 2021 February 19, 2021
March 4, 2021 March 19, 2021
April 9, 2021 April 23, 2021

See UCCC website for locations of meetings

ii
 Introduction

The following Guide and Format for Curriculum Proposals is designed to provide the departments, the
college curriculum committees, the deans, the University Committee on Courses and Curricula
(UCCC), the Graduate Council, and the Academic Deans Council the initial information that they will
need in order to arrive at their recommendations. Departments should follow it carefully, adapting it
in detail to fit any special or unusual aspects of particular proposals.

In Fall 2014 the UCCC began using an on-line system for submitting course proposals. Links are
available on the UCCC website to access the system. Faculty use their net ID and Banner password
to access the forms. Degree and program proposals (including certificates and minors) are submitted
using paper proposal forms which are located on the UCCC website.

In Fall 2015 the UCCC began using e-Forms through Banner for special topic proposals. Links are
available on the UCCC website to access the special topic e-Forms. Instructions for special topics are
also provided in this document.

Some items to note:

❖ Different forms are available for use in submitting a proposal for a degree program. If you
have questions about which form to use, please contact Dr. Franz or Ms. Turner.

❖ Degree approval forms are administrative forms and are not to be considered as the proposal
itself. In other words, these forms function as cover sheets, not proposals.

❖ When using the online course proposal system, initiators will be asked to enter certain
information or attach certain documents to the proposal. Information that has a red box is
required information and must be entered before you can submit the proposal.

❖ Submit all cross-listed course proposals together. No action will be taken on a cross-listed
course until the appropriate proposals are received from each department.

❖ Once the on-line course proposals are submitted, proposals pass through a workflow for
approval. Proposal initiators will be able to follow the proposal through each stage of the
workflow.

❖ Academic units should submit proposals at least four months prior to the deadline for
inclusion in the Master Schedule for the effective semester. Course and Curricula
proposals must pass through several steps to gain final administrative approval. It is
imperative that an academic unit allow sufficient time for the proposal to be reviewed
at each level. The development of proposals should start early in the academic year, and the
proposal should be submitted as soon as possible to insure that approval can be acquired
prior to the desired date of offering. The minimum time to be expected in gaining final
approval after the proposal has been submitted at the college level is approximately
three months (excluding the summer months).

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 Highlights of the
2020-2021 Guide and Format Edition

1. Departments that wish to offer Special Topics courses must now submit their proposal through
an e-Form. Special Topics courses may only be offered twice before becoming a permanent
course; however, Special Topics MUST be approved BEFORE each course offering. It is not
necessary to submit Special Topics course proposal to curriculum committees. However,
initiators must submit the e-Form for approval to the department head and dean before
submitting the proposal to the UCCC Chair.

2. Review the IHL deadlines for addition of a new program, addition of distance education to an
existing program, renaming of a program, consolidations of programs, notice of intent to offer a
certificate, suspension of a program, or deletion of a program. Most of the proposals are reviewed
several times a year by IHL. Please plan so the program proposals have processed through
the UCCC approval process in order to meet the IHL deadlines. The UCCC workflow includes
department curriculum committee, department head, college curriculum committee, UCCC,
Graduate Council (if applicable), and Deans Council/Provost Office. IHL deadlines are attached
as Appendix C.

3. Course proposal forms have been streamlined to make proposing a new course or modifying an
existing course simpler. Please contact the UCCC Office if you have any questions about the
revisions.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

The University Committee on Courses and Curricula Contact Information ...................i

2020-2021 Proposal Deadline and Meeting Dates ....................................................... .ii
Introduction ................................................................................................................ iii
Changes to the 2020-2021 Guide and Format Edition ................................................ iv

GENERAL PROCEDURES ..................................................................................... 1

PROCESSING ORDER .......................................................................................1
SUBMISSIONS OF PROPOSALS ........................................................................2
ACADEMIC OPERATING POLICIES PERTAINING TO THE UCCC .......................2
DECISIONS MADE BY THE UCCC .....................................................................3

COURSE ADDITIONS USING CIM ......................................................................... 4

BASIC COURSE INFORMATION (Gray Box) ......................................................4
1. TITLE…………………. ...............................................................................4
2. SUBJECT PREFIX ................................................................................4
3. COURSE NUMBER ................................................................................4
4. DEPARTMENT………….. ..........................................................................5
5. COLLEGE ...............................................................................................5
6. CONTACT PERSON .................................................................................5
7. DATE SUBMITTED ..................................................................................5
8. EFFECTIVE DATE ................................................................................5
9. PROPOSED CIP NUMBER .......................................................................6
10. CAMPUS(ES)………… ..............................................................................6
11. IS A DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSE? ................................................ 6
12. IS A CORE COURSE? (GENERAL EDUCATION COURSE) .......................7

COURSE DETAILS ............................................................................................7

1. CATALOG DESCRIPTION ........................................................................7
2. MAY THE COURSE BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT…………………………….8
3. GRADE MODE…………………………………………………………………………9
4. METHOD OF INSTRUCTION ................................................................ 10
5. METHOD OF DELIVERY .......................................................................11
6. DETAILED COURSE SYLLABUS............................................................11
7. JUSTIFICATION …. … ...........................................................................12
8. TARGET AUDIENCE..............................................................................13
9. LETTER OF SUPPORT ...........................................................................13

COURSE DELETION USING CIM ......................................................................... 14

1. CONTACT PERSON ...............................................................................14
2. JUSTIFICATION ...................................................................................14
3. EFFECTIVE DATE .................................................................................14
4. EFFECT ON OTHER COURSES .............................................................14
5. LETTER OF SUPPORT ...........................................................................15

COURSE MODIFICATION USING CIM ................................................................. 16

BASIC COURSE INFORMATION (Gray Box) ....................................................16
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 1. TITLE………………………………………………………………………………….. 16
2. SUBJECT PREFIX…………………………………………………………………. 16
3. COURSE NUMBER………………………………………………………………... 16
4. DEPARTMENT………………………………………………………………………. 16
5. COLLEGE OR SCHOOL…………………………………………………………... 17
6. CONTACT PERSON………………………………………………………………... 17
7. DATE SUBMITTED………………………………………………………………… 17
8. EFFECTIVE DATE .................................................................................17
9. CIP NUMBER ......................................................................................18
11. CAMPUS(ES) ......................................................................................18
12. IS A DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSE? ...............................................18
14. IS A CORE COURSE? (GENERAL EDUCATION COURSE) .....................18
COURSE DETAILS ......................................................................................18
1. CATALOG DESCRIPTION.......................................................................18
2. MAY THE COURSE BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT………………………….. 18
3. GRADE MODE ……………………………………………………………………... 19
COURSE MODIFICATION ...............................................................................19
1. ITEMIZED LIST AND DESCRIPTION OF CHANGES ................................ 19
2. COURSE CONTENT ................................................................................19
3. EFFECT ON OTHER COURSES ..............................................................19
4. METHOD OF INSTRUCTION ...................................................................19
5. METHOD OF DELIVERY .........................................................................19
6. CURRENT COURSE SYLLABUS..............................................................19
7. WILL THE SYLLABUS BE REVISED……………………………………………. 20
8. JUSTIFICATION .....................................................................................20
9. TARGET AUDIENCE ...............................................................................20
10. LETTER OF SUPPORT ...........................................................................20

COURSE APPROVAL FOR DISTANCE LEARNING USING CIM.................................21

SPECIAL TOPIC COURSE PROPOSALS USING EFORMS ..................................... 23

TECHNICAL CHANGE PROPOSALS USING CIM .................................................. 24

GENERAL EDUCATION (CORE) COURSE PROPOSALS USING CIM ...................... 25

NEW DEGREE PROGRAM ADDITION .................................................................. 26

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................26
NEW DEGREE PROPOSALS ............................................................................26
STEPS IN THE APPROVAL PROCESS ..............................................................27
PROPOSAL ELEMENTS ...................................................................................29
1. CATALOG DESCRIPTION .......................................................................29
2. CURRICULUM OUTLINE ........................................................................31
3. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES AND ASSESSMENT..........................31
4. SUPPORT ...............................................................................................31
4-LETTER ABBREVIATION………………………………………………………………...31
TERMINOLOGY ............................................................................................32
EFFECTIVE DATE ..........................................................................................32
CIP Number ………………………………………………………………………………...32

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DEGREE PROGRAM DELETION ......................................................................... 33
PROPOSAL FORMAT ......................................................................................33
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION ................................................................................33
EFFECTIVE DATE ..........................................................................................33

DEGREE NAME CHANGE ................................................................................... 34

PROPOSAL FORMAT ......................................................................................34
PROPOSAL ELEMENTS ...................................................................................34
1. CURRENT TITLE AND DESCRIPTION....................................................34
2. PROPOSED TITLE AND DESCRIPTION .................................................34
3. JUSTIFICATION ....................................................................................34
4. RELATION TO EXISTING CURRICULA ................................................. 34
5. PROPOSED 4-LETTER ABBREVIATION ................................................34
6. EFFECTIVE DATE .................................................................................34
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION ................................................................................35

DEGREE PROGRAM MODIFICATION .................................................................. 36

PROPOSAL FORMAT ......................................................................................36
PROPOSAL ELEMENTS ...................................................................................36
1. CATALOG DESCRIPTION ......................................................................36
2. CURRICULUM OUTLINE .......................................................................37
3. JUSTIFICATION AND LEARNING OUTCOMES ......................................40
4. SUPPORT .............................................................................................41
5. PROPOSED 4-LETTER ABBREVIATION ................................................41
6. EFFECTIVE DATE .................................................................................41
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION ................................................................................41

DEGREE APPROVAL FOR DISTANCE LEARNING....................................................42

A. PROPOSAL FORMAT ...................................................................................42
1. CATALOG DESCRIPTION ......................................................................42
2. CURRICULUM OUTLINE .......................................................................42
3. JUSTIFICATION OF DISTANCE LEARNING OFFERING .........................42
4. LEARNING OUTCOMES.........................................................................42
5. EFFECTIVE DATE .................................................................................42
6. CONTACT PERSON ...............................................................................43
7. LETTER OF SUPPORT ...........................................................................43

CERTIFICATES AND MINORS ..................................................................................44

REPORTING, FORMS, QUESTIONS, ETC. ........................................................... 45

REPORTING EFFECTS OF BOARD REVIEWS ..................................................45
VERIFYING A.P.I. STATUS OF DEGREE PROGRAMS ......................................45
SOURCES OF FORMS ....................................................................................45
QUESTIONS CONCERNING PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT ................................ 45
PROPOSAL STATUS.........................................................................................45

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APPENDIX A - CRITERIA FOR INCLUSION OF COURSES IN THE MISSISSIPPI
STATE UNIVERSITY CENERAL EDUCATION (CORE) CURRICULUM ............46
APPENDIX B - APPROVAL FORMS FOR DEGREE PROGRAMS AND
CURRICULUM OUTLINE CHARTS ..................................................................53
APPENDIX C - IHL BOARD OF TRUSTEE DEGREE FORMS, DATES, AND
DEADLINES ....................................................................................................57

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 GENERAL PROCEDURES
The purpose of the UCCC is to determine if proposed curricula and courses are within the
scope of the stated purpose of the university and of the college, school or department concerned as
required by the AOPs of the University. Any addition, modification, or deletion to a course, degree, or
program offered through traditional semester format (fall or spring semester, or summer school), or
through the Center for Distance Education must follow the approval process as described in the
Guide and Format. Additions, deletions, or modifications cannot be made by the Registrar's Office
or the Center for Distance Education without following the approval process. This applies to all
course or degree additions, deletions, or modifications. Modifications are defined as any change to a
current course, degree, or program in an area/item described in the Guide and Format (i.e. content,
title, number, description, method of delivery, method of evaluation, etc.). Addition, deletion or
modification of a course, degree, or program will become effective the semester following final
approval. It is only at this point that the change can be advertised in MSU publications.

PROCESSING ORDER
Proposals are processed in the following order:
1. Department/Unit Faculty.
2. College/School Curriculum Committee(s).
3. Dean of College/School.
4. University Committee on Courses and Curricula.
5. Graduate Council (if proposal is an addition, modification, or deletion of a graduate
program).
6. Academic Deans Council.1
7. Board of Trustees of the Institutes of Higher Learning. 2

The Board of Trustees (IHL) has specific guidelines that direct the process and guidelines for
additions, specific modifications, and deletions of academic degree programs. Degree proposal must
be developed in the format specified by IHL. These guidelines may be found on the Board’s website:
http://www.mississippi.edu/oasa/downloads/academic_and_administrative_guidelines.pdf and in
Appendix C. These new guidelines are also reflected in degree modifications not requiring Board
approval. The dates, deadlines, and requirements listed in IHL’s administrative guideline
manual are subject to be changed by IHL. Departments submitting degree proposals must
follow the dates, deadlines, and requirements that have been adopted by IHL.

Any addition, modification, or deletion to a course or degree listed in the bulletin must follow
the approval process and will become effective the semester following final approval.

1A curriculum or course-change proposal that has been recommended by the University Committee on
Courses and Curricula (and the Graduate Council for graduate matters) is formally considered by the
Academic Deans Council only if, after due notice and within the time specified (14 days), a question has been
raised by a member of the Council. In that circumstance, the necessary copies of the proposal will be
supplied to the Council by the University Committee on Courses and Curricula.
2Proposals for new degree programs must be submitted to the Board in accordance with the specified

timetable. Proper planning must begin early to allow time necessary for a proposal to be approved through
all specified administrative levels.

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SUBMISSIONS OF PROPOSALS

Program proposals (degree proposals, certificates, and minors) should be submitted by the
department/school, with the Administrative Approval Form, to the College or School Curriculum
committee via paper copy. Course proposals are submitted online through the UCCC website. Each
proposal must contain a letter of support from the departmental/school faculty. All course
additions, modifications, and deletions must be submitted at the same time as the degree addition or
modification proposal.

PROCESSING TIME

Proposals must pass through steps to gain final administrative approval. It is imperative
that an academic unit allow sufficient time for the proposal to be reviewed at each level. The
development of proposals should start early in the academic year, and the proposal should be
submitted as soon as possible to insure that approval can be acquired prior to the desired date of
offering.

The minimum time to be expected in gaining final approval after the proposal has been
submitted at the college level is approximately three months (excluding the summer months).
Academic units should submit proposals at least four months prior to the deadline for
inclusion in the Master Schedule for the effective semester.

ACADEMIC OPERATING POLICIES PERTAINING TO THE UCCC

The following are definitions and policies used to guide the UCCC in evaluating the merits of
courses and degree programs. Please refer to these as you develop proposals for review.

1. AOP 10.08 – Classroom Regulations

2. AOP 10.16 – Distance Education

3. AOP 11.04 – Split Level Combined Undergraduate/Graduate Courses

4. AOP 12.07 – Student Honor Code Policy

5. AOP 12.08 – Requirements for Degrees, Academic Minors, and Certificate Programs

6. AOP 12.09 – Class Attendance and Reporting Absences

7. AOP 12.11 – Degree Requirements-Undergraduate

8. AOP 13.03 – Faculty Responsibilities in Instruction and Curriculum

AOPs are available at http://www.policies.msstate.edu/

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DECISIONS MADE BY THE UCCC

Various decisions can be made by the UCCC on courses and degree proposals the committee
reviews. The following are the specific decisions that can be made. Examples are also provided as to
why the UCCC made a certain decision.

1. Passed -The proposal is forwarded to the Academic Deans Council for review (via the
Graduate Council if the proposal involves graduate study). The contact persons listed on
the proposals will be notified when the proposals are placed on an agenda. Contact the
UCCC office at any time to determine the status of a proposal.

2. Passed Contingent - Some proposals contain minor deficiencies or need minor revision(s)
that the UCCC Chair could oversee and approve. An e-mail will be sent to the initiator of
the proposal explaining the minor revision(s). The revisions will be made by the contact
person and the revised proposal will be resubmitted to the UCCC. The Chair then
approves the proposal (no further review by the full UCCC is necessary).

3. Tabled - A proposal was not approved by the UCCC because it required additional
clarification. The contact person will be sent an e-mail describing the deficiencies and
requested to submit the necessary information to the UCCC. The revised proposal will be
reviewed by the UCCC at the first meeting after the UCCC Office has received the revised
proposal.

4. Rejected – In certain instances, proposals may be rejected and returned to the proposal
initiator. The initiator may revise and resubmit the proposal. Proposals that are rejected
and resubmitted must go back through the complete approval process starting at the
departmental level.

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 COURSE ADDITIONS USING CIM
Using the on-line submission system (CIM), a proposal for the addition of a course to the
current offerings of a department should be submitted according to the following format:

BASIC COURSE INFORMATION (Gray Box)

1. TITLE

Provide a complete title for the new course. If the course title is over 30 characters,
another box will appear to provide a 30 character (maximum) abbreviation for this
course. This abbreviated title will appear on transcripts, grade reports, and other
official documents.

2. SUBJECT PREFIX

Select the appropriate subject prefix from drop-down menu. NOTE: Cross-listed
courses will require a separate proposal for each subject prefix.

3. COURSE NUMBER

Identify the proposed course number for the new course. NOTE: If a 4000-level or a
6000-level course is proposed, a box will appear if this a split-level course. Only one
proposal is needed for a split level course.

All course numbers consist of four digits, of which the first (left) digit indicates the
level of preparation required (see Table 1) and the fourth (right) digit indicates the
number of semester hours. The two middle digits are reserved for the departments to
distinguish one course from another. A fourth digit of zero (0) means that credit is
variable and is to be fixed in consultation with the professor, e.g., ACC 4000, Directed
Individual Study.

If a course number is proposed that is not available, a box will pop up that explains
that the course code is not unique. A proposal may not be submitted until a new
course code is selected. If assistance is needed in finding a new course number,
contact the UCCC Office. Based on the course number provided, the number of credit
hours will be filled in a box further down the form.

4
 Table 1. Parameters to follow for course numbering.

Developmental 0000 Remedial courses for which credit is not applicable toward a
degree.
Freshman 1000 Lower Division Bachelor’s Credit -- Courses designed for
or or freshmen and sophomores that may be taught by a
Sophomore 2000 community college and transferred to a four-year college or
university.
Junior 3000 Upper Division -- Courses open to juniors and seniors and
or or not normally open to freshman and sophomores. Courses
Senior 4000 may not be taught at a community college.
Professional 5000 5th Year Division -- Courses generally open to fifth-year
students in five-year programs (e.g., veterinary medicine,
architecture.)
Graduate 6000 Split level courses only; undergraduate credit for 4000 level
and graduate credit for 6000 level.
Graduate 8000 Courses for graduate credit only.
or
9000

4. DEPARTMENT

Select appropriate department offering the proposed course from drop-down menu.
(This box may prepopulate based on the prefix.)

5. COLLEGE OR SCHOOL

Select appropriate college or school offering the proposed course from drop-down
menu. (This box may prepopulate based on the prefix.)

6. CONTACT PERSON

A contact person, telephone number, and e-mail address must be listed for all
proposals should questions arise regarding the proposal and to make notification
regarding the decision of the proposal.

7. DATE SUBMITTED

This date will be automatically generated once the proposal is submitted.

8. EFFECTIVE DATE

Select from drop-down menu the semester and year for offering course.

A new course becomes effective the semester following approval by the Academic
Deans Council unless a later effective date is indicated on the course proposal.
Departments must keep this fact in mind when students are pre-registering for the
next semester. Effective dates will not be back-dated.

5
 Note: The minimum time to be expected in gaining final approval after the
proposal has been submitted at the college level is approximately three months
(excluding the summer months).

Proposals submitted in November or December may not receive final approval in time
to offer the course for Spring Semester, and the same for proposals submitted in
March and April for the Fall Semester, and Summer Terms.

In the event that a course is not approved prior to the compilation of the Master
Schedule, the “Special Topics” course (at the appropriate level, and with a similar
title) may be used to temporarily offer the class. If the actual course is subsequently
approved prior to pre-registration, the course may be changed to the new course from
special topics by contacting the Office of the Registrar. However, it is the responsibility
of the instructor (or Department) to contact the Registrar to initiate the move; it will
not be done automatically upon approval of the new course. A link for the special
topic eForm is located on the UCCC website.

NOTE: Once students are registered in the “Special Topics” course, this change
will not be made.

9. PROPOSED CIP NUMBER

In accordance with Board of Trustees reporting requirements, each course and each
degree program is assigned a six-digit classification number according to the CIP
scheme developed by the National Center for Educational Statistics. The CIP numbers
are used in numerous kinds of reporting to the Board, and every course must be
assigned a number since the system classifies programs and courses by this number.
A CIP number must be recommended for each new course or program proposed; in
addition, if a department proposes to modify an existing course, it must either reaffirm
the previously assigned number or, if the modification would alter the context
sufficiently, recommend the appropriate new CIP number. Click on “Find” to assist in
finding the appropriate CIP number for the proposed course.

NOTE: A course cross-listed with two or more subject prefixes MUST have the
same CIP number in all listings. If you have questions concerning CIP numbers,
contact the UCCC Office.

10. CAMPUS(ES)

Please check ALL campuses where the department intends to offer the proposed
course. If checked that the course will be offered as Online/Distance Education, it
must also indicate this is a distance education course in the next question and answer
additional questions regarding this proposal

11. IS AN ONLINE/DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSE?

Check either “yes” or “no” to indicate if this course proposal will be offered through the
Center for Distance Education. If “yes” is checked, additional questions will appear
below to answer regarding this course proposal.
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 12. IS A CORE COURSE? (GENERAL EDUCATION COURSE)

Check either “yes” or “no” to indicate if this course proposal should be considered for
the General Education Core. If “yes” is checked, additional questions will appear
below to answer regarding this course proposal.

COURSE DETAILS

1. CATALOG DESCRIPTION

The catalog description should contain the following information: (a) any prerequisites;
(b) hours of lecture and/or laboratory; (c) catalog description in 48 words or less;
and, (d) for any course that is cross-listed, in parenthesis: (Same as . . .).

❖ An example of a three hour course, all lecture, no prerequisites and no

cross-listing for ACC 2013 – Principles of Financial Accounting:

Three hours lecture. Financial accounting fundamentals including accounting

cycle, accounting systems, cash flow, assets, liabilities, equity, and forms of
business organizations. Honors section available.

❖ An example of a three hour course that requires a prerequisite, and the

course is cross-listed with another department:

(Prerequisite: EN 1113 or equivalent). Three hours lecture. A multidisciplinary

analysis of public policy issues involving engineering and technology and the
use of policy science to explore complex policy issues. (Same as PS 2713).

Note: Because of the cross-listing, an accompanying proposal from the

Department of Political Science and Public Administration must be sent
along with the proposal for GE 2713. It would contain the same
information, except the GE 2713 and PS 2713 would be interchanged.

7
 ❖ An example of a split-level course with a lecture and a laboratory component
for GR 4303/6303 – Principles of GIS:

(Prerequisite: Junior or graduate standing or consent of instructor). Two hours

lecture and two hours laboratory. Spatial analysis and topological relationships
of geographic data using Geographic Information Systems, with emphasis on
GIS theory.

❖ An example of a course that requires a prerequisite and a co-requisite (co-

enrollment) for ME 3404 – Materials for Mechanical Engineering Design:

(Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in CH 1223 and EM 2413, corequisite EM

3213). Three hours lecture. Behavior, testing and processing of engineering
materials. Emphasis is placed on the inter-relation of design with processing
and material selection.

❖ An example of a course requiring a co-requisite: (These courses no longer exist

– it is for example purposes only). Example – FO 3102 – Computer
Applications in Forest Resources and FO 3101 – Computer Applications in
Forest Resources Lab.

(Co-requisite: FO 3101). Two hours lecture. Application of microcomputer

concepts in forest resources with emphasis in Forestry, and general and
professional software packages in professional settings. (the lecture course)

(Co-requisite: FO 3102). Two hours laboratory. Practice and demonstration of

general and professional software packages used in upper level courses and
professional settings in Forest Resources. (the accompanying laboratory
course)

❖ An example of a course with variable credit for MGT 4000 – Directed

Individual Study:

(Prerequisite: Junior standing). Hours and credits to be arranged.

❖ An example of an internship or practicum: (This course no longer exist – it is

for example purposes only). Example: PE 3283 – Athletic Training Practicum I.

(Prerequisites: PE 1783 and consent of instructor). Three hours practicum. A

supervised work experience of 375 hours; interacting with intramural sports
teams is required.

2. MAY THE COURSE BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT?

Indicate if the course may be repeated for credit. If it may be repeated for credit, use
the drop down to indicate how many times.

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3. GRADE MODE

Using the drop down, indicate if the course is using normal grading or pass/fail.

4. METHOD OF INSTRUCTION

NOTE: Only one Method of Instruction Code is assigned and should be based on
the majority of time spent in the class. Multiple Methods of Instruction may only
be chosen if the course has a lab component. Select the appropriate Method of
Instruction Code(s) from Table 2.

Table 2. Methods of instruction codes.

Code Name Description

A Study Abroad course instruction or academic work that takes
place in a country other than the United States
students receive structured units of information
and accompanying material through direct contact
B Lecture/Lab with the instructor as well as receive supplemental
instruction in a classroom/lab setting conducive to
the practical application of relevant principles and
concepts. (Lab hours divided by 2 must be greater
than lecture hours)
students receive structured units of information
C Lecture and accompanying material through direct contact
with the instructor; typically considered the
traditional classroom.
students study a particular subject and do
D Dissertation or Thesis individualized original research under the
guidance of an instructor and work toward
completing a scholarly research document.
short-term work experience, usually related to a
E Dir. Exp Study, Pract., student’s major field that is supervised by persons
Co-Op experienced in the discipline that consists of study
and/or practical experience.
short-term work experience requiring students in
F Student Teaching Field the education discipline to teach under the direct
Exp. supervision of persons experienced in the teaching
profession
short-term work experience, usually related to a
student’s major field that is supervised by persons
H Clinical Instruction experienced in the discipline and focuses on the
practical application of concepts and principles;
typically associated with biological, physical, and
other sciences.
academic work chosen or designed by the
individual student with the approval of the
I Dir, Indiv. Study, Spec. department concerned, under an instructor's
Prob. supervision, and usually conducted outside the
classroom structure; typically one on one
interaction.
9
 students study in a classroom/lab setting
Non Credit Producing conducive to the practical application of concepts
K Lab and principles; typically associated with biological,
physical, and other sciences. Lab is linked to a
lecture (of the same course number) and in which
lab work is generally graded and factored into the
lecture grade.
students study in a classroom/lab setting
L Laboratory conducive to the practical application of concepts
and principles; typically associated with biological,
physical, and other sciences. A lab grade is
assigned apart from the lecture grade.
students receive structured units of information
M Correspondence and accompanying material completely through
the mail different from distance learning.
N Study Out- of-State course instruction or academic work that takes
place in a U.S. state other than Mississippi.
Studio students study in a classroom/lab setting
Q conducive to the practical application of visual and
performing arts such as art, music, dance, etc.
Study of a particular subject and individualized
S Seminar original research under the guidance of an
instructor and exchange of results by informal
lectures and discussions.
*Use only if laboratory hours ÷ 2 > lecture hours

5. METHOD OF DELIVERY

The method of delivery must also be included in course additions or modifications.

See Table 3 for Method of Delivery Codes. Faculty may select multiple methods of
delivery for new course proposals.

Table 3. Methods of delivery codes

Code Name Description

F Face to face course instruction and structured units of
information delivered in person by the instructor.
course instruction and structured units of
I Interactive Video information delivered by compressed or interactive
video.
Online, Internet, Web- course instruction and structured units of
O based information delivered by using on line, Internet or
web-based methods.
Other Distance course instruction and structured units of
X Learning information delivered by other means if distance
learning.

10
6. DETAILED COURSE SYLLABUS

A detailed course syllabus with contact hours must be attached to each course
proposal. Guidelines for what should be included in the syllabus can be found in AOP
13.03 – Faculty Responsibilities in Instruction and Curriculum and on the UCCC
website under “Syllabi Examples.” The syllabus is attached using the green button
provided in the on-line submission system. An example of a suggested syllabus
format with required content is located at Syllabus Template Final Draft REV Aug 17.PDF

If online/distance education is part of the course addition, also include the

online/distance education information needed by online/distance students in
the revised syllabus.

Every course and laboratory syllabus must also include sufficient information
necessary to judge the quality, depth, and scope of the course. In addition, it must
indicate the period of time to be spent on each major topic in clock-hour units.

Even though the ultimate purpose of these outlines is to inform students who may
already be familiar with the subject area and terminology, not all UCCC members
possess such familiarity. Therefore, both clarity and thoroughness are needed.

For example, the following generic topic outline provides contact hours for a 2-credit
lecture course (contact hours add to 30):

I. Major Topic (5 contact hours)

A. Topic
B. Topic
II. Major Topic (5 contact hours)
A. Topic
1. Sub-topic
2. Sub-topic
B. Topic
III. Major Topic (6 contact hours)
A. Topic
B. Topic
C. Topic
D. Topic
IV. Major Topic (3 contact hours)
V. Major Topic (8 contact hours)
A. Topic
1. Sub-topic
2. Sub-topic
B. Topic
C. Topic
D. Topic
1. Sub-topic
2. Sub-topic
E. Topic
VI. Major Topic (3 contact hours)

NOTE: For major topics with more than three contact hours, detail should be
11
provided on the topics and sub-topics to be covered.
The following example of a topic outline (for the same 2-credit lecture course) is not
acceptable. Too little detail is provided on the amount of time spent on the material
covered in the course.

I. Major Topic (5 contact hours)

II. Major Topic (5 contact hours)
III. Major Topic (6 contact hours)
IV. Major Topic (3 contact hours)
V. Major Topic (8 contact hours)
VI. Major Topic (3 contact hours)

NOTE: Each credit hour of a laboratory, studio, etc. requires two or more contact
hours per week, i.e., a minimum of 30 contact hours per semester for each hour
of credit.

CONTACT HOURS
1 credit (lecture) = 15 contact hours
1 credit (lab/studio) = 30 contact hours

• A 3 credit (lecture) course must have a minimum of 45 contact hours. Generally, 3

class meetings (MWF) or 2 class meetings (TTH) per week.
Written as “Three hours lecture.”

• A 2 credit (lab/studio) course must have a minimum of 60 contact hours. Generally,

4 hours on 1 day or divided between 2 days.
Written as “Four hours laboratory/studio.”

• A 3 credit (lecture/lab) course must have a minimum of 60 (30 lecture and 30 lab)
contact hours. Generally, 2 class meetings of lecture and 2 class meetings of
laboratory.
Written as “Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory.”

• A three credit hour course that meets only twice per week must show a minimum of
30 classes per semester. If a proposed course is intended to meet twice per week,
this sentence must be included at the top of the outline or syllabus -- “The course will
meet twice per week for 1 ¼ hours per lecture.”

• The total number of contact hours may include time for tests, reviews, and the final
exam.

• If your proposed course differs from the above examples (experiential learning, study
abroad, internships, etc.), contact the UCCC Chair or UCCC Office to ensure you
have indicated the correct number of contact hours based on the required
credit/contact hour ratio.

7. JUSTIFICATION

A statement that explains the need for the proposed course, its expected enrollment
including the basis for this prediction, and how an existing curriculum will benefit
from including this course.
12
8. TARGET AUDIENCE

All course proposals must include detailed information on the target audience
(professionals, military personnel, high school students, higher education students at
other institutions, etc.) and who (distance only, or any student) will be allowed to
enroll in the course or degree program.

9. LETTER OF SUPPORT

A letter of support must be included with the course proposal. The letter of
support should be written by the department curriculum committee chair or the
degree program coordinator if a department doesn’t have a curriculum committee. The
names of all the committee members or department/program faculty should be
included. Committee/faculty members should indicate their approval by signing the
letter. An account of the availability of staff, library support, any laboratories or
equipment required, and of the availability of funds for setting up and continuing the
course should be included in the proposal. Potential conflicts should be addressed.

13
 COURSE DELETION USING CIM
A proposal for DELETION of a course should be submitted for any course that is being
dropped from the curriculum in which it had been included and from the course offerings of the
department in which it had been offered.

After logging into the system, select the course that is to be deleted. A button will appear on
the left, highlighted in red that says “Delete Course.” Click that button and a new window will open.

There will be information from Banner that will pre-populate this window. Required boxes will
be outlines in red and must be completed in order for the proposal to be submitted.

A proposal for DELETION of a course must include:

1. CONTACT PERSON

A contact person, telephone number, and e-mail address must be listed for all proposals
should questions arise regarding the proposal and to make notification regarding the
decision of the proposal.

2. JUSTIFICATION FOR THIS REQUEST

Provide a brief justification for the deletion of the course. If appropriate, include an
explanation of how the students that are required to take the course will be
accommodated.

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

Indicate the proposed effective date of the course deletion. A course deletion becomes
effective the semester following approval by the Academic Deans Council unless a later
effective date is indicated.

4. EFFECT ON OTHER COURSES AND PROGRAMS

Please list all programs and/or courses affected by the deletion. A proposal for deletion of
a course that forms a significant part of the requirements (or the specified electives) of
another department should be accompanied by a letter from the head(s) of the affected
department(s) stating their reactions to the proposed deletion.

A proposal for deletion of a course that is listed as a pre-requisite for another course
taught by the same department should be accompanied by a course modification proposal
reflecting the elimination of that pre-requisite. If the course to be deleted is listed as a
pre-requisite for a course, or courses, outside of the department, then the proposal should
be accompanied by a letter from the head(s) of the affected department(s) stating their
reactions to the proposed deletion.

5. Deletion course proposals have a shortened workflow (department head, dean, UCCC
Chair, Deans Council/Provost). Deletion course proposals do not require UCCC approval
and are therefore not placed on UCCC agendas

14
5. LETTER OF SUPPORT

A letter of support must be included with the course proposal. The letter of support
should be written by the department curriculum committee chair or the degree program
coordinator if a department doesn’t have a curriculum committee. The names of all the
committee members or department/program faculty should be included.
Committee/faculty members should indicate their approval by signing the letter.

15
 COURSE MODIFICATIONS USING CIM
After logging into the system, select the course from your department to be modified. A radio
button will appear on the right, highlighted in green that says “Modify Course.” Click on that button
and a new window will open. There will be information from Banner that will pre-populate this
window.

Scrolling down the form, note some boxes are outlined in red. Please provide the requested
information in these boxes in order for the proposal to be considered:

BASIC COURSE INFORMATION (Gray Box)

1. TITLE

Provide modified title for the course, if necessary. Modify the abbreviated title, if
necessary, to correspond with the proposed new title for the course.

Generally, a change in the title of a course is accompanied by a change in the course

description and/or the course content. Indicate the reason for the title modification
under “Itemized List and Description of Changes”.

2. SUBJECT PREFIX

Select new subject prefix from drop-down menu, if necessary. NOTE: Cross-listed
courses will require a separate proposal for each prefix. Detail the reason(s) for a
change in the course symbol under “Itemized List and Description of Changes”. If the
symbol change reflects a shift in responsibility for the course to another department,
then the proposal should include a letter from the new department acknowledging and
supporting the change.

3. COURSE NUMBER

Modify course number, if necessary. NOTE: If proposing a 4000-level or a 6000-level

course, a box will appear asking if this is a split-level course.

Remember the following if you change the course number:

First Digit: Describes how the course content and/or delivery will change to reflect
the change in course level indicated by a change in the first digit of the course.

Second and Third Digit: Indicate why it is necessary to change these digits. Please
keep in mind that some course numbers may not be available for use.

Fourth Digit: A change in the fourth digit signifies an increase or decrease in credit
hours for the course.

4. DEPARTMENT

Modify the department from drop-down menu, if necessary. This should only be done
if responsibility for the course changes.

16
5. COLLEGE OR SCHOOL

Modify the college or school from drop-down menu, if necessary. This should only be
done if responsibility for the course changes.

6. CONTACT PERSON

A contact person, telephone number, and e-mail address must be listed for all
proposals should questions arise regarding the proposal and to make notification
regarding the decision of the proposal.

7. DATE SUBMITTED

This date will be automatically generated once the proposal is submitted.

8. EFFECTIVE DATE

Select from drop-down menu the semester and year for the modified course to go into
effect. A new course becomes effective the semester following approval by the
Academic Deans Council unless a later effective date is indicated. Departments must
keep this fact in mind when students are pre-registering for the next semester.
Effective dates will not be back-dated.

Note: The minimum time to be expected in gaining final approval after the
proposal has been submitted at the college level is approximately three months
(excluding the summer months).

Proposals submitted in November or December may not receive final approval in time
to offer the course for Spring Semester, and the same for proposals submitted in
March and April for the Fall Semester, and Summer Terms.

17
 9. CIP NUMBER

Depending on the degree of change, a new CIP number may be warranted. Click on
“Find” to assist in finding the appropriate CIP number. If no CIP number was initially
identified, please identify the appropriate CIP number to use.

NOTE: A course cross-listed with two or more symbols MUST have the same CIP
number in all listings. If you have questions concerning CIP numbers, contact
the UCCC Office.

10. CAMPUS(ES)

Please check ALL campuses where the department intends to offer the proposed
course. If modifying or adding campuses in which the course will be offered, then a
letter of support should be provided from that campus.

11. IS AN ONLINE/DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSE?

Check either “yes” or “no” to indicate if this course modification will be offered through
the Center for Distance Education. If “yes” is checked, additional questions will
appear below to answer regarding this course proposal.

12. IS A CORE COURSE? (GENERAL EDUCATION COURSE)

Check either “yes” or “no” to indicate if this course modification should be considered
for the General Education Core. If “yes” is checked, additional questions will appear
below to answer regarding this course proposal.

COURSE DETAILS

1. CATALOG DESCRIPTION

The current catalog description from Banner will be prepopulated in this box. Make
changes, as necessary, to include the modified catalog description. Faculty members
must attach the current and modified syllabus to indicate changes to the catalog
descriptions of the course.

Prerequisites must be written clearly to avoid students taking unnecessary or

inappropriate courses. Use of words such as “both” or “either” will improve clarity.

2. MAY THE COURSE BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT?

Indicate if the course may be repeated for credit. If it may be repeated for credit, use t
drop down to indicate how many times.

18
 3. GRADE MODE

Using the drop down, indicate if the course is using normal grading or pass/fail.

COURSE MODIFICATION

1. ITEMIZED LIST AND DESCRIPTION OF CHANGES

Provide an itemized list of the proposed changes to the course. This will help
committee members find the recommended changes as they review the modification

2. COURSE CONTENT

Briefly describe how the content of the modified course if different from the course as
it is currently offered.

3. EFFECT ON OTHER COURSES

Please list all the programs and/or courses affected by the modification. A proposal
for modification of a course that forms a significant part of the requirements (or the
specified electives) of another department should be accompanied by a letter from the
head(s) of the affected department(s) stating their reactions to the proposed
modification.

A proposal for modification of a course that is listed as a pre-requisite for another

course taught by the same department should be accompanied by a course
modification proposal reflecting the elimination of that pre-requisite. If the course to
be modified is listed as a pre-requisite for a course, or courses, outside of the
department, then the proposal should be accompanied by a letter from the head(s) of
the affected department(s) stating their reactions to the proposed modification

Failure to include appropriate documentation may result in the proposal being

tabled.

4. METHOD OF INSTRUCTION

Please indicate the new method of instruction for this course, if necessary.

5. METHOD OF DELIVERY

Please indicate the new method(s) of delivery for this course, if necessary.

6. CURRENT COURSE SYLLABUS

A detailed current course syllabus that includes contact hours must be attached to
each course proposal. Guidelines for what should be included in the syllabus can be
found in AOP 13.03 – Faculty Responsibilities in Instruction and Curriculum. An
example of a suggested syllabus format with required content is located at Syllabus
Template Final Draft REV Aug 17.PDF

19
7. WILL THE SYLLABUS BE REVISED?

Indicate if the syllabus will be revised. If the syllabus will be revised, attach one
syllabus that contains all of the information necessary for all methods of delivery.
Include the contact hours and other changes in the revised syllabus. Add
online/distance information to the revised syllabus if the addition of online/distance
education is part of the course modification.

8. JUSTIFICATION

Present detailed reasons for the proposed modifications. In particular, address the
manner in which these modifications improve the course and/or benefit the
curriculum.

9. TARGET AUDIENCE

All distance learning course proposals must include detailed information on the target
audience (professionals, military personnel, high school students, higher education
students at other institutions, etc.) and who (distance only, or any student) will be
allowed to enroll in the course or degree program.

10. LETTER OF SUPPORT

A letter of support must be included with the course proposal. The letter of
support should be written by the department curriculum committee chair or the
degree program coordinator if a department does not have a curriculum committee.
The names of all the committee members or department/program faculty should be
included. Committee/faculty members should indicate their approval by signing the
letter.

20
 COURSE APPROVALS FOR ONLINE/DISTANCE LEARNING
USING CIM
Courses may be offered through the Center for Distance Education. Before any course can be
offered through the Center for Distance Education, it must be approved by the appropriate
curriculum committees, the UCCC, and the Academic Dean’s Council.

Departments may propose new courses to be taught through the Center for Distance
Education or may modify current courses to be taught through the Center for Distance Education.
Depending on the nature of the course, faculty will either use the “Propose New Course” form to seek
approval for a new course to be offered through the Center for Distance Learning or select the
appropriate course to modify in the on-line system for distance learning.

Regardless of which form is used, most of the information in the gray box will remain the
same except for the following:

1. Under Campus(es), make sure Campus 5, Distance is checked.

2. Check “Yes” to the question “Is a online/distance learning course?” When checking
“Yes”, additional questions will appear below that need to be answered regarding the
proposal.

3. When proposing a NEW course include distance learning information in the syllabus,
and when proposing the MODIFICATION of an existing course, include online/distance
education information in the revised syllabus.

4. The following questions will appear when the online/distance question is checked “yes.”

How will the instructor engage in appropriate communication with individual

online/distance students (i.e. office hours, after class discussions, etc.)?

How will online/distance students interact with their peers?

What will be the differences in the face to face and the online versions of the course?

What is the justification for the online/distance learning offering?

5. All online/distance learning course proposals must include detailed information on

the measures that will be put in place to deter academic misconduct (random ordered
questions, time sensitive quizzes & exams, proctored exams, photo IDs, new or revised
exams for each semester, etc.).

6. Online/distance learning course and degree proposals must also include detailed
information on the target audience (professionals, military personnel, high school
students, higher education students at other institutions, etc.) and who (distance only,
or any student) will be allowed to enroll in the course or degree program.

7. Campus 1 students should never find that their only option is to take a required course
or a core curriculum course through Campus 5. The only exception could be if the
normally offered campus 1 sections are full. However, departments are not allowed to

21
reduce the number of seats/sections of a main campus course in order to offer a
distance learning section.

22
 SPECIAL TOPICS COURSE PROPOSALS USING EFORMS
The purpose of a “Special Topics” course is to provide faculty an opportunity to offer a course
on a trial basis. Through the “Special Topics” course, faculty will have a better understanding of
student’s interest and need for the course, and the information needed to fully develop the course.
This would include the course content, methods of evaluation, textbooks and reading lists, and
delivery of the course. Only one form is needed for split level courses.

“Special Topics” courses may be offered twice (regardless of campus offering) and must be
approved by the UCCC Chair each time the course is offered. If there is a need or demand for the
course to be offered again, the course should be developed as a course addition according to the
UCCC’s guidelines. Changing or modifying the course name will not be sufficient for it to be offered
again as a Special Topics course.

Departments that wish to offer “Special Topics” submit their proposals via an e-Form on
Banner. A link to the eForm is located on the UCCC website. The steps for submitting a “Special
Topic” course is as follows:

1. After logging in with a NetID, your name, NetID, MSU ID, Department, Title, and
Campus Mailstop will self-populate the Contact Information section of the eForm. Enter
the e-mail address and phone number.

2. In the Course Information section, select the term, enter a subject prefix, and select a
course number. Click the add button in the section.

New boxes will appear. Select the Credit Hours, Grade Mode, Method of Instruction,
Delivery Method, Campus, and indicate if the course is Split Level.

In the marked boxes, enter the Subtitle, Course Description, Idea or Reasoning,
Detailed Course Outline, Detailed Course Syllabus, and indicate if the course is cross
listed. If the text in the boxes is larger than 4,000 characters, attach a file under Notes
and Attachments and type “see attachment” in the applicable box.

3. Under Notes and Attachments, if an attachment is utilized, indicate what the attachment
is under Note Text and attach the file using the Browse button. Click the add button in
the section.

4. In the Next Recipient section, enter the next person that the eForm should be routed to,
along with the Action Requested for the next recipient, either Next Recipient to
Approve or Next Recipient to Handle. Click the add button in the section. Click the
submit button at the bottom of the eForm.

DOCUMENT ROUTING

1. The Special Topic proposal must be approved by the department head, the dean, and
then routed to the University Committee on Courses and Curricula group to handle.

2. Once approved by the UCCC Chair, the faculty member who submitted the proposal will
forward a section add request eForm to the Registrar’s Group.

3. The Registrar’s office will then create the new course.

23
 TECHNICAL CHANGE PROPOSALS USING CIM
A technical change is defined as a revision to a course description and can include changing
the wording, revising the prerequisites, correcting typographical or grammatical errors, revising
transcription errors, changing errors introduced during the processing of course or departmental
proposals during the approval process, etc. In a technical change proposal, only the catalog
description may be edited, so other revisions may not be made. If a question arises about
whether a revision is a technical change, contact the UCCC Office. Acceptance of a change as
“technical” is at the discretion of the UCCC chair.

Course title changes cannot be done through a Technical Change. Technical changes do
not require committee or council consideration, but are listed on the Curriculum Change Notice
routinely provided to the Academic Deans Council.

The procedure for initiating a technical change requires the following:

1. After logging into the system, select the course for the technical change. A radio button
will appear on the right, highlighted in green that says “Technical Change.” Click on
that button and a new window will open. There will be information from Banner that
will pre-populate this window.

2. Scrolling down the page, the boxes outlined in red indicate the boxes that are required
to be populated in order for the technical change proposal to be considered.

3. Technical changes require department head, dean, UCCC chair, and Provost approval.
Technical change proposals do not require UCCC approval, and therefore are not placed
on UCCC agendas.

24
 GENERAL EDUCATION (CORE) COURSE PROPOSALS
USING CIM
PROPOSAL FORMAT

The proposal for the designation of a course as part of the MSU General Education (Core)
should include the following:

1. Follow the procedures for a Course Addition (new course for consideration) or a Course
Modification (existing course for consideration).

2. Answer “yes” to the question “Is a core course?” Additional required questions will
appear at the bottom of the form.

3. From the drop-down menu, please indicate the MSU Core Category for the proposed
course.

4. Please indicate the learning outcomes/competencies, course criteria/knowledge, and

cognitive skills students will learn from this course as it applies to the general education
core. For more information on how to answer these questions, see Appendix A.

25
 NEW DEGREE PROGRAM ADDITION
INTRODUCTION

New Degree Program Proposal must conform to the guidelines set by the Board of Trustees
(IHL) in Appendix C. The New Degree Program Proposal is reviewed by the UCCC and graduate level
degrees are also reviewed by the Graduate Council for approval before being sent to IHL. The
Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs is responsible for coordinating the development of all
new undergraduate and graduate proposals. If there are questions that are not covered by these
guidelines, please contact the UCCC office. Departments should ensure that all needed information
is provided in the New Degree Proposal. Contact the UCCC Office (5-9410) for more information on
substantive change.

NEW DEGREE PROGRAM PROPOSAL

The New Degree Program Proposal must be developed in the format specified by IHL. These
guidelines may be found on the Board’s website:
http://www.mississippi.edu/oasa/downloads/academic_and_administrative_guidelines.pdf and in
Appendix C. The dates, deadlines, and requirements listed in IHL’s administrative guideline
manual are subject to be changed by IHL in January 2020. Departments submitting degree
proposals must follow the dates, deadlines, and requirements that have been adopted by IHL.

The New Degree Program Proposal should include information on the type of degree, how it
will be administered, educational objectives, admission requirements, articulation agreements,
professional accreditation, the curriculum and course descriptions, faculty, library holdings, and
assessment procedures

All course proposals, whether for addition, deletion, or modification, associated with the
proposed new degree program must be submitted at the same time as the proposal for the program
addition. Neither course proposals nor the program proposal will be considered until all are
submitted. The new degree proposal should be accompanied by the appropriate UCCC cover page
(Appendix B).

After a degree proposal is developed and approved at the departmental level, it will be
submitted following the curriculum approval process for new programs. An outline of this process is
presented below; the outline assumes a positive evaluation at each step in the process. After a
proposal has been approved at all university levels, it will be forwarded to IHL for its meeting.

After the proposal has received the appropriate approvals, submit the original proposal to the
UCCC office. Copies of the proposals are no longer required. Please be sure to paper clip the original
proposal to the original approval form.

26
STEPS IN THE APPROVAL PROCESS

1. Development and approval of the New Degree Program Proposal (along with any new or
modified course proposals) by both the departmental faculty and Department Head.
2. Review and approval of the New Degree Program Proposal by the College Curriculum
Committee.
3. Review and approval by the College Dean.
4. Review and approval by the University Committee on Courses and Curricula (UCCC).
5. Review and approval by the Graduate Council if appropriate.
6. Review and approval by the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs.
7. Submission of the New Degree Program Proposal to IHL.

Please be aware that the entire process, from the completion of the proposals until the final approval
of the degree program by the IHL Board could take several months.

27
TIME SCHEDULE

The submission process is directed at meeting the deadlines for such set by IHL. New Degree
Program Proposals must be submitted to the IHL Board Office by the dates set in Appendix 17.

It will be necessary for the requesting department faculty to complete the the New Degree Program
Proposal, and all new course proposals simultaneously.

28
PROPOSAL ELEMENTS

1. CATALOG DESCRIPTION
The proposed new degree proposal should include the degree catalog description and
curriculum outline. Use a Curriculum Outline Table (see example below) to complete
the catalog description and curriculum outline for the new degree.

PROPOSED NEW DEGREE DESCRIPTION

Degree: Bachelor of Science
Major: Poultry Science
Concentration: Production Systems, Business Management, Processed Products, and
Pre-Veterinary Medicine
The U.S. poultry industry is a $21 billion+ business employing hundreds of thousands
of people in the United States. Mississippi ranks 4th in broiler production and is
continuing to expand. This dynamic industry employs about 20,000 Mississippians and
has approximately 3,000 poultry farming operations throughout the state. Poultry is
the number one farm revenue commodity in Mississippi. The Poultry curriculum
provides for in-depth study of scientific principles important in the production,
processing and marketing of poultry and poultry products. The curriculum is designed
with academic and experiential components to ensure that graduates are prepared to
manage people and resources vital to this important food industry. Poultry students
should also expect to develop critical thinking skills that will allow them to develop
solutions for complex real world problems as they develop their careers as managers.
The strong science content of the curriculum also makes it an excellent fit for pre-vet
students and students interested in graduate studies. The department provides one-on-
one advising for all Poultry Science students. Concentrations available are: Production
Systems, Business Management, Processed Products, and Pre-Veterinary Medicine.
Only grades of C or higher will be accepted for PO and VS courses.
CONCENTRATION DESCRIPTION

Production Systems Concentration

The technical aspects of poultry production demands knowledge of business operation,
building construction and the operation of the sophisticated equipment utilized
throughout the industry. This concentration is appropriate for students interested in
entering into a personal poultry operation or field services with large poultry
enterprises.
Required
PROPOSED CURRIUCULUM OUTLINE
Hours
English (General Education): 6
EN 1103 English Comp I or
EN 1163 Accelerated Comp I
EN 1113 English Comp II
EN 1173 Accelerated Comp II
Fine Arts (General Education): 3
Any Gen Ed course
Natural Sciences 6-8
See major/concentration

29
Extra Science (if appropriate)
See major/concentration

Math (General Education): 6-9

MA 1313
Any MA/ST Gen Ed course
Humanities (General Education): 6
Any Gen Ed course
Social/Behavioral Sciences (Gen Ed): 6
AEC 2713 Intro to Food & Resource Economics
any Social/Behavioral Gen Ed course
MAJOR CORE COURSES 45
MGT 3513 Intro to Human Resource Mgt
PO 3011 Seminar
PO 3021 Seminar
PO 3103 Genetics
PO 3313 Commercial Poultry Production
PO 3323 Poultry Judging
PO 3834 Microbiology of Food Animal Production
PO 4031 Seminar
PO 4041 Seminar
PO 4313 Management of Commercial Layers
PO 4324 Avian Reproduction
PO 4333 Broiler Production
PO 4413 Poultry Nutrition
PO 4423 Feed Manufacturing
PO 4513 Poultry Processing
PO 4523 Commercial Broiler Processing Tech
PO 4833 Avian Anatomy
PO 4843 Avian Physiology
VS 2033 Diseases of Poultry
PO 3353 Poultry Production Internship
PO 3363 Poultry Processing Internship
Oral Communication Requirement:

Satisfied by successful completion of PO 3021, 4031, and 4041

Writing Requirement:
Satisfied by successful completion of PO 4324 and 3834
Computer Literacy:
Satisfied by successful completion of PO 4324 and 3834

CONCENTRATION COURSES 42
Production Systems
ABE 1863 Engineering Technology in Agriculture
ABE 4383 Building Construction
ABE 4473 Electrical Applications
ACC 2013 Prin of Financial Accounting
AEC 3133 Intro to Agribusiness Mgt
AEC 3233 Intro to Envir. Econ and Policy
BIO 1123 Animal Biology
BIO 2113 Plant Biology

30
BL 2413 Legal Environment of Business
CH 1043 Survey of Chemistry I
EG 1143 Graphics Communication
PO 3333 Advanced Poultry Judging
PSS 3303 Soils
ST 2113 Introduction to Statistics

Total Hours 123

2. CURRICULUM OUTLINE

All course proposals, whether for addition, or modification, associated with the
proposed curriculum must be submitted at the same time as the new degree
curriculum proposal. Neither course proposals nor new degree proposals will be
considered until all are submitted.

If the new degree program includes the addition of a course, or courses, taught outside
the home department of the degree program, then the outside department(s) should be
notified and a letter of support should be requested.

New undergraduate degree proposals must demonstrate that the program adheres to the
General Education course and credit hour requirements. Also, undergraduate degree
programs must include courses that allow students to demonstrate competencies in
computer literacy, junior/senior level writing, and public speaking through the
successful completion of an individual course or several courses. Courses identified as
meeting these competency requirements must meet 50% of the general and specific
criteria outlined for the subject area (listed in Appendix A).

3. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES AND ASSESSMENT

The new degree proposal should include the expected student learning outcomes. In
addition, detail the assessment methods that will be used to evaluate the level to which
students are achieving these learning outcomes. These learning outcomes general
become part of the Institutional Effectiveness (IE) assessment at the end of the academic
year.

4. SUPPORT

A letter of support from must be included with the course proposal. The letter of
support should be written by the department curriculum committee chair or the degree
program coordinator if a department doesn’t have a curriculum committee. The names
of all the committee members or department/program faculty should be included.
Committee/faculty members should indicate their approval by signing the letter.
Describe any anticipated changes in support including personnel and material
requirements.

5. PROPOSED 4-LETTER ABBREVIATION

The abbreviation will be used for identification of the degree program in official
university reports.
31
6. TERMINOLOGY

A subcommittee of the UCCC met during the spring of 2000 to review the use of
terminology related to the curricula offered at Mississippi State University. A major
objective of the subcommittee was to provide a recommendation for the standard
subdivisions of the degree programs offered at MSU, and a definition of the terms used
to describe these subdivisions. The subcommittee proposed, and the full committee
accepted, the following definitions of terms, and their usage (See AOP 12.08 for
additional information):

Degree - is the most general designation assigned to a four (or five)-year undergraduate
program of study. The degree is usually awarded by a College or School.

Major - is a subdivision of a degree. The major usually resides within a Department.

Further subdivisions of the major should maintain at least two thirds of the total credit
hours required to complete that major as a common “core” requirement.

Concentration - is a subdivision of a major. It is a formal and coherent grouping of

courses beyond the core of the major that allows a student to focus on a specialty area.
The courses set aside for individual options should not comprise more than one third of
the total credit hours needed to complete a major.

Emphasis - is an informal grouping of courses within a concentration that provides a

direction for advisors and students wishing to pursue a particular aspect of their chosen
concentration. Emphasis are not tracked or indicated on the student’s transcript.

Minor - is a formal and coherent grouping of courses primarily outside the major
designed to provide the student with specialized training. Minors are offered, and
administered, by a department in an already-established area of study (recognized by
the existence of a major, or course prefix), and are not generally available to students
pursuing a major within the same department.

Certificate - is a formal and coherent grouping of courses taken outside the context of a
degree program. If completed within a degree program it is usually considered a minor.

7. EFFECTIVE DATE

A new degree program becomes effective the semester following approval by the Provost
and IHL Board unless a later effective date is indicated. Departments must keep this
fact in mind when students are pre-registering for the next semester. Effective dates
will not be back-dated. New degree programs may not be advertised in MSU
publication, including web-sites, until approval is received from the Provost and IHL
Board.

8. CIP NUMBER

Please contact your dean’s office or the UCCC Office to secure the proper CIP number
for the degree proposal.

32
 DEGREE PROGRAM DELETION
PROPOSAL FORMAT

A proposal for deletion of a degree program should be submitted for any degree program that is
being discontinued from the offerings of a department or unit and must conform to guidelines set by
the Board of Trustees (IHL) in Appendix C.

A proposal for deletion of a degree program must include:

1. An “Approval Form for Degree Programs" listing the name and brief description of the
program (Appendix B).

2. A justification for deletion.

3. A statement indicating the exact number of students, both full- and part-time, currently
enrolled in the program along with the specific arrangements that have been made to
accommodate their needs to complete the degree program. A "phase out plan" must be
included in the statement.

4. A statement indicating the impact that the deletion is expected to have on faculty,
departmental resources, etc.

5. Any additional information that the department/unit deems necessary.

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

One “Approval Form for Degree Programs" (Appendix B) should accompany the original copy of
the proposal, Paper-clip the original approval form to the original proposal.

NOTE: Degree program deletions must be submitted to the IHL to gain final approval
after "on campus" approval is acquired.

EFFECTIVE DATE

A degree program deletion becomes effective the semester following approval by the IHL Board
unless a later effective date is indicated. Departments must keep this fact in mind when students
are pre-registering for the next semester. Effective dates will not be back-dated.

33
 DEGREE NAME CHANGE
PROPOSAL FORMAT

A request to change the name of a degree should be submitted through the normal curriculum
approval process on campus. The degree name change proposal must conform to the guidelines set
by the Board of Trustees (IHL) in Appendix C. Technically, a name change is considered a degree
program modification. Once the request has been approved on campus it must be placed on IHL
agenda for final review and approval. Upon receiving Board approval, the change is officially
reported to the Office of the Provost at MSU. It is only at this point that the change can be
advertised in MSU publications. See IHL deadlines at
http://www.mississippi.edu/oasa/downloads/academic_guidelines_calendar.pdf

PROPOSAL ELEMENTS

1. CURRENT TITLE AND DESCRIPTION

Identify the current name of the degree program and include the current catalog
description of the degree program.

2. PROPOSED TITLE AND DESCRIPTION

Identify the proposed new name of the degree program and include the proposed catalog
description of the modified degree name.

3. JUSTIFICATION

Include a detailed explanation the department/school rationale for changing the degree
program name.

4. RELATION TO EXISTING CURRICULA

Address relationship to programs at MSU and, if appropriate, elsewhere in state-

supported institutions. Include such other information that will enable members of the
UCCC to understand and judge the proposal fairly.

5. PROPOSED 4-LETTER ABBREVIATION

The abbreviation will be used for identification of the degree program in official
university reports.

6. EFFECTIVE DATE

A degree program name change becomes effective the semester following approval by the
IHL Board unless a later effective date is indicated. Departments must keep this fact in
mind when students are pre-registering for the next semester. Effective dates will not
be back-dated.

34
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

One "Approval Form for Degree Programs" (Appendix B) should accompany the original copy of
the proposal. Paper clip the original approval form to the original proposal.

35
 DEGREE PROGRAM MODIFICATION

PROPOSAL FORMAT

Most program revisions may be handled by a degree program modification that will go through
the regular UCCC workflow and do not require IHL review/approval. However, if over 50% of the
courses in a curriculum will be deleted, modified, or added, then the guidelines for addition of a new
program (and concurrent deletion of the old program) should be followed. If a program is modified to
such an extent that a new CIP number is needed, then IHL requires the modification to be treated as
if a new degree program is being added. Board approval is required before the new program may be
offered or advertised.

If a program modification requires Board approval, the program proposal must be developed in
the format specified by IHL. The Board of Trustees will consider degree modifications at its April (Feb
1st deadline) and October (July 1st deadline) meetings. Guidelines for degree modifications may be
found on the Board’s website
http://www.mississippi.edu/oasa/downloads/academic_and_administrative_guidelines.pdf and in
Appendix C. The dates, deadlines, and requirements listed in IHL’s administrative guideline
manual are subject to be changed by IHL. Departments submitting degree proposals must
follow the dates, deadlines, and requirements that have been adopted by IHL.

The proposal should be accompanied by the appropriate UCCC cover page (Appendix B). A list
of courses and their catalog descriptions should also be included. New courses should be
differentiated from those that currently exist.

All course proposals; whether for addition, deletion, or modification, associated with the
proposed addition of a degree program must be submitted at the same time as the proposal for the
program addition. Neither course proposals nor the program proposal will be considered until all are
submitted.

Departments and Colleges that wish to offer a current Main Campus (Campus 1) degree at the
Meridian Campus (Campus 2) must submit a letter of support to the Provost. The letter of support
should address: 1) need or demand for the program at Meridian; 2) adequate resources and support;
and 3) appropriate number of credentialed faculty to teach the courses.

PROPOSAL ELEMENTS

1. CATALOG DESCRIPTION

Both the existing and proposed catalog descriptions should be included if significant
changes in focus of the curriculum are proposed.

36
 2. CURRICULUM OUTLINE

Both the existing and proposed curricula should be included. For ease of review, it is
recommended that the below Curriculum Outline Chart be used to indicate the degree
modification. All deleted courses should be shown in italics and all new courses in bold.

All course proposals, whether for addition, deletion, or modification, associated with a
curriculum modification must be submitted at the same time as the proposal for the
curriculum modification. Neither course proposal nor curriculum proposal will be
considered until all are submitted.

If the degree program modification includes the addition of a course, or courses, taught
outside the home department of the degree program, the outside department(s) should
be notified and a letter of support should be requested.

CURRICULUM OUTLINE TABLE

The below chart is an example of a degree modification. The link for this form is on the UCCC
website. If any General Education (Core) course is acceptable in the category, please indicate
by saying “any Gen Ed course”. There is no need to type in the whole list. Italicize deletions
and BOLD additions.

CURRENT Degree Description PROPOSED Degree Description

Degree: Bachelor of Science Degree: Bachelor of Science
Major: Poultry Science Major: Poultry Science
Concentration: Business, Management, Concentration: Production Systems, Business
Manufacturing, and Pre-Veterinary Medicine Management, Processed Products, and
Pre-Veterinary Medicine
The U.S. poultry industry is a $21 billion+ The U.S. poultry industry is a $21 billion+
business employing hundreds of thousands business employing hundreds of thousands of
of people in the United States. Mississippi people in the United States. Mississippi ranks
ranks 4th in broiler production and is 4th in broiler production and is continuing to
continuing to expand. This dynamic industry expand. This dynamic industry employs about
employs about 20,000 Mississippians and 20,000 Mississippians and has approximately
has approximately 3,000 poultry farming 3,000 poultry farming operations throughout
operations throughout the state. Poultry is the state. Poultry is the number one farm
the number one farm revenue commodity in revenue commodity in Mississippi. The Poultry
Mississippi. The Poultry curriculum provides curriculum provides for in-depth study of
for in-depth study of scientific principles scientific principles important in the
important in the production, processing and production, processing and marketing of
marketing of poultry and poultry products. poultry and poultry products. The curriculum
The curriculum is designed with academic is designed with academic and experiential
and experiential components to ensure that components to ensure that graduates are
graduates are prepared to manage people and prepared to manage people and resources vital
resources vital to this important food to this important food industry. Poultry
industry. Poultry students should also expect students should also expect to develop creative
to develop creative thinking skills that will thinking skills that will allow them to develop
allow them to develop solutions for complex solutions for complex real world problems as
real world problems as they develop their they develop their careers as managers. The
careers as managers. The strong science strong science content of the curriculum also

37
content of the curriculum also makes it an makes it an excellent fit for pre-vet students
excellent fit for pre-vet students and students and students interested in graduate studies.
interested in graduate studies. The The department provides one-on-one advising
department provides one-on-one advising for for all Poultry Science students.
all Poultry Science students. Concentrations Concentrations available are:
available are: -Production Systems
-Business -Business Management
-Management -Processed Products
-Manufacturing -Pre-Veterinary Medicine
-Pre-Veterinary Medicine Only grades of C or higher will be accepted for
Only grades of C or higher will be accepted PO and VS courses.
for PO and VS courses.

CONCENTRATION DESCRIPTION CONCENTRATION DESCRIPTION

Management Concentration Production Systems Concentration

The management concentration is The technical aspects of poultry production
appropriate for students interested in demands knowledge of business operation,
entering into a personal poultry operation, in building construction and the operation of the
service and sales work with large poultry sophisticated equipment utilized throughout
enterprises, in federal, state or local the industry. This concentration is appropriate
government employment, and in many for students interested in entering into a
employment opportunities in the allied fields personal poultry operation or field services with
relating to poultry. large poultry enterprises.
CURRENT CURRICULUM Required PROPOSED CURRICULUM Required
OUTLINE Hours OUTLINE Hours
English (General Education): 6 English (General Education): 6
EN 1103 English Comp I or EN 1103 English Comp I or
EN 1163 Accelerated Comp I EN 1163 Accelerated Comp I
EN 1113 English Comp II EN 1113 English Comp II
EN 1173 Accelerated Comp II EN 1173 Accelerated Comp II

Fine Arts (General Education): 3 Fine Arts (General Education): 3

Any Gen Ed course Any Gen Ed course
Natural Sciences 9 Natural Sciences 9
See major/concentration See major/concentration

Extra Science (if appropriate) Extra Science (if appropriate)

See major/concentration See major/concentration

Math (General Education): 6 Math (General Education): 6

MA 1313 MA 1313
Any MA/ST Gen Ed course Any MA/ST Gen Ed course
Humanities (General Education): 6 Humanities (General Education): 6
Any Gen Ed course Any Gen Ed course
Social/Behavioral Sciences (Gen 6 Social/Behavioral Sciences (Gen 6
Ed): Ed):
AEC 2713 Intro to Food & Resrce AEC 2713 Intro to Food & Resrce
Econ Econ
PS 1113 American Government any Social/Behavioral Gen Ed
course
38
MAJOR CORE COURSES 51 MAJOR CORE COURSES 45
ACC 2013 Principles of Financial MGT 3513 Intro to Human Resource
Accounting Mgt
AEC 3133 Intro to Agribusiness PO 3011 Seminar
Management PO 3021 Seminar
MGT 3513 Intro to Human PO 3103 Genetics
Resource Mgt PO 3313 Commercial Poultry
PO 3011 Seminar Production
PO 3021 Seminar PO 3323 Poultry Judging
PO 3103 Genetics PO 3834 Microbiology of Food
PO 3313 Commercial Poultry Animal Prod
Production PO 4031 Seminar
PO 3323 Poultry Judging PO 4041 Seminar
PO 3834 Microbiology of Food PO 4313 Management of
Animal Prod Commercial Layers
PO 4031 Seminar PO 4324 Avian Reproduction
PO 4041 Seminar PO 4333 Broiler Production
PO 4313 Management of PO 4413 Poultry Nutrition
Commercial Layers PO 4423 Feed Manufacturing
PO 4324 Avian Reproduction PO 4513 Poultry Processing
PO 4333 Broiler Production PO 4523 Commercial Broiler
PO 4413 Poultry Nutrition Process Tech
PO 4423 Feed Manufacturing PO 4833 Avian Anatomy
PO 4513 Poultry Processing PO 4843 Avian Physiology
PO 4523 Commercial Broiler VS 2033 Diseases of Poultry
Process Tech PO 3353 Poultry Production
PO 4833 Avian Anatomy Internship
PO 4843 Avian Physiology PO 3363 Poultry Processing
VS 2033 Diseases of Poultry Internship
PO 3353 Poultry Production Oral Communication Requirement
Internship Satisfied by successful completion
PO 3363 Poultry Processing of PO 3021, 4031, and 4041
Internship Writing Requirement
Oral Communication Requirement Satisfied by successful completion
Satisfied by successful completion of PO 4324 and 3834
of PO 3021, 4031, and 4041 Computer Literacy
Writing Requirement Satisfied by successful completion
Satisfied by successful completion of PO 4324 and 3834
of PO 4324 and 3834
Computer Literacy
Satisfied by successful completion
of PO 4324 and 3834

CONCENTRATION COURSES 33 CONCENTRATION COURSES 42

Management Production Systems
ACC 2023 Prin of Managerial ABE 1863 Engineering
Accounting Technology in Agriculture
AEC 3233 Intro to Envir. Econ ABE 4383 Building Construction
and Policy ABE 4473 Electrical Applications
AEC 3413 Intro to Food Marketing ACC 2013 Prin of Financial
BIO 1123 Animal Biology Accounting

39
BIO 1203 Plant Biology AEC 3133 Intro to Agribusiness
BL 2413 Legal Environment of Mgt
Business AEC 3233 Intro to Envir. Econ and
CH 1043 Survey of Chemistry I Policy
CH 1053 Survey of Chemistry II BIO 1123 Animal Biology
PO 3333 Advanced Poultry BIO 2113 Plant Biology
Judging BL 2413 Legal Environment of
PSS 3303 Soils Business
ST 2113 Introduction to Statistics CH 1043 Survey of Chemistry I
EG 1143 Graphics
Communication
PO 3333 Advanced Poultry Judging
PSS 3303 Soils
ST 2113 Introduction to Statistics

Total Hours 120 Total Hours 123

3. JUSTIFICATION AND STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

The purpose of the justification is to support the proposed changes at the level of the
curriculum. It is not necessary to include the particular justification for courses.
Detailed descriptions of the reason for the modifications, how students benefit from the
change, and how such a change strengthens a program should be included, along with
the modified learning outcomes of the program.

Distance learning degree proposals must include detailed information on the

target audience (professionals, military personnel, high school students, higher
education students at other institutions, etc.) and who (distance only, or any
student) will be allowed to enroll in the program.

If a degree program is modified more than 15% (addition, modification, or deletion of

three or more courses), then the modification proposal must include detailed
information indicating that the department has performed a complete review and
assessment of the degree program. Each department curriculum committee is
responsible for conducting the review and assessment.

The program review/assessment should include two of the following:

1. Comparison with leading academic program in the discipline

2. Employer assessment and feedback of student’s preparedness for employment
3. Graduate assessment and feedback on their preparedness for employment
4. Advisory Board or External review assessment and feedback of the degree
program

The program modification proposal must also address the following questions:

1. Will this program change meet local, state, regional, and national educational
and cultural needs? If so, please describe.

40
 2. Will this program change result in duplication in the System? If so, please
describe.
3. Will this program change/advance student diversity within the discipline? If
so, please describe.
4. Will this program change result in an increase in the potential placement of
graduates in MS, the Southeast, and the U.S.? If so, please describe.
5. Will this program change result in an increase in the potential salaries of
graduates in MS, the Southeast, and the U.S.? If so, please describe.

4. SUPPORT

A letter of support must be included with the program proposal. The letter of
support should be written by the department curriculum committee chair or the degree
program coordinator if a department doesn’t have a curriculum committee. The names
of all the committee members or department/program faculty should be included.
Committee/faculty members should indicate their approval by signing the letter.
Describe any anticipated changes in support including personnel and material
requirements.

A letter of support is also needed when a department and college plan to offer an
existing Starkville Campus (Campus 1) degree at the Meridian Campus (Campus 2).
The department heads and deans from both campuses should submit a letter of support
to the Provost. The letter of support should address 1) need or demand for the program
at Meridian; 2) adequate resources and support; and 3) appropriate number of
credentialed faculty to teach the courses.

5. PROPOSED 4-LETTER ABBREVIATION

The abbreviation will be used for identification of the degree program in official
university reports.

6. EFFECTIVE DATE

A degree program modification (other than a name change) becomes effective the
semester following approval by the Academic Deans Council unless a later effective date
is indicated. Departments must keep this fact in mind when students are pre-
registering for the next semester. Effective dates will not be back-dated.

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

The "Approval Form for Degree Program" should accompany the original copy of the proposal.

41
 DEGREE APPROVALS FOR DISTANCE LEARNING
PROPOSAL FORMAT
A request to add distance learning to an existing program should be submitted through the
normal curriculum approval process on campus. The addition of distance education to a degree
must conform to the guidelines set by the Board of Trustees (IHL) in Appendix C. Once the request
has been approved on campus it is forwarded to IHL for informational and reporting purposes.
The proposal for approval of an existing degree program to be offered through distance learning
should include:

1. CATALOG DESCRIPTION

List the full catalog description of the degree program identical to that on the degree
approval form and MSU Bulletin. Additional fee requirements should be addressed in
the distance learning degree description.

2. CURRICULUM OUTLINE

Provide a complete curricula list. Indicate the extent of the degree that is offered
through distance learning (Campus 5). Likewise, explain any on campus requirements,
including but not limited to lectures, seminars, laboratories, or internships.

3. JUSTIFICATION FOR DISTANCE LEARNING OFFERING

Present detailed reasons for the proposed distance learning degree offering. In
particular, address the need and benefit for the degree to be offered through distance
learning. Additionally, provide information on the method of delivery for the distance
learning courses associated with the degree (i.e. video tape, web-based, interactive
video). Provided detail information on how the subject material is delivered through
distance learning and how student participation and interaction (contact hours) are
achieved.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Distance learning degree proposals must also include detailed information on the target
audience (professionals, military personnel, high school students, higher education
students at other institutions, etc.) and who (distance only, or any student) will be
allowed to enroll in the course or degree program.

4. LEARNING OUTCOMES

A detailed list or description of expected Learning Outcomes for the degree must be
included in the proposal. Learning Outcomes should be the same for both Campus 1
and Campus 5 degree programs.

5. EFFECTIVE DATE

All courses and degrees (new or existing) must be approved as an distance learning
course or degree, as outlined in the UCCC's Guide and Format, to be offered through
distance learning. Courses or degrees not approved by the UCCC and Provost will not
be listed through Campus 5.
42
 NOTE: New degree programs should following the guidelines outlined in Section
VIII. New Degree Program Addition.

6. CONTACT PERSON

A contact person and telephone number should be listed for all proposals.

7. LETTER OF SUPPORT

A letter of support from must be included with the course proposal. The letter of
support should be written by the department curriculum committee chair or the degree
program coordinator if a department doesn’t have a curriculum committee. The names
of all the committee members or department/program faculty should be included.
Committee/faculty members should indicate their approval by signing the letter. An
account of the availability of staff, library support, any laboratories or equipment
required, and of the availability of funds for setting up and continuing the course should
be included in the proposal.

8. IHL FORM

The IHL Distance Learning Form (Appendix 10) that is found in Appendix C of this
Guide & Format must be included in the UCCC proposal.

43
 CERTIFICATES AND MINORS

Proposals for new certificates and minor should follow the guidelines for a new degree
beginning with page 32 and use a degree coversheet (see Appendix B). New certificates and minors
DO NOT require IHL approval, but certificates must be reported to IHL, and IHL Appendix 16 needs
to be attached to each UCCC certificate proposal.

Modifications to existing certificates and minors should follow the guidelines for degree
modifications with page 42 and use the degree coversheet (see Appendix B). Use the curriculum
outline form to show the current and proposed changes to a certificate or minor.

If a course recognition certificate (part of a major) or a standalone certificate is being proposed, the
UCCC proposal is required to include: (1) Learning outcomes; and (2) Justifications for offering the certificate.

44
REPORTING, FORMS, QUESTIONS, ETC.

REPORTING EFFECTS OF BOARD REVIEWS

Department Heads and/or Deans should notify the Chair of the University Committee on
Courses and Curricula of any curricular, programmatic, or departmental changes resulting from the
Academic Program Reviews being conducted by the State Board of Trustees.

VERIFYING A.P.I. STATUS OF DEGREE PROGRAMS

Department Heads and/or Deans should ensure that any major program or degree program
appears on the Board's approval list, the Academic Programs Inventory. Unless the major or
program appears on the A.P.I., it cannot be offered or publicized as a major or program by the
department or unit involved.

SOURCES OF FORMS

Copies of the "Approval Form for Degree Programs" are available from the UCCC website
(www.uccc.msstate.edu) and from the Office of the University Committee on Courses and Curricula
(Garner Hall - Room 281), Extension 5-9410.

QUESTIONS CONCERNING PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT

Questions or problems concerning the development and submission of proposals may be

referred to Dr. Dana Franz, Chair of the University Committee on Courses and Curricula, at
extension 5-7117. Suggestions for improving the course and curricula approval process are
welcomed.

PROPOSAL STATUS

The current status of a proposal may be checked by contacting the UCCC Office at 325-
9410 or by visiting the UCCC website (www.uccc.msstate.edu)

45
APPENDIX A

46
 CRITERIA FOR INCLUSION OF COURSES IN
THE
MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY
GENERAL EDUCATION (CORE) CURRICULUM

Criteria for Inclusion of Courses in the Mississippi State University

General Education (Core) Curriculum

The purpose of the Mississippi State University General Education curriculum is to provide a
foundation upon which students may successfully achieve the following overarching goals:

English – students will write clearly and effectively.

Fine Arts – students will understand the formal elements of the fine art(s), and develop an
awareness of both the values and functions of works within their historical and/or social contexts.

Humanities – students will understand the diverse dimensions of human culture.

Mathematics and Statistics – students will understand and use the basic approaches and
applications of mathematics and statistics for analysis and problem solving.

Natural Sciences – students will apply science to natural systems and understand its impact on
society.

Social/Behavior Science – students will understand and appreciate human behavior and social
structures, processes, and institutions.

The Mississippi State University General Education curriculum requires a minimum of 36 credit
hours (including the 30 credits required by the IHL Board of Trustees) distributed among specific
categories. The categories for General Education courses are:

English Composition Mathematics and Statistics

Fine Arts Natural Sciences
Humanities Social/Behavioral Sciences

Courses in any category may be of special interest to students in particular majors, but must be
open to, and designed to serve the educational interests of, undergraduate students from all colleges.
Courses considered for inclusion in the General Education Curriculum must ensure breadth of
knowledge in the field. Likewise, the proposals should provide a coherent rationale for inclusion in a
specific General Education category by addressing the Course Criteria listed under each category.

The term field used in the descriptions below refers to the broadly defined subject area, or branch of
knowledge, being referenced in the category, as opposed to the formal discipline reflected by a course
prefix. For example, courses approved for inclusion under the Fine Arts category do not necessarily
need to be taught by the Departments of Art or Music Education and carry the prefix “ART” or “MU”
as long as the courses meet the general and specific criteria outlined in this document. The fields
cited within each category description are also meant to include the sub-specialties within those
fields.
47
English Composition:
The courses approved for inclusion in this category should be focused primarily on the field of
English (and the sub-specialties within English), and require extensive writing by the student.

Learning Outcomes/Competency:
➢ students will write clearly and effectively.

Course Criteria
Knowledge - understanding of the fundamental elements, terminology and forms of
composition
- recognition of the importance of logic and analytical processes as crucial to
composition
- understanding of the various types and styles of composition (e.g.,
argumentative,
expository, descriptive, etc.) and how they relate to purpose and audience
- recognition of the significance of the target audience in the creation of an
effective
composition

Cognitive Skills - proficiency in writing across a range of composition types and styles
- competence in identification, collection, and organization of information to
support an argument or theme
- expression of ideas in support of a main argument or theme
- adaptation of writing to a specific target audience
- mastery of editing and revision process
- ability to use logic and analytical reasoning throughout the composition process

Fine Arts
The courses approved for inclusion in this category should be focused primarily on the appreciation
of one or more of the fields of art, music, theater, dance, or design (and the sub-specialties within
those fields), and not consist primarily of performances and/or artistic activities.

Learning Outcomes/Competency:
➢ students will understand the formal elements of the fine art(s), and develop an
awareness of both the values and functions of works within their historical and/or
social contexts.

Course Criteria
Knowledge - understanding of the fundamental elements, terminology and forms of one or
more of the arts
- recognition of the important artists of an historical or stylistic period
- awareness of work in an arts medium via engaging presentations such as those
of live demonstration, audio recordings, slides, videos, Internet, and/or print
media
- understanding of an historical overview of an arts area over a significant period
of time (100 or more years)
- exposure to a cross-disciplinary view of the arts in an historical, as well as
stylistic context

Cognitive Skills - effectively describe and critique works of art

- develop and use comparative criteria in both form and content to assess the arts
across disciplines during an historical era

Humanities:
The courses approved for inclusion in this category should be focused primarily on one or more of
48
the fields (and the sub-specialties within those fields) included in the following definition. “The term
‘humanities’ includes, but is not limited to, the study of the following: language, both modern and
classical; linguistics; literature; history; jurisprudence; philosophy; archeology; comparative religion;
ethics; the history, criticism and theory of the arts; those aspects of social sciences which have
humanistic content and employ humanistic methods; and the study and application of the
humanities to the human environment with particular attention to reflecting our diverse heritage,
traditions, and history and to the relevance of the humanities to the current conditions of national
life.” (The National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965)

Learning Outcomes/Competency:
➢ students will understand the diverse dimensions of human culture.

Course Criteria
Knowledge - understanding of the fundamental elements and terminology of the discipline
being studied
- understanding of the role of writing and thought in human endeavors
- awareness of the methodologies of humanities research
- understanding of human activities and accomplishments in an historical or
societal context
- appreciation of the broad scope of human endeavors across the range of
humanities fields
- appreciation for human similarities as well as differences

Cognitive Skills - effectively describe and critique creative human efforts and ideas
- ability to accommodate ambiguity in analyzing material and arrive,
independently, at reasonable conclusions
- ability to deal with moral and ethical questions

Mathematics and Statistics:

Courses in this category must be focused primarily on the fields of mathematics and/or statistics
(and the sub-specialties within those fields).

Learning Outcomes/Competency:
➢ students will understand and use the basic approaches and applications of
mathematics and statistics for analysis and problem solving.

Course Criteria
Knowledge - understanding of the fundamental elements and terminology of mathematics
and/or statistics
- understanding of mathematical and/or statistical reasoning as a process for
solving problems through quantitative methods
- recognition of the many ways mathematics and statistics are used and misused
in every day life
- recognition of the limitation of mathematical and statistical methods used to
solve
problems
- understanding of the relationship between mathematics and/or statistics and
other fields skills
- interpretation and use of mathematical and statistical models
- representation of mathematical and statistical information in several ways (e.g.,
symbols, graphs, words)
- use of fundamental mathematical and statistical methods to solve problems

Cognitive Skills - critique of mathematical and statistical content in popular literature (e.g.,
newspapers, magazines) as well as technical literature in the student’s field of study
- use of mathematical and/or statistical methods, models, and reasoning to justify
49
 a conclusion or argument

Natural Sciences:
Courses in this category must be focused primarily on one or more of the fields of astronomy,
biology, chemistry, geosciences, or physics (and the sub-specialties within those fields). Natural
Sciences courses should also include a laboratory that affords students a “hands-on” learning
experience, or have an approved separately-graded co-requisite laboratory course1.

Learning Outcomes/Competency:
➢ students will apply science to natural systems and understand its impact on
society.

Course Criteria
Knowledge - understanding of the fundamental elements and terminology of the discipline
being studied
- grasp of the Scientific Method as it relates to the discipline(s) being studied
- understanding of the fundamental principles of the field of study
- recognition of the relationship between the material taught in the course and
other areas of natural science
- understanding of the influence of science on society, and vice versa

Cognitive Skills - ability to discern between science, pseudoscience, and non-science used to
draw
conclusions about the natural world
- application of the scientific method to the analysis and understanding of natural
systems and phenomena
- use of quantitative, analytical techniques gleaned from mathematics and
statistics

Social/Behavioral Sciences:
The courses approved for inclusion in this category should be focused primarily on one or more of
the fields of anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology, or sociology (and the
sub-specialties within those fields).

Learning Outcomes/Competency:
➢ students will understand and appreciate human behavior and social structures,
processes and institutions.

Course Criteria
Knowledge - understanding of the fundamental elements and terminology of the discipline
being studied
- exposure to some of the basic theoretical and methodological approaches
characteristic of one or more of the social and behavioral science disciplines
- understanding of how knowledge is gained in the field(s) being studied
- recognition of the differences between, or the similarities of, societies separated
by
institutions, culture, geography, or time
- understanding of the contribution of the discipline being studied to the
explanation of the interactions between people, or groups of people

1
Please keep in mind that the natural sciences core requirement is 6 - 9 credit hours, at least 6
credits of which must include laboratories. The 6-hour laboratory course requirement is a part
of the 30 credit hours required by the IHL.

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 Cognitive Skills - use of appropriate theories to analyze, describe and explain social/behavioral
phenomena
- ability to obtain appropriate information to support investigations and
interpretations of either historic or current events in the context of the discipline
being studied
- ability to critically evaluate fundamental theories, concepts, and research of
human behavior and social structures, processes, and institutions

Additional Undergraduate Program Requirements:

Although computer literacy, public speaking, and junior/senior level writing are not specific
categories of the General Education, these subjects strengthen the University General Education and
provide additional fundamental skills needed for a successful academic and professional career. All
degree programs must include courses that will allow students to demonstrate competencies in
computer literacy, public speaking, and junior/senior level writing through the successful
completion of an individual course or several courses. Courses identified as meeting these
competency requirements must meet 50% of the general and specific criteria outlined for the subject
area.

Computer Literacy:
The computer literacy competency requirement is fulfilled by the successful completion of a course or
courses, in which the development and application of computer skills are a major component of the
evaluation of the students. The computer literacy competency requirement, may be satisfied either by
completing a single, 3-credit hour course dedicated to fundamental computer methods and
competencies, or through the completion of a suite of courses that cover the knowledge and skills
described below. Under no circumstances will the ability to successfully execute word processing
software, by itself, be sufficient to establish computer literacy.

Overall Purpose - to promote the mastery of computer methods and competencies which are
directly
relevant to, and regularly reinforced in, the student’s course of study
Course Criteria
Knowledge - understand the use of the computer at a sufficient level to allow for self-
instruction in the future

Cognitive Skills - successfully use the computer for basic communication applications, such as
electronic mail, library searches, and the World Wide Web
- effectively execute and apply the fundamental software packages relevant to the
student’s major

Public Speaking:
The public speaking competency requirement is fulfilled by the successful completion of a course or
courses, in which the development and application of public speaking skills are a major component
of the evaluation of the students. The public speaking requirement, may be satisfied either by
completing a single, 3-credit hour course dedicated to fundamental public speaking and
competencies, or through the completion of a suite of courses that cover the knowledge and skills
described below.

Overall Purpose - to teach students how to speak clearly and effectively, regardless of audience or
occasion

Course Criteria
Knowledge - understanding of the fundamental elements and terminology and forms of public
speaking
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 - understanding of the theoretical and conceptual background in communication
needed to comprehend public speaking as a function of the overall communication
process
- recognition of the ethical responsibilities involved in the presenting and
processing of messages
- understanding of the practices involved in the development of effective
informative and persuasive communication skills
- the importance of the connection between the development of an effective
presentation and the various kinds of target audiences
- understanding of effective verbal and nonverbal delivery techniques

Cognitive Skills - develop and apply the appropriate types of objective and rational criteria
needed to critique the oral presentation of others
- evaluation of sources and evidence
- development of coherent and logical arguments
- identification of major and minor points in an argument
- Identification and use of credible sources in various kinds of messages
- analysis of different types of audiences and adaptation to them in preparing
speeches
- recognition and adjustment to audience response
- use of visual aids to improve the effectiveness of a presentation

Junior/Senior-Level Writing:
The junior/senior level writing competency requirement is fulfilled by the successful completion of a
course or courses, in which the development and application of writing are a major component of the
evaluation of the students. The junior/senior level writing requirement, may be satisfied either by
completing a single, 3-credit hour course dedicated to advanced writing skills and competencies, or
through the completion of a suite of courses that cover the knowledge and skills described below.

Overall Purpose - to extend the knowledge and skills gained in English composition to the specific
writing needs relevant to the student’s major

Course Criteria
Knowledge - understanding of the fundamental elements, terminology and forms of written
composition germane to the student’s major

Cognitive Skills - proficiency in the forms of writing commonly used within the student’s major

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 APPENDIX B

APPROVAL FORMS FOR DEGREE PROGRAMS

AND CURRICULUM OUTLINE CHARTS
(Fillable forms are located on UCCC website under Proposal Manual/Forms).

53
 APPROVAL FORM FOR

DEGREE PROGRAMS
MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY

NOTE: This form is a cover sheet that must accompany the degree program change proposal.
The actual proposal should be prepared in accordance with format requirements provided in
the Guide and Format for Curriculum Proposals published by the UCCC. Both cover sheet
and proposal should be submitted, along with all required copies, to UCCC, Garner, Room 279,
(Mail Stop 9702).

College or School: Department:

Contact Person: Mail Stop: E-mail:
Nature of Change: Date Initiated: Effective
Date:
New or Current Degree Program Name:

Summary of Proposed Changes:

Approved by: Date:

_________________________________________ _________________________________
Department Head
_________________________________________ _________________________________
Chair, College or School Curriculum Committee
_________________________________________ _________________________________
Dean, College or School
_________________________________________ _________________________________
Chair, University Committee on Courses & Curricula
_________________________________________ _________________________________
Chair, Graduate Council (if applicable)
_________________________________________ _________________________________
Chair, Deans Council

54
IHL Action Required SACS Letter Sent
NEW DEGREE OUTLINE CHART
Use the chart below to indicate your new degree outline. If any General Education (Core) course is
acceptable in the
category, please indicate by saying “any Gen Ed course”. There is no need to type in the whole list.

PROPOSED New Degree

Degree:
Major:
Concentration:
"[Click here and type new degree description]"

"[Click here and type new concentration description]"

Required
Proposed Curriculum Outline
Hours
English (General Education): 6

Fine Arts (General Education): 3

Natural Sciences 6-8

(2 labs required from Gen Ed):

Extra Science (if appropriate)

Math (General Education): 6-9

Humanities (General Education): 6

Social/Behavioral Sciences (Gen Ed): 6

Major Core Courses

Concentration Courses

Total Hours

55
DEGREE MODIFICATION OUTLINE CHART
Use the chart below to indicate your new degree outline. If any General Education (Core) course is
acceptable in the category, please indicate by saying “any Gen Ed course”. There is no need to type
in the whole list. All deleted courses and information should be shown in italics and all new
courses and information in bold. Include the course prefix, number, and title
CURRENT Degree Description PROPOSED Degree Description
Degree: Degree:
Major: Major:
Concentration: Concentration:
"[Click here and type old degree description]" "[Click here and type new degree description]"

DisplayText cannot span more than one line! DisplayText cannot span more than one line!

Require Required
CURRENT CURRICULUM PROPOSED CURRICULUM
d Hours
OUTLINE OUTLINE
Hours
English (Ex: EN 1103 English 6 English (Ex: EN 1103 English Comp 6
Comp I): I):

Fine Arts (General Education): 3 Fine Arts (General Education): 3

Natural Sciences 6-8 Natural Sciences 6-8

(2 labs required from Gen Ed): (2 labs required from Gen Ed):

Extra Science (if appropriate) Extra Science (if appropriate)

Math (General Education): 6-9 Math (General Education): 6-9

MA 1313

Humanities (General Education): 6 Humanities (General Education): 6

Social/Behavioral Sciences (Gen 6 Social/Behavioral Sciences (Gen 6

Ed): Ed):

Major Core Courses Major Core Courses

Concentration Courses Concentration Courses

Total Hours Total Hours

56
 APPENDIX C

IHL BOARD OF TRUSTEE DEGREE FORMS,

DATES, AND DEADLINES
(Fillable forms are located on the UCCC website under Proposal Manual/Forms).

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