Faculty Handbook
New courses may be proposed by a faculty member or academic unit at any time. The Curriculum Committees of departments and programs, and of colleges and schools, evaluate proposals for new courses. Once a new course has been approved at the college level, the proposal is forwarded to the University Curriculum Committee for consideration. The University Curriculum Committee reviews all course proposals to avoid duplication of existing courses across colleges and schools. After the University Curriculum Committee approves a new undergraduate course, the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Affairs, as co-Chair of that committee, forwards the approved proposal to the Office of the University Registrar and to the Florida Board of Education for inclusion in the Common Course Numbering System. Graduate courses must also go to the Graduate Council for review.
Minor changes to a course or notice of termination of an existing course may be submitted through the curriculum committee system. Minor changes include change of course title, course number, amount of credit, prerequisites or co-requisites, or course description. Major revisions to course content may require a new course number, so it is best to terminate the existing course and add a new course (see above). Faculty should work with their Undergraduate or Graduate Coordinator to secure appropriate documentation and signatures.
All undergraduate students (except those transferring with an AA from either a Florida public community college or a Florida public state university) must complete the 36-hour General Education requirement to graduate.
The General Education program requires courses in the following areas:
|
Composition (C) |
3 credits |
|
Mathematical Sciences (M)* |
6 credits |
|
Humanities (H) |
9 credits |
|
Social and Behavioral Sciences (S) |
9 credits |
|
Physical (P) and Biological (B) Sciences |
9 credits |
|
International Focus - 3 credits taken in conjunction with H, S, P or B courses |
3 credits |
| Diversity Focus- 3 credits taken in conjunction with H, S, P or B courses | 3 credits |
|
Total Credit Requirements: |
36 credits |
*Three of the six credits must be approved mathematics courses.
The State of Florida also requires that all students complete the Writing and Math Requirement (formerly known as Gordon Rule) with grades of C or better AND satisfactory completion of the writing component. Writing course grades now will have two components. Professors will indicate whether or not students met the writing requirement AND will assign a course grade. To meet the Writing Requirement, students must complete courses that involve substantial writing for a total of 24,000 words.
The Schedule of Courses identifies the courses, sections, and amount of writing credit awarded. To meet the Math Requirement, students must complete six credits of course work in mathematics, at or above the level of college algebra. Courses taken to meet the Writing and Math Requirement (Gordon Rule) may also satisfy General Education requirements.
The General Education Committee is responsible for proposing changes to the general education requirements. All proposed changes are submitted to the Provost and Senior Vice President who directs action to be taken by either the University Curriculum Committee, or the Faculty Senate, or both as necessary.
In order for a course to be granted General Education or Gordon Rule status, the course must be approved by the General Education Committee. The instructor should submit an application to the General Education Committee for review.
The Florida Board of Governors is responsible for authorizing the establishment of any additional branch, college or school, and for the creation of new professional, specialist, and doctoral degrees, on the recommendation of the Board of Trustees. New bachelors and masters degrees receive final approval from the BOT.
Additional information available on academic programs.