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Course Alteration Proposal Tips

Inquiry Phase

Exploring the Change

  • Rationale: How will this strengthen the course or contribute to program?
  • Does this resolve an issue or obstacle?
  • What will be the impact and benefit to students?
  • Will this alter the transfer equivalencies of a course?

Assess How Course is Used Currently

  • Speak with your department about how this course fits into programs and college requirements (e.g., major requirement, GE) and impact of alteration.
  • Is the course part of a program requiring accreditation or other professional review?
  • Is the course part of another department’s program (e.g., used in major or minor)?
  • Check with Registrar and Transfer Credit Services before proposing a new course number.

Proposal Phase

Determine the Level of Change

Type of Alteration Scope Level
Frequency code for course Course used in your department Level 1
Frequency code for course Course used by other department Level 2
Co-/Pre-requisite Deletion not affecting other department Level 1
Co-/Pre-requisite Deletion affecting other departments Level 2
Co-/Pre-requisite Addition or change within your department Level 1
Co-/Pre-requisite Addition or change outside your department Level 2
Course level Any change in course level Level 2
Course description Does not change primary content of the course Any Level 1
Course description Changes content Level 2
Course title Level 1
Course Prefix Level 2
Credit Hours Level 2
Cross-listing Adding or deleting a cross-listed course Level 2
Grade Mode Level 2
Course number Must consult with Associate Provost before proposing. Level 2

Navigating the Approval Process

  • Make sure everything is filled out correctly and accurately in Curriculog.
  • Know who your department/school representatives are on committees.
  • Respond quickly to requests for additional information from committees.

Implementation Phase

Approval and Timeline

  • If approved within deadlines, course alterations can be offered the next academic year

Elements for Implementation

When a course is altered, the following offices are notified to ensure implementation:

  • Registrar’s Office must make changes in Banner
  • Advisement and Transition must look at articulation tables for transfer courses
  • Associate Provost for Academic Affairs office build in the College Catalog

Course Alteration Process

Level 1 Alteration

  1. Department Curriculum Committee
  2. Department Chair
  3. Dean
  4. Provost
  5. Campus Implementation
    • All committees/faculty informed by Provost electronic memo
    • Course changes to Banner System
    • Course changes to College Catalog
    • Degree Work Changes as appropriate

Level 2 Alteration

  1. Department Curriculum Committee
  2. Department Chair
  3. School Curriculum Committee
  4. Dean
  5. College Curriculum Review Committee (undergraduate courses) or
    Graduate Faculty Executive Committee (graduate courses)
  6. Provost
  7. Campus Implementation
    • All committees/faculty informed by Provost electronic memo
    • Course changes to Banner System
    • Course changes to College Catalog
    • Degree Work Changes as appropriate

Courses that are involved with new programs or program revisions that go to SUNY will be reviewed by SUNY in the program approval process.