Course Proposal Process

Course Proposal Process for Summer Session

Summer Session 2024 materials will be sent to department chairs in October 2023, which includes detailed information on the course proposal process, department history and course planning, contracts, compensation and cancellation. 

Summer Session 2024 Proposal Timeline 

Summer Session 2024

Session Details

Classes should fall within one of the sessions outlined above. Classes outside of these dates must adhere to the add/drop timelines and refund schedules for the appropriate term.

On the designated holidays, classes should not be held and assignments should not be due. Campus offices will not be available to support instructors or students on these days. 

The standard capacity is 25 students in undergraduate level courses and 20 students in graduate level courses. All courses with a lower capacity will require justification and approval by the chair, Dean and ELO.

All course proposal forms returned to ELO should be signed by the Department Chair. Faculty for approved courses will sign their faculty teaching contract. Electronic signatures are acceptable. Extended Learning will compile all courses for Summer Session to share with the Deans for approval.  Please return your department proposals to us no later than Friday, November 17 so that we can share the listing with the Deans following Thanksgiving break for approval. 

We will continue to accept course proposals until March 15. After that date, only independent studies, internships, and additional sections with Dean approval will be accepted.

All credit-bearing international experiences are processed through the International Programs Office (studyabroad@cortland.edu). Faculty who plan to take students outside of the United States for an independent study, internship, or study abroad course should contact that office as early as possible to discuss travel policies, student registration or course proposal procedures.

Class Time Guidelines

Standard contact hour regulations apply to in person courses during Summer Session. Specifically, a 3-credit hour course must include 37.5 clock hours or 2,250 minutes of instruction. Those requirements are adjusted for 1, 2, and 4-credit hour courses.

For courses with in person class time, we ask that you include your class days and times on the Course Proposal Forms. For courses that are entirely classroom-based (not online, hybrid, or blended), we recommend utilizing the following class times for 3-credit hour courses to ensure that the contact hour regulations are met. If you would prefer an alternative class schedule, we will work with you to ensure that the times proposed meet the required credit hour minimums. In person classes should be held Monday through Thursday.

The course proposal form is available as a .pdf. Please contact the Extended Learning Office for an electronic option.