Course Proposal Process for Summer Session
Summer Session 2026 materials will be sent to department chairs in October 2025, which includes detailed information on the course proposal process, department history and course planning, contracts, compensation and cancellation.
Summer Session 2026 Proposal Timeline
|
October 22 |
Initial outreach to Department Chairs |
|---|---|
|
November 21 |
Course proposals due to the Extended Learning Office |
|
December 12 |
Summary of course proposals shared with Deans for review and approval |
|
January 9 |
Dean approvals returned to the Extended Learning Office |
|
January 16 |
Preliminary Course Listing Available |
|
January – February 2026 |
Follow-up with Deans and Department Chairs on areas of opportunity based upon preliminary schedule and anticipated student needs. |
|
February 4 |
Contracts sent to all participating faculty. |
|
February 18 |
Contract acceptance due. |
|
February 24 |
Course Schedule available online for review and edits. |
|
March 13 |
Deadline for Summer Session course proposals; schedule locks. |
Summer Session 2026 Term Dates
|
Term |
Start Date |
End Date |
Holiday(s) within Term |
|
10-week |
Wednesday, May 20 |
Monday, August 3 |
Monday, May 25, Friday, June 19, Friday, July 3 |
|
Session I |
Wednesday, May 20 |
Wednesday, June 24 |
Monday, May 25, Friday, June 19 |
|
Term A |
Wednesday, May 20 |
Monday, June 8 |
Monday, May 25 |
|
Term B |
Tuesday, June 9 |
Wednesday, June 24 |
Friday, June 19 |
|
Session II |
Monday, June 29 |
Monday, August 3 |
Friday, July 3 |
|
Term C |
Monday, June 29 |
Tuesday, July 14 |
Friday, July 3 |
|
Term D |
Wednesday, July 15 |
Monday, August 3 |
|
|
Extended Session |
Wednesday, May 20 |
Friday, Aug 21 |
*To accommodate internships that extend beyond the 10-week session for financial aid compliance. |
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.
In person classes have traditionally been held Monday through Thursday, with Fridays excluded from summer class time calculations. However, it is at the discretion of the faculty member and supported by ELO if the time is necessary to meet course requirements and student learning outcomes. See class time guideline information noted below.
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.
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.
|
Session |
Start Time |
End Time |
|---|---|---|
|
10 Week -Daytime classes meet 2 days a week. -Evening classes meet once a week. |
8:00 a.m. |
9:55 a.m. |
|
10:15 a.m. |
12:10 p.m. |
|
|
12:30 p.m. |
2:25 p.m. |
|
|
2:45 p.m. |
4:40 p.m. |
|
|
5:00 p.m. |
8:45 p.m. |
|
|
5 Week -Daytime classes meet 4 days a week. -Evening classes meet twice a week. |
8:00 a.m. |
9:55 a.m. |
|
10:15 a.m. |
12:10 p.m. |
|
|
12:30 p.m. |
2:25 p.m. |
|
|
2:45 p.m. |
4:40 p.m. |
|
|
5:00 p.m. |
8:45 p.m. |
|
|
2 ½ Week All classes meet 4 days a week. |
8:00 a.m. |
11:45 a.m. |
|
12:00 p.m. |
3:45 p.m. |
|
|
5:00 p.m. |
8:45 p.m. |
Course Proposals
The course proposal forms are sent to all department chairs and administrative assistants as part of the term launch. These forms include both pre-populated forms for courses offered in the prior summer term and blank forms for new course offerings. Please contact the Extended Learning Office for an electronic option..
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 21 so that we can share the listing with the Deans following Thanksgiving break for approval.
We will continue to accept course proposals until March 13. 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.
