This policy outlines and sets forth the definitions and rationale by which academic credit hours are determined and assigned to various instructional and learning activities at ÎçÒ¹¸£Àû. This policy is consistent with both federal and accreditor definitions, calculations, and expectations for credit hours and applies to University classes and programs.
This policy applies to all credit-bearing academic programming at ÎçÒ¹¸£Àû.
Definitions
ÎçÒ¹¸£Àû defines a credit hour as ―an amount of work represented in intended learning
outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than—
- One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or
(2) At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours. (34 CFR §
600.2)
Instruction is defined as classroom instruction, direct faculty instruction, or ―regular and substantive interaction between the students and the instructor (34 CFR § 600.2), including the administration of quizzes, tests, or examinations.
Student work is defined as assignments, homework, and other academic activities required to be completed outside of instructional time, including reading, studying, writing, research, etc.
Other academic activities is defined as laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement.
Earning Credit through Courses
ÎçÒ¹¸£Àû University uses various course delivery formats and terms of varying length to provide for the educational needs of our traditional and adult students. Course delivery formats include on-campus/in- person, online, hybrid, practica, internships, and individualized study. Terms include semester, 8-week, and other periods of study.
Regardless of term or level (i.e., 00000-70000), one credit hour is assigned to
- an on-campus/in-person course that includes a minimum of 12.5 clock hours of instruction and 25 clock hours of student work,
- an online or hybrid course with an equivalent amount of instruction and student work leading to equivalent learning outcomes for the same/similar course offered on-campus/in-person,
- a minimum of 30 clock hours of supervised laboratory work, studio work, practica, or internship and 7.5 clock hours of student work,
- a minimum of 37.5 clock hours of supervised laboratory work, studio work, practica, or internship,
- a minimum of 37.5 clock hours of individualized study under the direct supervision of an instructor (e.g., thesis, private music lessons, tutorial).
- a nursing clinical course with a minimum of 42 clock hours of student work per term.
Credit assignments are established through the University‘s approval processes and determined by intended learning outcomes that could be reasonably achieved within the context—instructional time, student work time, term(s), and format(s)—of the course.
Credit assigned to a course is awarded after intended learning outcomes are verified by evidence of student achievement.
Course Credit Hour Compliance
Course syllabi detail investments of time for instruction and student work or other academic activities. If a course does not meet the minimum time requirements, the Associate Provost and/or College Dean will work with the Department Head to make the appropriate adjustments. Review of credit hour compliance is also a part of regular program reviews.
Earning Credit through Other Academic Work
One credit hour may be awarded to a minimum of 37.5 clock hours of other academic work leading to intended learning outcomes that are (a) verified by evidence of student achievement and (b) approved by the designated University official(s). Examples include business seminars, community affairs, and
professional certifications.