Course Structure Policy

I. Purpose

SGU defines a “course” as a coherent unit of academic instruction designed to provide credit toward a degree or certificate program. This policy establishes a framework for the structure, delivery, and oversight of courses to ensure quality, consistency, and alignment with institutional mission across all Schools and Programs.

II. Scope

This policy applies to all credit-bearing courses at SGU, regardless of delivery mode, level, or program.

III. Requirements

1. Definition of a Course
   A course at SGU is an approved unit of instruction with:
   1. Clearly defined learning outcomes consistent with program and institutional missions.
   2. A prescribed syllabus (see Course Syllabi Policy).
   3. Assigned faculty or course director(s) responsible for oversight and delivery.
   4. Structured instructional activities supported by appropriate resources.
   5. Defined methods of student assessment and grading.
2. Approved Modalities of Learning and Teaching
   Courses may employ one or more of the following approved modalities, as appropriate to the discipline and level, although this list is not exhaustive:
   1. Didactic instruction (lectures, seminars, discussions).
   2. Laboratory or practical sessions (skills training, clinical labs, fieldwork).
   3. Clinical or experiential learning (rotations, clerkships, service-learning, externships).
   4. Small group/interactive learning (tutorials, problem-based learning, case-based learning).
   5. Independent or directed study (research, capstone projects, thesis work).
   6. Service Learning (work, or community based learning on site)
   7. Online/technology-enhanced learning (synchronous and asynchronous activities, learning management system resources). Each program will define the limitations on remote and asynchronous elements for courses in their respective Student Manual. Some Programs are not able to offer remote, asynchronous or online activity due to regulatory or accreditation requirements.
3. Structural Requirements
   Each course must include, at minimum:
   1. Defined Credit Hours/Contact Hours: Courses must conform to SGU’s credit hour policy (time commitment appropriate to credits awarded).
   2. Balance of Instruction and Assessment: Instructional activities must be complemented by valid, reliable assessments of learning outcomes.
   3. Sequencing and Integration: Courses must fit within the curricular framework of the program and not duplicate content unnecessarily.
   4. Reasonable Workload Expectations: Course requirements must be appropriate to the credit hours awarded and must not impose excessive or unrealistic demands on students.
   5. Course Schedules: The course schedule should be planned and published ahead of the start of term; this includes the dates for completion examinations and make-up examinations (for SGS). All course grades need to be finalized as soon as possible after the end of the course; but cannot be later than 30 days after the course/term ends. Completion examinations should be scheduled within 7 days of the end of term. Make-up examinations must be scheduled with end of term promotion and appeals in mind and so as a guideline should be within 7-14 days after the end of term and give time for finalization of grades; promotions committee consideration and time for appeal.       
4. Oversight and Approval
   1. All courses must be proposed, approved, and reviewed by the appropriate curriculum committee or designated academic body within each School.
   2. Course directors must submit a syllabus and proposed structure for approval prior to the start of each term for new courses.
   3. Any substantive changes in modality, workload, assessment or delivery method require prior review by the program or School curriculum committee.
5. Student Experience Safeguards
   To ensure fairness and educational integrity:
   1. No course may require activities or conditions that fall outside the scope of the approved modalities.
   2. Course and assessment expectations must be transparent, consistent, and communicated to students at the outset.
   3. Courses must provide accessible learning opportunities and comply with University policies on inclusion, professionalism, and academic integrity.

Note: All modalities must comply with accreditation and program standards.

IV. Compliance

1. Course Directors, Departmental Chairs, and the respective Deans Office are responsible for ensuring courses adhere to this policy.
2. The Office of the Provost retains authority to review and require modification of courses that deviate from accepted frameworks.

V. Authority

Office of the Provost; reviewed every 3 years.

VI. Version History

(1025010)