TO:	Faculty Senate
FROM:	Academic Policies Committee
DATE:	November 5, 2002
RE:	Proposed Policy Defining Upper-level Courses

Background

In 1990, the Board of Governors of the State System of Higher Education adopted a policy stating, ". . . at least 40 percent of the total baccalaureate degree requirements must consist of upper level, advanced coursework (i.e., courses intended for students beyond the sophomore level). Note: Definitions of lower level and upper level coursework are institutional, and may or may not be inherent in course numbers. The object is to assure that at least two-fifths of a student's studies occur at the junior/senior level of difficulty. During program review, the program unit is expected to review its curriculum against this general standard."

Millersville University has not developed policy defining lower level and upper level coursework. The current focus on adherence to the Board of Governors' policy limiting graduation requirements to 120-credits for a baccalaureate degree has resulted in institutional awareness of the lack of policy enabling program units to meaningfully assess compliance with the policy.

Current Policy

Section 3: Undergraduate Academic Policies

Course and Program Modification Policies: Course Identification Policies

Course Numbering and Renumbering Guidelines:

In order to provide meaningful numbers, which may be interpreted by students, staff and other persons, the following numbering system for courses being offered at Millersville shall apply:

1. Course numbers will contain three digits with no alphabetical prefixes or suffixes.
2. The first digit should indicate the class status or level of the student.