Frequently Asked Questions about External Curriculum Proposals

Why does this proposal need to circulate again?

  • This time, the wider Penn State community engages with your proposal. Their feedback is essential.
  • You will also need to input a proposed syllabus for the course.

Who sees this proposal?

An flow chart showing reviewers for external curriculum proposals (full description in caption)

Reviewers for external curriculum proposals include various stakeholders.

They include:

  • Penn State Undergraduate or Graduate Curricular Committee 
  • External Disciplinary Consultation Group
    • Occurs concurrently with final review by Academic School Curricular Committee
  • Penn State Behrend Curricular Committee
  • School Director
  • Penn State Behrend Senate Committee on Curricular Affairs (SCCA) Representative 
  • Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Penn State Behrend
  • Vice President of Commonwealth Campuses 
  • Penn State SCCA
  • Faculty Senate 
  • Final Approval (which can include the University Board of Trustees)
     
Credit: Penn State Behrend

Can I look at past and current models?

Yes. Every course or program proposal that has been submitted can be viewed by the step in the approval process by checking the Approval Dashboard.

  • Use the “Your role” pull down menu to see what is waiting at each stage. Do not worry that you are impersonating someone (you are not).
  • If you want to see what is in the final review look at “Curriculum Report” on this menu.
  • All accepted curricular proposals are archived in the University Curriculum Archive.

What are my best chances for success?

See the Tips for Proposals. Above all, make sure you have consulted adequately with disciplinary counterparts. A prime reason that proposals are delayed is lack of consultation.

How do I know where I am in the process?

  • The “Workflow” section on the right-hand panel of CIM shows you the current unit/group reviewing your proposal.
  • You can also consult the User Guides for more information about managing your proposal.

What happens when it’s all done?

When the final approval is confirmed at the Faculty Senate, the change will be updated in the University Bulletin. Behrend websites and informational sheets can then be updated.

I still have questions.

Reach out to the Office of Academic Affairs.