Curriculum CommitteeDefinition of Minor vs. Substantive Course Change

What is considered a substantive change to a course thus requiring a new course proposal to CAPSUB?

Substantive changes that require a new course proposal form are those that would alter the course to the point that the original proposal form no longer provides an accurate representation of the course, the course intentions, and its place in the curriculum and/or its nature and scope. Substantive changes are also those that alter the curricular experience for the students, including how the student registers for the course, when they can or should take the course, or the program student learning outcomes assigned to the course. See the list below for specific changes that meet this definition: 

The following changes are considered substantive and require a new course proposal:

  • A change in course level
  • Change in its programmatic intended purpose 
  • Significant change in program/departmental SLOs assigned to the course
  • Special Topics courses that have been already offered three times in six years need to become a catalog course and listed in the Bulletin

Minor changes to a course go through an expedited review from CAPSUB and the Curriculum Committee. These changes are ones that do not change the course’s place in the curriculum or major or how the student can or should register for the course within their curricular plan. The minor change request form must be filled out by the Departmental or Program Chair. If these changes affect multiple departments or programs, communication between all chairs and directors of programs affected must be included. See the list below for specific changes that meet this definition: 

The following changes are usually not considered substantive and only require a minor change course proposal:

  • Add or remove a prerequisite to an existing course
  • Adding or removing cross listing
  • Change in credit hours
  • Removing one of the designations
  • Change course number

The following are also minors changes, but they will be made through the course catalog change process once a year:

  • Editorial changes that would need to be made in the next rendition of the Academic Bulletin
  • A course title change

Changes that are considered pedological but do not alter the scope or nature of the course nor change Academic Bulletin language can be handled at the department/program level. 

The following changes are not considered substantive and do not require a new course proposal or a minor change course proposal:

  • Change of assignment in a course
  • Change of readings in a course
  • Changing grading percentages
  • Pedagogical approach

When in doubt or with questions, feel free to contact the Curriculum Committee Chair.