What is an experimental course?

Experimental courses are courses that are offered on a temporary basis to assess student interest in an area or to refine course content for a future permanent course.

How many times may an experimental course be offered?

Experimental courses may be offered for a maximum of two academic years or four semesters/four times, whichever comes first, after which time the course must undergo the formal C&I process to become a permanent course.

What is the proposal process for experimental courses?

Experimental courses are proposed using the Experimental Course Proposal form in Modern Campus. A full syllabus is required when proposing experimental courses. Experimental courses are approved through an expedited pathway consisting of the academic unit head, the college dean, and the Associate Vice Provost for Curriculum. Experimental courses are designated with an "E" (i.e., MATH 205E). They do not appear in the course catalog and cannot be required to fulfill any program requirements.

How can I make an experimental course a permanent offering?

Faculty wishing to teach an experimental course beyond the two-year/four-semester period must plan ahead in order to have enough time for the course to be officially approved prior to the fifth offering/fifth semester. Changing an experimental course to a permanent course requires the completion of a Course Modification Form in Modern Campus.