Maryville University Credit Hour Policy

1. Maryville University Credit Hour Policy Documenting Student Learning Outcomes and Work per Credit Hour

2. Compliance Requirement & Credit Hours Policy • Based on guidelines presented in GEN-11-06 (March 18, 2011) • “Guidance to Institutions and Accrediting Agencies Regarding a Credit Hour as Defined in the Final Regulations Published on October 29, 2010” • Compliance with Maryville University credit hour policy and Federal Guidelines (34 CFR Section 668.8).

3. What is required? • Documentation of expected student learning outcomes, and • Table summarizing the minimum number of clock hours anticipated for students to meet the expected learning outcomes for the course. • Target is 135 hours of TOTAL engagement for a 3-credit-hour course.

4. Minimum Clock Hour Estimates Table Hours presented in the table provide estimates for the average time required for completion of course components.

5. Completing the Table Minimum requirements: • 1 credit hour is defined as 15 hours of in-class or online instruction accompanied by a minimum of 30 hours of out-of-class preparation, research, and assignment completion. • An equivalent amount of work in other academic activities as established by the institution (these could include laboratories, studio work, practica, clinicals or other academic work leading to the award of credit hours) may be substituted for the 15 in-class/online and 30 out-of-class minimum hours. • Hours listed may exceed minimum requirements.

6. Completing the Table • Individual students may require additional time to successfully master topics, complete projects, or to comprehend required readings. • Students who are engaged for the minimum hours listed in the table are not guaranteed a specific level of success in the course.

7. Hours of Student Work Outside of Class • Thirty (30) hours of out-of-class preparation, research, and assignment preparation per 1 credit hour is typical. • Average reading time for a college student is 250-350 words per minute, which is about one page of a textbook.

8. Minimum Clock Hour Estimates Table

9. EXAMPLE Course Title: EDL 738: Policy Making and Leadership in Higher Education Number of Credit Hours: 3 Learning Outcomes: • Understand the historical perspective of American higher education governance • Learn how to create “partnerships” for economic and political gain • Appreciate the challenges of leadership at all levels of the college or university • Develop critical leadership skills in the areas of collaboration and decision making • Acquire the skills needed to lead long-term, strategic planning.

10. Class meets 2 hours per week for 15 weeks. Class expects 1 hour per week of time on the D2L Discussion Board. Readings are dense. Some weeks are heavier than others, but it is reasonable that students will spend approximately 3 hours per week (on average) reading for class. There are 3 major papers, 1 minor paper and a classroom presentation required for this course. These will likely require approximately 45 hours to complete, although for many students it could take longer.

11. Example- 3 hour class with lab Class meets for three 50-minute sessions per week for 15 weeks. Lab meets 1 hour 40 min. per week for 15 weeks. Some readings are heavier than others. It is reasonable that students will spend approximately 3 hours per week (on average) reading for class. Studying for tests & quizzes will likely require approximately 30 hours to complete, although for many students it could take longer.

12. Questions?? • If you have questions about completing the Credit Hour chart, feel free to contact any of the following: • Program Director • Assistant/Associate Dean of your school/ college