Note: Each curriculum proposal must specify the Department/Program name as a heading, and a description of the type of proposal as a summary heading (e.g., Proposal for a New Course, Proposal for Changes in Course Title), and be organized according to the format templates presented here. Reminder: All courses must be associated with an existing academic department or program.

I. Format for Routine Changes in Existing Course

Includes changes in course number (but not level), title, and description. Very few changes in pre- or co-requisites are considered routine. Such proposals should be presented in the following format. To the extent possible, highlight (underline or bold) replacement language.

Routine Change in Existing Course Format Download Here

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II. Routine Matter: Inactivation and Reactivation of Existing Courses

Schools are responsible for requesting the inactivation and reactivation of a course at the Registrar’s Office. Departments should contact the dean’s office of their school. Inactivation and reactivation as such do not require a course proposal. However, when reactivating a course, if the course is to change (name, credits, description, etc.) a proposal to change the course will need to be submitted in accordance with these Procedures for Preparing and Submitting Curriculum Proposals. 

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III. Substantive Proposals: Required Information for Course Syllabi

All Substantive Curriculum Proposals concerning individual courses require the submission of a sample syllabus containing the following information.

Sample Syllabus

A.     Course Content and Organization:  A brief listing of the content by topic(s) and subtopic(s) in outline form for the full 15-week semester, including approximate amount of time spent on each topic. If appropriate, include a brief paragraph describing proposed course organization (e.g., lecture, laboratory, recitation, different expectations for graduate and undergraduate students in the same class).

B.     Expected Learning Outcomes:  A statement of the key or critical course-specific learning outcomes in words that indicate what the students will learn and be able to demonstrate after this course. (Note: The syllabus for courses being proposed for the Core Requirement must reflect the CUNY Learning Outcomes found in the CUNY Common Core Forms, see www.hunter.cuny.edu/senate. Learning outcomes should be linked with relevant assessments.)

C.     Method of Evaluation:  Type of examination, term paper(s), project(s), etc.  Please indicate if the course is C/NC only. 

D.     Required Readings: A list of required texts and/or readings in standard bibliographical format, including place and year of publication.

E.      Recommended Readings: A listing of readings, indicating the scope of the course, presented in standard bibliographical format (not to exceed one page).

F.      Academic Integrity Statement (required): “Hunter College regards acts of academic dishonesty (e.g., plagiarism, cheating on examinations, obtaining unfair advantage, and falsification of records and official documents) as serious offenses against the values of intellectual honesty.  The College is committed to enforcing the CUNY Policy on Academic Integrity and will pursue cases of academic dishonesty according to the Hunter College Academic Integrity Procedures.”

G.     ADA Statement (recommended): “In compliance with the ADA and with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Hunter College is committed to ensuring educational access and accommodations for all its registered students. Hunter College’s students with disabilities and medical conditions are encouraged to register with the Office of AccessABILITY for assistance and accommodation. For information and appointment contact the Office of AccessABILITY located in Room E1214 or call (212) 772-4857 /or TTY (212) 650-3230.”

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IV. Substantive Proposals: Format for Changes in Existing Courses

Includes changes in course number, title, hours, credits, pre- or co-requisites, description, and/or prefix.  Such proposals should be presented in the following format.  To the extent possible, highlight (underline or bold) replacement language. Each substantive curriculum proposal must include a current syllabus conforming to the requirements as specified in Section III (above).

3. Rationale:

4.  Consultation Statement:

a) Is the proposed change likely to affect other Departments or Programs?
[   ] NO      [   ] YES – If yes, list department/program:  
Has the Department/Program been consulted?    [    ] NO          [   ] YES
b) Is this course cross-listed?  If so, please list all courses affected.
c) Does this affect the Library? [  ] No [  ] Yes 
Have you consulted the subject liaison? [  ] No [  ] Yes
For new courses or programs, please consult.   

5.  Syllabus: Each substantive curriculum proposal must include a current syllabus conforming to the requirements as specified in Section III above.                              

Substantive Proposals: Format for Changes in Existing Courses download here

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V. Substantive Proposals: Format for a New Course Proposals

3.  Course Description:
A.  A brief description for the College Catalog. 
B.  Writing Requirement: the number of papers and their approximate length, the extent to which library or electronic research is expected, or a statement of other writing requirements. Any absence of a formal writing requirement must be specified.
4.   Rationale: (Justification)

NOTE: If the new course is also proposed for the Core Requirement, Writing Intensive, Pluralism & Diversity, and/or STEM, separate rationale statements must be submitted for each (see Sections VI, VII, VIII, and IX below).  It is recommended that applications for inclusion of the new course in any of these categories be submitted at the same time as the proposal for the course.

A. Nature of the proposed course:

1. If the proposed course is part of a new academic program, refer to the overall objectives of the program (i.e., on a cover sheet or Appendix)
2. If the proposed course is part of an established academic program, present a rationale that includes:

a.  The advantages offered by the proposal and/or the needs met by the course (i.e., student, departmental, community, job market needs);

b.  The way in which the proposed course relates to other courses within the department of origin;

c.   The way in which the course relates to courses in other departments, divisional or interdisciplinary programs (if appropriate, possibilities for interdisciplinary use might be given);

d.  Justification for any substantial overlap with other courses in the college curriculum, indicating the unique/specific focus of the course proposed;

e.  Please specify if this course was offered as a topics or experimental course   in the past and state the prefix and number.

f.  List of courses, if any, which are to be withdrawn when the new course is adopted. (Note: Dropping courses requires a separate proposal - see Section IV)

B. The following additional information must be supplied in the special instances noted:

1. When ENGL 120 is to be specified as a Pre- or co-requisite, the rationale must justify this in terms of the writing that is to be done in the course.
2. In the case of courses given in non-organized classes such as field work, internship, independent study, etc., an explanation must be given as to how the student will earn the credits consistent with the student effort required in organized classes. It should be noted that a course may not carry more credits than contact hours. Laboratory courses usually carry one credit per two contact hours.

5.   Projected Enrollment

6. Consultation Statement

a) Is the proposed change likely to affect other Departments or Programs? 
[  ] No [  ] YES – If yes, list department/program: ...................................
Has the Department/Program been consulted? [  ] No [  ] YES
b)   Is this course cross-listed?  If so, please list all courses affected.  
c) Does this affect the Library? [  ] No [  ] Yes
Have you consulted with the subject liaison? [  ] No [  ] Yes
For new courses or programs, please consult.  

7.   Sample Syllabus (See Section III above)

Substantive Proposals: Format for New Course Proposals download here

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VI. Format for Proposal for the Hunter Core: Common Core

For a course to be considered for the Hunter Core, a CUNY Common Core Form for the appropriate category must be completed.  Forms are located on the Senate website (www.hunter.cuny.edu/senate). The form is required and must be accompanied by a course syllabus, which must reflect the CUNY Learning Outcomes and conform to the requirements of Section III above.   Departments that wish to propose a course for inclusion in the GER must contact the Senate office (senate@hunter.cuny.edu).

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VII. Format for Proposals for the Hunter Core: "Writing Intensive"

1.  Header:                        Department/Program of .......................
  Proposal for Hunter Core:  Addition of “W” Designation

Provide the following:
2.   Course Number, Title, Hours, Credits
3.   Pre- and/or Co-requisites
4.   Sample Syllabus  (See Section III above)  OR  Approved Statement on Department Policy for Writing Intensive Courses that is in accord with the following Senate-approved Guidelines for ‘W’ Designation:

Guidelines for Assigning "W" Designation for Writing Intensive Courses:

1. ENGL 120 must be a pre- or co-requisite.
2. The course must be offered at least every two years.
3. The syllabus must state that over 50% of the course grade is based on written work.  The 50% can be achieved in a number of ways, but cannot be limited to in-class essay exams.  Writing due dates must allow faculty feedback prior to the final exam date.
4. Experimental courses and 400-level courses cannot be proposed for a “W” designation.

Format for Proposals for the Hunter Core: "Writing Intensive" download here

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VIII. Format for Proposals for the Hunter Core: Pluralism & Diversity

1. Header:          Department/Program of .......................
  Proposal for Hunter Core: Pluralism & Diversity, Group .......

Provide the following:

2.   Course Number, Title, Hours, Credits
3.   Course Description published in catalog
4.   Please provide responses addressing these questions:

• For Group A:  Does this course focus on the non-European cultures, or are non-European cultures ancillary to the treatment of European cultures, perspectives, etc.?
• For Group B: Does this course focus on the experiences of African Americans, Latin Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans in the U.S. from the standpoint of such groups?
• For Group C:  Does this course focus on the experiences of women, or on issues of sexual orientation or gender, from the perspective of the groups being studied?
• For Group D:  Are the main concerns of the course among the fundamental issues that arise from the artistic, literary, practical, or theoretical traditions of the European intellectual tradition?

5.   For all groups:

• Is the course content presented to the students in a way that allows them to understand its fundamental role in one of these intellectual traditions?
• If this course were the only course students took at the college that focused in this area, would you consider such students adequately introduced to the issue in question, in the spirit of the pluralism and diversity requirement?

6.   Sample Syllabus (See Section III above)

Format for Proposals for the Hunter Core: Pluralism and Diversity

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IX. Format for Proposals for the Hunter Core: STEM Variant

STEM Variant courses are permitted in the areas of Life & Physical Sciences, Scientific World, and Quantitative Reasoning. These courses must be required for a STEM major and meet the learning outcomes of the relevant area. Typically, such courses deviate from regular Core courses by virtue of carrying more than three credits, although only up to three credits will be applied to the students' Core requirements. (Remaining credits are electives or satisfy program requirements.)

1. Header:      Department/Program of .......................
  Proposal for Hunter Core: STEM Variant

Provide the following:

1.   Course Number, Title, Hours, Credits
2.   Pre- and/or Co-requisites
3.   Specify which of the following Common Core Categories will be satisfied by taking this course: Math and Quantitative Reasoning, Life and Physical Sciences, or Scientific World.
4.   Rationale: Explain why the course or range of courses fits within the specific Common Core area(s) and requirements for which STEM major (s). 
(Note: The description of the Hunter Core Requirement is stated in Appendix A. Courses being proposed for the Common Core STEM Variant must still meet the CUNY Learning Outcomes for the relevant area.  There is no need to also submit the CUNY Common Core Submission Form)

Format for Proposals for the Hunter Core: STEM Variant download here

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X. Substantive Proposals: Cross-Listing of Non-Experimental Courses

Permanent cross listing of courses for inclusion in the Undergraduate Catalog is a substantive change and requires a formal curriculum proposal.

1. Header:          Departments/Programs of ................................. and  ..........................................
                           Proposal for Cross Listing of Courses

2.    Provide information to show that the courses to be cross-listed have:

a.   The same course title;

b.   Comparable course numbers (preferably at the same level);

c.   The same (or comparable) pre-requisites;

d.   The signed approval of participating department chairs and/or program directors;

e.   The same Writing Intensive and/or Pluralism & Diversity designations. (It may be necessary to propose such a designation if one of the cross-listed courses does not have it.) 

f.    The same Hunter Common Core designation.

Note: A course that is cross-listed with an existing course carrying a Hunter Common Core designation will not automatically inherit the same status. All course prefixes and numbers for the Hunter Common Core must be separately approved by CUNY. Cross-listed courses submitted for the Hunter Common Core must match the original course precisely.

Discontinuation of a cross-listing of courses is considered a substantive change and requires a proposal.  There is no set format for such a proposal. If a previously cross-listed course is to be taught independently, a Change in Existing Course proposal (see section IV) is required.

The cross-listing of experimental courses will follow the rules for experimental courses in general. Experimental courses can only be offered 2 times before they must be submitted for review. 

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XI. Substantive Proposal: Format for Changes in a Degree Program

Includes modification of majors and minors, new minors, changes in admission requirements, changes in graduation requirements, change in name of registered degree or certificate program, addition or deletion of a track or concentration.

Proposals for modification of requirements in a Degree Program must state the following in accordance with the format requested by CUNY as specified in the example provided below:

1.  Follow the format for the heading as specified in the example provided below:

•       Name of the Program and Degree Award
•       HEGIS # and NY State Program Code # (as listed in State's Inventory of Registered
•        Programs at http://www.nysed.gov/heds/irpsl1.html)  
•       MHC Code (Be sure to include the Macaulay Honors College HEGIS Code when applicable.)
•        Effective Term
•        Detailed Description of the Proposed Modification(s) 

2.    The Detailed Description should be introduced with a section of not more than two or three paragraphs entitled HISTORY AND OBJECTIVES.

3a.   Use this table for program changes: state the precise language that is recommended for use in the catalog.

Note: The proposal should show the complete text of existing requirements and of proposed requirements.  The State Education department requires that all program changes include a complete listing of required courses. Please make sure to list ALL courses required prior to the major. 

Substantive Proposals: Format for Changes is a Degree Program download here. 

3b. Use this table for a new Minor:

4.  Rationale:  A single paragraph of justification.
5.   Consultation Statement:
a) Is the proposed change likely to affect other Departments or Programs?  
[ ] No [  ] Yes-  If yes, list department/program:                                       
Has the Department/Program been consulted? [  ] No [  ] YES
b) Does this affect the Library? [  ] No [  ] Yes
Have you consulted the subject liaison?  [  ] No [  ] Yes
For new courses or programs, please consult.   

Substantive Proposals: Format for New Minor

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XII. Programmatic Proposals: Format for New Academic Programs within Existing Academic Structures

NOTE: SEE PART A, SECTION V, VI FOR PROCEDURAL AND CALENDAR RULES.

New Academic Programs within existing academic structures include a new Degree Program, approval of a Certificate or Advanced Certificate Program, and establishing a Dual Degree Program from Existing Programs.

1. PROPOSAL FOR A NEW DEGREE PROGRAM

Please see the Faculty Handbook for the Preparation of New Academic Programs (Spring 2010) by the CUNY Office of Academic Affairs.  The Handbook is linked through the Senate website (www.hunter.cuny.edu/senate). The recently revised procedure for developing new academic programs, as outlined in the handbook, must be carefully followed. A single proposal must address all issues required for a full review. A Letter of Intent (LOI) is no longer required by CUNY, but is expected for Hunter approval.

2.  PROPOSAL FOR A NEW CERTIFICATE OR ADVANCED CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

The proposal must follow the format of the CUNY heading:

• Name of the Program and Degree Award
• HEGIS # and NY State Program Code # (as listed in State's Inventory of Registered
• Programs at http://www.nysed.gov/heds/irpsl1.html).
• MHC Code (Be sure to include the Macaulay Honors College HEGIS Code when applicable.)
• Effective Term
• Detailed Description of the Proposed Modification(s)

The proposal must address the following points:

A.  Purpose and Goals
B.  Need and Justification
C.  Student Interest and Enrollment
D.  Curriculum
E.  Faculty
F.  Cost Assessment

After approval by the appropriate Senate Course of Study committee, the department must submit a resolution and state forms to the Senate office. 
The resolution must have a "Resolved" paragraph specifying the name of the certificate program, the name Hunter College, and the effective date.  It must be followed by an "Explanation" paragraph.  The Explanation should include the sentence: “A copy of the full proposal is on file in the CUNY Office of Academic Affairs”. 

Example for a Resolution to Establish a New Certificate Program: (Note: Undergraduate certificate programs are expected to have fewer than 24 credits; the Public Policy program is  untypical in this respect)

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN PUBLIC POLICY

RESOLVED, that the undergraduate certificate program in Public Policy to be offered at Hunter College be approved, effective September 1, 2010. 

EXPLANATION: The proposed certificate program consists of 27 credits, of which 18 credits are required and 9 additional credits must be chosen in a specialty area to complete the  certificate. Students must also declare and complete the degree requirements of one of the registered degree programs offered by Hunter College, for example: Anthropology, History,  Political Science, Urban Affairs and Planning, etc.

Undergraduate public policy programs have emerged in response to demands from students for areas of study that are more socially relevant. Understanding what government does and how it affects the lives of people is an essential part of a good education in a free society. It not only trains young people for work in a wide range of fields, it prepares them to be educated and responsible citizens in our democracy. The certificate is open only to students currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program and will be issued together with the degree.   These courses are applicable to programs in either Political Science (IRP: 02520) or History (IRP: 02501).

A copy of the full proposal is on file in the CUNY Office of Academic Affairs.

3. A PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A DUAL DEGREE PROGRAM must be presented in the format below. In addition, a resolution and State Forms must be submitted together with the proposal to the Office of the Hunter College Senate. Please inquire at the Senate office about the necessary forms.

Establishing a Dual Degree Program in ................................... (insert name) 

1.   Complete the following table to identify the existing programs:

2.       Proposed dual-degree program (title and degrees awarded):
3.      Courses that will be counted toward both awards:
4.      Length of time for candidates to complete the proposed program:
5.      Use the Sample Program Schedule to show the sequencing and scheduling of courses in the dual-degree program.

Format for the Resolution to Establish a Dual Degree Program:

APPROVAL OF A DUAL DEGREE PROGRAM IN .............................(PROGRAM TITLE)  [BS/MS; BA/MA; BA/MS; ETC.)

RESOLVED, that the College’s existing programs [list undergraduate program title and SED program Code and degree award] and [list graduate program title and SED program Code and degree award] be combined to establish an accelerated program leading to a [list combined degree award BA/MA and program title etc.], effective [state effective date by semester], subject to financial ability.

EXPLANATION:  [insert explanation and rationale] Add final sentence: “A copy of the full proposal is on file in the CUNY Office of Academic Affairs.”

Proposal for Dual Degree Program download here

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XIII. Format Suggestions for Resolutions and Heading Proposals

1. RESOLUTION FORMAT SUGGESTED BY CUNY

RESOLUTION TO [title]
RESOLVED, that the proposed program in [program title] leading to the [IDENTIFY] to be offered at [name of college] College be approved, effective January 1, 2010, subject to financial ability.
EXPLANATION:  [insert explanation and rationale]  Add final sentence: “A copy of the full proposal is on file in the CUNY Office of Academic Affairs.”

2. EXAMPLE GIVEN BY CUNY FOR HEADING OF PROPOSALS

DEPARTMENT OF …
Hunter College, CUNY 

Proposed Changes in a Degree Program
The following is the revised curriculum for Multimedia Programming and Design leading to the A.A.S. Degree.
Program: Multimedia
HEGIS Code: 5008
NY State Program Code: 21882
Revision: Add MMP 230, MMP 260 and CCC401/MMP401 as electives in the Multimedia Art specialization program
Effective: Fall 2004