[Moderate revision–posted 1/19/24 (replaces 10/3/06 edition)]
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Operating Policy and Procedure
OP 36.05: Shortened Format Courses
DATE: January 19, 2024
PURPOSE: The purpose of this Operating Policy/Procedure (OP) is to ensure understanding and a standardized procedure concerning shortened format courses.
REVIEW: This OP will be reviewed every two years after publication by the Vice Provost for Academic Innovation and Student Success with substantive revisions presented to the Provost and Senior Vice President (PSVP).
POLICY/PROCEDURE
1. Courses offered for credit by Texas Tech University may be taught in formats shorter than semester length, with proper safeguards of quality, if recommended by the departmental area to offer the course and approved through administrative channels, including the PSVP. In approving a course to be taught in shortened format, the guidelines below should be considered. The guidelines may be modified by the administration as necessary to maintain integrity of the courses and adherence to state and board regulations. *Policy for Courses in Shortened Formats; Board Minutes, TTU, Nov. 22, 1985.
2. The shortened format course policy is as follows:
a. The semester hour system is based upon one contact hour per week (50 minutes of instruction) or its equivalent for a semester of 15 instructional weeks. Instructional hours for the shortened format courses generally maintain this standard, and any deviation must be approved through regular channels. Thus, a three-credit-hour course should have approximately 45 contact hours.
b. Any regular credit course may be taught in the summer term, utilizing the extended class periods applicable to summer.
c. Courses to be offered in shortened format must have prior approval at departmental or area, college, and university levels.
d. Department chairpersons and area coordinators must formally advise their respective deans of courses to be taught in shortened format each semester.
e. It is recognized that not all courses are appropriate for shortened format. Before developing such shortened courses, the department or area proposing short courses should take into consideration such factors as amount of reading and analysis required, maturity of students, need for concentrated immersion in subject, and, in general, the nature of the learning required.
f. Admission to short courses follows standards for all regular credit courses. Administrative issues such as the use of different drop and withdrawal dates, refunds, and grading must be established prior to the beginning of any course.
g. Location of off-campus courses is approved through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board procedures.
3. Authoritative Reference
OP Categories
01 Chancellor
02 Development
04 Audit Services
10 President
30 Academic and Student Affairs – General
32 Academic Policies – Faculty
34 Academic Policies – Students
36 Academic Programs
40 Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
48 Communication Services
52 Information Technology
60 Environmental Health and Safety
61 Facilities Management
62 Financial and Accounting
63 General Services
64 Graduate Programs (Faculty and Students)
65 Research Accounting
66 Libraries
67 Mail Services
68 Communications and Marketing
69 Payroll and Tax Services
70 Human Resources
72 Purchasing, Contracting, and Payables
74 Research
76 Security
77 Student Services and Registrar
78 Traffic and Parking
79 Travel
80 Vehicles
Operating Policies & Procedures
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