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PROV-022: Determination and Assignation of Academic Credit

Date: 10/18/2012 Status: Final
Last Revised: 07/01/2022
Policy Type: Executive Vice President & Provost
Oversight Executive: Executive Vice President and Provost
Applies To:

Academic Division.

Reason for Policy:

Establishes guidelines for the determination and assignation of academic credit.

Definition of Terms in Statement:
  • Academic Program:A degree or non-degree program leading to a credential awarded by the University.
  • Academic Work:Student effort that includes, but is not limited to: lectures, seminars, course assignments, laboratory sections, research, group meetings, independent study, internships, practica, studio work, recitals, and rehearsals.
Policy Statement:

The University uses academic credit as the primary measure by which progress toward completion of an academic program is gauged. In the typical case, one credit must reasonably approximate three hours of academic work per week for approximately 15 weeks or an equivalent amount of academic work over an alternative period of time.

In determining the amount of credit awarded for academic work, faculty within each school may take into consideration alternative delivery methods, measurements of student work, academic calendars, disciplines, and degree levels. In addition, faculty may take into consideration the standards established by professional and specialized accreditation entities as well as commonly accepted practice in higher education.

This policy establishes a minimum standard that does not restrict faculty from assigning a greater amount of academic work per credit.

  1. Responsibilities:
    Faculty within each academic unit or school are responsible for implementing this policy. The faculty must establish standards that govern the evaluation of the curriculum and the assignment of credit for the achievement of academic work. Faculty must also maintain documentation that academic credit is assigned in accordance with such standards.
Major Category:
Executive Vice President & Provost Policies
Next Scheduled Review:
07/01/2025
Approved By, Date:
Executive Vice President and Provost, 10/18/2012
Revision History:
Confirmed 7/1/22.