Course Cap Identification/Revision Policy

Purpose

Process for the assignment and/or revisions of course caps.

Definitions

Course Cap

A regulation that sets a reasonable maximum class size for all instruction at the college.

AASC

Academic Affairs Standards Council to which management and faculty bring all proposals regarding academic affairs and standards.

SGC

Shared Governance Council established to make recommendations to the College on the personnel, student affairs, facilities, fiscal matters and general matters.

Procedure Guidelines

1. Once a course is approved by AASC, faculty, in collaboration with their Dean, will recommend a course cap and submit it to the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs
2. The Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs will place it on Dean’s agenda for discussion
3. The Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs will forward Dean/faculty recommendations to Shared Governance Council
4. New and/or revised course caps will be posted to comprehensive list located on the intranet

Responsibility

Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs

Responsible to maintain a comprehensive course cap list and update the intranet as needed.

Faculty

Responsible to initiate a revision and communicate with peers prior to recommending a course cap to AASC.

Academic Deans

Responsible to communicate with faculty, adhere to course cap guiding principles and to collaborate and consider college-wide implications for course caps.

President

Responsible for final decision.

References

Guiding Principles - Courses that are primarily science lecture with two labs – cap of 48 (lab cap of 24)

• Unless otherwise specified, labs will typically be ½ the size of general lecture classes (e.g. a lecture of 48 would break into two labs of 24; a lecture of 40 would break into two labs of 20.)
• Courses that are primarily lecture with discussion – cap of 40
• Courses that are primarily lecture with demonstration – cap of 30
• Math (non-developmental) – cap of 35
• Courses that are primarily skill-based with application – cap of 25
• Developmental courses – cap of 25
• Internships – cap of 20
• Courses addressing the English language barrier – cap of 20
• Exceptions to these guidelines could include: safety, accreditation requirements

Master Agreement Between Minnesota State system Board of Trustees and Minnesota State College Faculty (MSCF)

AASC Course Modification form

Related Policies and Procedures

Minnesota State Community and Technical College Course Cap Policy