Article VI - Changes in Course Enrollment and Section or Cohort Size
Decisions about course enrollment and section/cohort size, along with associatd workload decisions are the responsibility of the chair of the division in which the course resides. Decisions related to changes in course enrollment and/or section/cohort size should be made when creating the course schedule for the academic year in communication with the course instructor and in consultation (as needed) with the provost or designee, and/or the registrar. The Instruction Committee (IC) or Curriculum Committee (CC) may be consulted in certain cases.
Changes to existing course enrollment include any changes to course maximums (caps) or minimums that represent a change from the existing, established course size or from the current practice within the institution. Changes to existing course enrollment may also include changes in section size/number or in cohort size/number. At the time such a change is requested, there should be an agreement between the division chair and the instructor. Course instructor may also agree to allow course enrollment beyond the course cap. Changes to existing course enrollment should occur reasonably in advance of the start of the semester to allow the instructor time to prepare. Course enrollment may be adjusted occasionally to reflect divisional and institutional objectives and/or strategic and financial priorities in consultation with the IC. The following should be considered as guidelines to ensure that changes to existing course enrollments align with best practice:
- Constraints imposed by the seating capacity of a classroom, the space available in a laboratory or studio, supplies/equipment limitations, and relevant accreditation requirements. If enrollment caps are raised, the registrar and the provost must locate suitable space and equipment for the course.
- Characteristics of the course, including the student audience, teaching and assessment methods, and desired course outcomes. For example, an undergraduate course taught in a lecture format can typically be expected to accommodate more student than a writing-intensive course, laboratory course, upper-level seminar, or graduate course.
- Instructional delivery method. Courses delivered online or in accelerated or hybrid formats may have different instructional requirements than those delivered in traditional formats and may have unique workload demand for the instructors who teach them.
- Pedagogical considerations associated with course enrollment. Larger classes may necessitate changes in instructional methods, student assessment, and student-instructor interaction.
- Equity. Whenever possible, division chairs should consider the distribution of teaching assignments within the division, as well as the workload associated with course enrollment size, format, and level of instruction. Division chairs should pursue equity and transparency in regard to workload, overload, and the granting of stipends or other forms of workload-related compensation.
- The institutional mission. Division chairs, instructors, and members of the administration all work collaboratively in the best interest of the college and its students. It is recognized that outstanding, mission-aligned instruction can occur in classes of various size and format.
It is expected that course enrollment decisions will be made collaboratively at the division level. However, in the event that: (a) communication has occurred between the division chair and the instructor, (b) consultation has occurred between the division chair and the provost and/or registrar, (c) the above guidelines have been considered and yet, (d) the parties involved disagree about course enrollment, section/cohort size, and/or associated workload, the instructor may take any of the following additional actions:
- The instructor can request to meet formally with the division chair and provost (or designee) to reach an agreement. Prior to this meeting, the instructor can request a brief written rationale from the division chair, which can be discussed at this meeting.
- The instructor can request consultation with the Instruction Committee and Curriculum Committee to assist in reaching an agreement. Parties include the division chair, provost, and/or registrar.
- Should the parties still be unable to reach agreement, the faculty member retains the ability to submit a grievance as outlined in Part D - Article II, Section 4.