Learning Abroad Course Proposal Process

The Curriculum Council (CC) is responsible for reviewing and approving new course proposals.  This page describes the process that the CC follows.

SUBMISSION TIMELINE

In order to allow time for CC members to fully consider each proposal, course proposals must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the meeting at which they will be reviewed.

COURSE PROPOSAL PREPARATION

All departmental procedures should be followed.

Course proposers should consult with their department scheduler when preparing the proposal. List of curriculum contacts.

Learning abroad courses can be proposed in one of the following forms:

1. Special Topics (Liberal Education is not allowed) Approval required from Academic unit head, Associate Dean, and Provost

2. Embedded – Approval required from Academic unit head, CEHD Curriculum Council, Campus Curriculum Council & Liberal Education Council

3. Non-Embedded – Approval required from Academic unit head, CEHD Curriculum Council & Provost and Liberal Education Council

Sample workload:

On-Campus
In-person class meetings (150 minutes x 9 sessions): 22.5 hours (1350 minutes)
Total Instructional Time (not including pre-departure session): 20 hours (1200 minutes)
Abroad
Class meetings (240 minutes x 7 sessions): 28 hours (1680 minutes)
Excursions, activities, educational tours: 28 hours (1680 minutes)
In-Country Instructional Time: 56 hours (3,360 minutes)
Additional Workload
Pre-departure reflections, readings, and presentation preparations: 58 hours (3,480
minutes)
In-country reflections, presentations, and preparation for the final assignment: 17 hours
(1,020 minutes)

Total Time: 75 hours (4,500 minutes)
Grand total time: 151 hours

Special Topics Learning Abroad courses will follow the same process as Special Topics Proposals.

Non-Embedded Learning Abroad courses will follow the New Course Proposal process.
(External Consultation is required.)

Embedded Learning Abroad courses will follow the New Course Proposal process. (External Consultation is required.)

Learning Abroad course definitions

1. Special topics
   When proposing a learning abroad course as a special topics course the process is consistent with any other special topics proposal, except that the course is not LE or WI eligible.

2. Embedded Course
   An embedded course is one that is offered during a traditional semester with an international experience during winter break, spring break, or May term. All learning abroad courses that are embedded require external consultation, college curriculum approval, and will be reviewed by the Campus Curriculum Council (CCC). The processes for embedded learning abroad courses is identical to any other new course proposal.

3. Non Embedded Course. Each proposal process is different.
   A non-embedded course is one that is taking place during winter break, spring break, or May term, and NOT taking place during the traditional semester. The process for non-embedded learning abroad courses is identical to any other new course proposal.

Course designators

Learning abroad courses will be given departmental designators specific to the department the course is being taught from.

Learning Abroad Center

All Learning Abroad courses are developed in consultation with the Learning Abroad Center.  The center can also support the collection and retention of the necessary documentation when studying abroad, and will do so for an additional set of fees.

The Learning Abroad Center is not an academic unit and therefore will not approve curriculum. The curricular processes remain the same regardless of the department’s choice to work through the LAC.

Learning Abroad Center

230 Heller Hall (Map)
271 19th Avenue S
Minneapolis, MN 55455

612.626.9000
UMabroad@umn.edu