Credit Hour Policy

Definition

The unit of semester credit is defined as university-level credit that is awarded for the completion of coursework. One credit hour reflects the amount of work represented in the intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement for those learning outcomes. Each credit hour earned at Chaminade University should result in a minimum of 45hours of engagement, regardless of varying credits, duration, modality, or degree level. This equates to one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester. Terms that have alternative lengths, such as 10 week terms, should have an equivalent amount of faculty instruction and out-of-class student work to meet each credit hour. Direct instructor engagement and out-of-class work result in total student engagement time of 45 hours for one credit. The number of engagement hours may be higher, as needed to meet specific learning outcomes.

Specific Credit Situations

The minimum 45 hours of engagement per credit hour can be satisfied in fully online, internship, or other specialized courses through several means, including (a) regular online instruction or interaction with the faculty member and fellow students and (b) academic engagement through extensive reading, research, online discussion, online quizzes or exams; instruction, collaborative group work, internships, laboratory work, practica, studio work, and preparation of papers, presentations, or other forms of assessment. This policy is in accordance with federal regulations and regional accrediting agencies.

Documentation

The course syllabus indicates the number of credit hours for which the course is offered, along with a breakdown of how those credit hours will be allocated throughout the semester or term. Information includes the number of hours of direct faculty instruction, the number of hours of outside preparation expected of students, and any additional expectations for student engagement, such as online discussions or group projects necessary to earn the credit hours. The actual number of hours an individual student will take to complete the work will vary based on a variety of factors, including academic preparedness and prior knowledge.

Periodic Review

Curricular review is an important component of credit hour policy. Assignment of credit hours for courses will occur during program/course approval processes and will be monitored through faculty, curriculum, and program review processes established by the university. New courses or changes to existing courses are approved through the University’s existing faculty and shared governance processes.

Program coordinators, directors, and deans will randomly assess courses each year to ensure adherence to the credit hour policy. This will be accomplished through a random audit of syllabi to ensure an intentional and adequate accounting of credit hours are awarded for the work completed.