Policy 160.00 Credit Hour Definition

Owner: Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer

1. Introduction

   This Policy defines credit hour at University of Maryland Global Campus ("UMGC") in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations.

2. Guidelines

   1. UMGC defines a credit hour as a reasonable approximation of the student learning outcome equivalency of, at a minimum, a Carnegie Unit. Course developers are to ensure that the quantity of student learning required per credit is the equivalent of between 42 and 45 hours of coursework for the semester through activities that:

      1. Address and demonstrate student competency in the defined learning outcomes; and

      2. Draw upon recommended instructional practices identified by UMGC's faculty.

   2. Student learning outcome equivalencies are to be based on documented qualitative and quantitative expectations for:

      1. Time required of students to complete assigned learning activities, taking into account expectations based on degree level, discipline, and weight in students' final course grade;

      2. Time required of students to read and understand content developed by course faculty, excluding time required to read assignments in a course syllabus;

      3. Time required of course faculty to respond to student questions received via e-mail, posted in the online classroom, and/or discussed in the online class chat room; and

      4. Time required of course faculty and students to participate in online conference activities.

   3. Student learning outcome equivalencies reflect differences in delivery methods, quality of instruction and interaction, degree of supervision, measurements of student work, academic disciplines, academic calendars, and degree levels.