Data Standard: Course Component Coding Issue Documentation

This article provides historical information regarding the 2021 Data Governance Parent Project focused on the development of system-wide definitions for course components.

Detailed Information

Background Issue Summary

The University of Maine System did not have system-wide definitions for course components. As campuses increasingly cross-list courses and build collaborative programs, common definitions for specific course components are essential. Five of the seven UMS campuses reported having definitions for course components which were used to develop the UMS Course Component standard use cases.

September 2021 Proposal Forum

Resources

Forum Notes

  • Definitions were completed previously and we are working on keeping them in use and used consistently
  • Course component describes what the course looks like: lab, etc.
  • CDS and NC-SARA requires this info and consistency will make it much easier to work with
  • Most campuses have moved the definitions forward (see slides)

Comments & Questions

  • There is a difference between directed and independent study

    • Hard to differentiate in one course id, so they are combined. An independent study has its own course number
      • Finance: course fee assessment also does not like different components on one course id. Course Fees are based on course components, and one ID cannot have more than one component. If there is a mismatch, if a course component changes, the course fee will not be assessed.
      • If a student is doing a directed study, it should have a directed study course id
  • If possible, internships would be a great category to add separately from the others in the list. 
    • Is there a definition out there that we could use to differentiate between field experiences and internships?
  • Also, laboratory definition would not work when there is not a separate lecture with current wording. 
  • Recitations may be optional and the definition says required
  • Independent study may not be required for timely graduation. Maybe tweak wording.
  • One institution used Independent study to help students on their path to graduation when credit is needed and a section is under-enrolled or otherwise not available.
    • Maybe separating directed and independent study in the definition will work
  • What is the implementation timeline? 
    • Ideally Fall of ‘22; very quick in terms of schedule building preparations
    • Fall of ‘22, which is feasible because most of the work has been done, and the definitions can still be tweaked. Adding a new component would be an issue that could potentially push full implementation past fall ‘22.
    • DAC volunteer will solicit Academic Affairs feedback by mid October.
  • Just an FYI, definitions are for internal use and are not in MaineStreet, so as guidelines, they are big buckets.

Resources & Research

Related Links

Strategic Goals Addressed

Audit Query

Audience

  • System-Wide
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