For undergraduate courses as well as most graduate courses, a semester hour of credit typically represents at least three hours of work each week (60 minute hours), on average, for a 14-15 week semester, or the equivalent amount of instruction during a 5-week Wintersession. In lecture/discussion courses requiring outside preparation, one hour of credit represents one hour of work each week of the term in class, and two hours of work outside class. In studio/laboratory courses, one hour of credit represents three hours of time in the studio/laboratory and home space each week of the term. Three credit studio classes generally meet in-class for five hours per week, and Foundation studio classes meet 7.5 hours per week.
Courses and credits are approved by Department Heads and Divisional Deans, then by the College Curriculum Committee or Wintersession Curriculum Committee as needed and called for by the rules of the Committee. The Deans, Department Heads, and applicable Curriculum Committee are responsible for ensuring accurate and reliable application of credit hour policies.