Resolution on Cancellation of Graduate Classes with Fewer than 10 Students

TITLE: Cancellation of Graduate Classes with Fewer than 10 Students

AUTHOR: University Council of Chairs and Directors (UCCD)

REFERRED TO: President Qayoumi

VIA: Academic Senate

DATE: March 25, 2013

Whereas, many graduate students cannot register for their classes until the first day of classes for a variety of reasons such as financial constraints and administrative problems;

Whereas, many low-enrolled graduate classes are required for students’ degrees and are necessary to expedite student time to graduation;

Whereas, many graduate classes have an enrollment history of adding students to and above 10 on the first day of class;

Whereas, most chairs and directors willingly cancel graduate classes that are seriously under-enrolled (fewer than 5) and are not likely to reach 10 students;

Whereas, deans can work with chairs and directors to identify graduate classes that are under-enrolled before the first day of class but are likely to reach 10 before the third class meeting of the semester, or classes that are essential for expediting student time to graduation;

Whereas, student-faculty ratios (SFRs) have increased in many departments due to reductions in sections offered and, thus, offering a small number of graduate courses with fewer than 10 students will not significantly reduce the university’s SFR;

RESOLVED, that for the benefit of students and shortening times to graduation, under-enrolled graduate classes needed for student graduation or with a high likelihood of reaching 10 students before the third class meeting will be permitted to meet for the first and second class meetings (or comparable time for online and hybrid classes).

RESOLVED, that graduate classes may be cancelled before the third class meeting if the classes do not reach 10 students or a number fewer than 10, as approved by the college dean.