Proposing a course

To propose a course in the Summer or Winter Session, please discuss the possibility with your chairperson or school director. Courses offered during the Winter and Summer Sessions typically have at least one of the following characteristics:

  • Help Cornell students meet degree requirements,
  • Are usually overenrolled in the fall or spring,
  • Will not be offered in the following year because of faculty leaves or position vacancies,
  • Are required by students in other departments,
  • Include engaged learning components, and
  • Are offered through online learning.

Every course proposed must have a reasonable prospect of attracting an adequate number of students. For most courses, this is approximately ten students. If a course has recently had fewer students or has not been offered for some time, please include your justification for proposing the course in the cover letter that accompanies the course's submission to the chairperson or school director.

Although proposals must be submitted through your chairperson or director, we are available to discuss any course ideas you may have at any time. For questions about proposing a course, please contact Chris Hinman (607.255.7078), or your department course coordinator.

Making changes

Students often plan their spring and fall courses of study and their work schedules around the information available on the Summer and Winter Session websites. Course cancellations or changes in session or time may have a serious effect on their planning and progress through their degree program. Once courses have been announced on the website, they should not be changed unless it is absolutely unavoidable. To request a change in class time, you should first discuss the matter with your department. Class times require the approval of Daniel Kratochvil, Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. Please have your department's representative contact Chris Hinman with your request.

For Winter Session course format see Course Formats.

Changes in class delivery method require a new course proposal. This pertains to any changes between the following:

Online (synchronous, asynchronous, or hybrid) to in-person

In-person to online (synchronous, asynchronous, or hybrid)

New & significantly changed courses

Any courses that have not been previously approved must be submitted to your college's educational policy committee for its consideration prior to submission to the SCE course proposal system.

Departments and colleges may have other requirements. Please check with your department chairperson.

The Faculty Center

The Faculty Center provides a single-entry point to the tools faculty need to advise students and to view class information (teaching schedule, class rosters, and grading information). The Student Center will provide designated academic administrative staff the ability to access student information to support faculty and students.