An Academic credit hour is the unit by which an institution sets the basis for measuring the amount of engaged learning time expected of a typical student enrolled not only in traditional classroom settings but also laboratories, studios, internships and other experiential learning, and distance and correspondence education. The federal government relies on academic credits as a measure of student academic engagement and a basis for awarding financial aid. Further, the assignment of academic credit for courses allows prospective students to make meaningful comparisons between institutions and academic programs. Additionally, federal and state reporting requirements can be analyzed, achieved, and communicated.

 

To maintain alignment with federal regulations and regional accrediting bodies, Cumberland University uses the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools – Commission on Colleges definition of an academic credit hour. An academic credit hour is defined as the amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement. Institutionally this is equivalent to reasonable approximations of:

 

1.

Not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or not less than two hours of classroom or direct faculty instruction or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time, or

2.	At least an equivalent amount of work as required and outlined in item 1 above for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of academic credit hours (1).

 

The credit hour definition above is a minimum standard that does not restrict particular courses at Cumberland University from setting a higher standard that requires more student work per academic credit hour. Best practices in higher education are followed to determine requirements for academic credit hours assigned to particular courses and/or activities.

 

(1) Credit Hours Policy Statement, January 2012:  http://www.sacscoc.org/pdf/081705/Credit%20Hours.pdf.

Situations and new developments in best practices in higher education may occur that prompt variance in academic credit assigned for a particular course from that stated above. If this situation should occur, a curriculum change proposal should be initiated and submitted by the academic school in which the variance is recommended. Documentation of adherence to best academic practices in higher education necessitating the adjustment in academic credit assigned will be documented in the curriculum change proposal.