It is important for Course Councils to balance the need for efficiency in making course decisions with the need to involve the right perspectives. It is not practical for each council member to weigh in on every change. On the other hand, it is important for council members to provide input on decisions that impact their areas of responsibility.

Two parts of the Online Handbook are meant to help Course Councils find the right balance:

The overarching principle is that council members should know each other, communicate appropriately, and use good judgment as they follow the guidelines found in the Online Handbook.

It is critical that each Course Council has a trusting and cooperative relationship. The Course Support team operates under the assumption that councils are unified. For example, if any member of the council submits a maintenance request, the Course Support team will implement the change under the assumption that the proper approvals are already in place (see the Course Update Policy).

Course Council Meetings

Course Councils should meet at least once per semester after the course has finished the pilot semester. During these meetings, council members review course data and prioritize changes to the course. Council members meet more frequently during large projects.

Council members should balance the frequency and duration of meetings with their contracted time, as well as the needs of the course and its students.