Teaching a DeCal course through the Center for New Media:
Getting Started!
- Do your research. Go to How to Start a DeCal and http://vcue.berkeley.edu/special-studies and read everything there is to know about establishing and teaching a DeCal course. For further information and training see http://slc.berkeley.edu/startup-workshops.
- Find a BCNM Executive Committee faculty sponsor.
Create a Course Proposal Packet
A course proposal must be completed each semester, and approved by the sponsoring department, for every student-facilitated 198 course offered for academic credit. The following must be submitted to the Academic Senate in hard copy (paper):
A Course Proposal Form, signed by your faculty sponsor. This form can also be downloaded from the Academic Senate website, under the Required Documents section. Please note: The Academic Senate does not distinguish between facilitators, TAs, tutors, etc. If a student has a leadership role in a DeCal, they MUST complete the UCFTR training as referenced on the Course Proposal Form.
A fully-developed syllabus which includes the following information:
- an outline of course content
- a reading list
- a statement of frequency of class meetings
- a clear description of assignments and requirements for passing the class
- key learning outcomes
- method(s) of instruction
- method(s) of evaluation of student performance
An example of a fully developed syllabus can be found at the Center for Teaching & Learning. Additional resources may be found at the website for Undergraduate Course Facilitator Training & Resources.
A Unit Value Worksheet, which can also be downloaded from the Academic Senate website, under the Best Practices section.
- When completing the unit value worksheet ensure that the minimum total work hours are equivalent to the unit value of the course (e.g.: there are at least 45 hours for a 1 unit course).
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Also ensure that any requirements outlined in the worksheet are explained fully in the course syllabus.
A Faculty Sponsor Letter of Support, from the instructor of record, must be provided for each course the instructor is sponsoring. This letter is required for all student-facilitated course proposals starting SP 18. The letter should be written on department letterhead and signed by the instructor, and should address the five questions explaining the role and relationship the instructor has with the course.
Deadlines
When your proposal packet is complete, submit the packet to the Associate Director (lara@berkeley.edu) as a single PDF.
We will review your proposal and contact you with any questions or additional steps you need to take.
- The deadline for proposed Fall DeCal courses is March 1.
- The deadline for proposed Spring DeCal courses is October 1.
Submit Signed Packet to COCI
Once you receive your BCNM Director signed course proposal, you may then submit your paperwork to the Committee on Courses of Instruction (COCI). See Student-Facilitated Course Information on the Academic Senate website for instructions.
The deadline is one month before the end of instruction in the preceding semester (see current deadline above).
Note: COCI only notifies you if there is a problem with your submission.
Submit Class to DeCal
After submitting the packet to COCI, submit the class to DeCal so it can be listed on their website.
How to submit a class to the DeCal website
Login into the DeCal Website. Click on 'Dashboard' on the upper right hand corner of the website. Click on the yellow 'Submit a Course for Approval' button. Follow the steps until completion of form. After submission, you should receive a confirmation email. Check your email for any status changes. You may go back and make edits to all course information, expect the Course Name, so make sure that it is correct in the beginning. Please check your email if your course is rejected and make edits according to comments. Please feel free to email us at decalprogram [at] gmail.com if you have any further questions.
Be aware that the DeCal student organization has different deadlines and requirements than the Academic Senate (COCI).
Limitations:
The Center will approve DeCal courses on a first-come, first-served basis. Individual faculty members may sponsor one DeCal course per semester. Student facilitators offering a DeCal through the Center for New Media MUST BE A DECLARED BCNM Certificate student and MUST take the Undergraduate Course Facilitator Training and Resources (UCFTR).
Scheduling
Once your course has been approved by the Director, the Associate Director will email you for detailed information to set up the class, including:
- Maximum Enrollment for your class
- Two choices of day(s)/time(s) for the class
- Enrollment options
- Any specific characteristics of the room you would like to teach in (e.g., movable chairs, specific a/v equipment, etc.).
Upon receiving the above information, the Associate Director will create the course in the campus online schedule of classes. Once the class is set up, the Associate Director will share class details, permission codes and teaching unit information.
Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered
Attend Training Workshop (first time facilitators)
All first-time student-facilitators must undergo training. The Student Learning Center’s Undergraduate Course Facilitator Training and Resources unit (UCFTR) offers a number of workshops and one-on-one trainings each semester to support student facilitators.