Suffix Language
Three of the HIPs targeted in this first phase of our plan are represented by course suffixes: service-learning (S suffix), undergraduate research (R suffix), and writing-intensive (W suffix). When faculty propose new courses to have one of these suffixes in CAPA , they must include the specified language for that suffix (revised in January 2022).
S (Service-Learning):
Example of course ID: CSCI 2000S
The S suffix is used for courses with a service-learning component, a high-impact practice (HIP). Service-learning courses engage students through placements or projects in addressing a real-world, community-identified need that relates to the course learning objectives and serves the public good. Through critical reflection activities, students demonstrate how their work benefits the community as well as enhances their academic, civic, and/or personal learning. While the amount, focus, and partners for community-based work can vary substantially, all S courses must include student involvement in, and reflection on, projects/placements applying course content to benefit the (local, state, national, or international) community.
Evidence of service-learning must be included in the Course Objectives and/or Topical Outline section of the course approval form; see examples on the Office of Service-Learning website.
Proposals for S suffix courses will be routed through the Office of Service-Learning for approval.
R (Undergraduate Research):
Example of course ID: CSCI 4960R
The R suffix is used for CURO-approved undergraduate research courses. Undergraduate
research is offered through a progressive R-suffix research course sequence to promote
a student’s increasing skill development and depth of inquiry, as well as growing
independent research capability. In these courses, students apply understanding of
the discipline to identify or shape research questions, and apply knowledge, skills,
and techniques learned to this research. Students learn to gather data, synthesize
relevant literature, analyze and interpret data, and communicate their research, as
appropriate.
The courses in the sequence are designated with the R suffix in course numbers 4960R,
4970R and 4980R (for research courses), and 4990R (the capstone of the sequence, a
research thesis), and are available in most departmental course prefixes. At least
one prior research course is required to register in the thesis course.
Proposals for additional R suffix course numbers may be considered if necessary to address a specific need or separate niche not covered by the existing course sequence. In all cases, courses with an R suffix will have the minimum requirements:
- Individualized, independent, faculty-mentored research;
- Students engage in research for at least 45 hours of research per credit hour earned;
- Students complete at least one significant written assignment. Oral presentation of results, and participation in research-group meetings, is also highly recommended; and,
- Students receive substantial feedback from the faculty mentor on their research progress and written (and oral if applicable) presentation of results.
Proposals for R suffix courses will be routed through the CURO program for approval.
W (Writing Intensive):
Example of course ID: CSCI 2000W
The W suffix is used for courses taught as writing intensive, which means that the course includes substantial and ongoing writing assignments that a) facilitate learning; b) teach the communication values of a discipline—for example, its practices of argument, evidence, credibility, and format; c) support writing as a process; and d) prepare students for further writing in their academic work, in graduate school, and in professional life. Writing instruction and assignments are integral to the class’s learning objectives, and the instructor (and/or the teaching assistant assigned to the course) will be closely involved in supporting students as writers.
More specifically, writing-intensive classes
- involve students in informal writing assignments that promote course learning;
- stage and sequence assignments to encourage writing as a process of creating and communicating knowledge;
- maximize opportunities for guidance, feedback, and revision;
- teach the writing conventions that are inseparable from modes of inquiry in a discipline;
- make writing a substantive component of the overall course grade to underscore the value of writing to the course, the discipline, and student learning.
Proposals for W suffix courses will be routed through the Writing Intensive Program for approval.
Courses Eligible for Multiple Suffixes:
Courses that are eligible for more than one suffix should follow Office of Curriculum Systems guidance on which suffix to include; any other suffixes will be listed with appropriate “attributes” for institutional tracking for all eligible types. For example, service-learning courses that are also Honors or Writing Intensive courses should request an S suffix with the same information as above, but also include “honors,” “writing intensive,” in the course title as appropriate so the appropriate attributes can be listed by the Registrar. Courses that include service-learning but carry a different suffix (e.g., E, L) should have the above content reflecting the service-learning component and should include “service-learning” in the course title; these courses will have a SERV (service-learning) attribute in Banner and will be treated the same as S courses for institutional reporting. Please contact the Office of Curriculum Systems with questions.