When did the new core curriculum become effective?

The new core applies to all undergraduate students who entered UT Arlington beginning Fall 2014.

Do all students have to abide by the new core curriculum or just new students?

Degree programs are governed by the catalog text in effect at the time a student matriculates.  However, students may opt to “move” to the most recent catalog – in which case they must meet the requirements spelled out in that catalog. 

How do we submit a course for the core and what are the deadlines?

 Proposal requirements and a link to the online submission form can be found at  Submit a Core Course Proposal.  Deadlines for the current cycle can be found at  Core Timeline.

What materials will be required for the core course application?

A proposal, a detailed syllabus, and (for those who selected an individual strategy) an assessment plan. Please carefully review the  requirements for submitting a core course proposal.

What courses are suitable for the core?

Lower level (1000 and 2000 level) undergraduate courses that  are designed for a student to take as part of his or her general university education (as opposed to courses designed primarily for a major or specialization).  Courses which tailor general content to a more limited audience, e.g. Professional and Technical Communication for Science and Engineering or Nursing Microbiology, are acceptable. Core courses must fall into one of the designated  component areas. New core courses must be approved by the UTA Core Curriculum Committee and Undergraduate Assembly. For detailed requirements please visit  Core Course Requirements.

Do we have to include all THECB core objectives in every course in the core curriculum?

No. THECB has determined which objectives must be met depending on the component area the course is in. Each course must include the  core objectives for its  component area. 

The application form asks for information about the number of sections offered per year and the enrollment in those sections.  Does this mean that larger classes will be preferred over lower-enrollment courses?

No.  Because we are developing a new and innovative communal assessment model, we need to forecast the number of sections and number of students that will be involved in the assessment.

Do we have to assess the core courses?

Yes.  We must report the results of assessment to both the THECB and SACS (Southern Association of College & Schools – our accrediting body).

How do we assess the core courses?

Programs may opt to participate in a communal assessment using signature assignments or to design, administer and report an individual assessment.  Courses will be assessed every semester to ensure that the assessment becomes a seamless component in the class. For more information about assessment strategies and resources visit  Assessment of Core Courses

Do all sections have to be part of the assessment or can a single section only be assessed?

In order to assure uniformity in the experience our students are having in our classrooms and the degree to which they are all exposed to the skills described by the core objectives, it is critical that all sections be assessed. 

What about the timing of new courses?  Will they be submitted prior to or simultaneous with core application submission?

New courses should be submitted to the University Curriculum Committee via the Course Inventory Management (CIM) system prior to being submitted to the Core Committee for review. Courses which are not in the course inventory will not be approved for the core curriculum.  More information about the UCC process and timelines.

Can courses be approved for more than one component area?

A course may only be listed in one of the eight foundational component areas. However, any course listed in a foundational component area may also be listed as an option in the Component Area Option (CAO).

When will the communal rubrics be developed and approved?

The Core Curriculum Assessment Committee will be constituted prior to the fall semester and will be charged with developing and approving rubrics.   The LEAP rubrics from the AAC&U will be used as a starting point and may be used as reference points when developing signature assignments. 

Whom can we contact? 

For help with developing assessment tools for a current or proposed core course, contact:  Rebecca Lewis at  rebeccal@uta.edu