WMU Essential Studies

Propose a WMU Essential Studies Course

Information for faculty on the process of proposing or revising a WMU Essential Studies course.

Tasks

Preparing to write the proposal

Talk to colleagues about the new course topic and discuss how it fits with current curricular offerings. Discuss student and faculty interest. Survey your students and gauge interest.
Map your program or department’s curriculum to see where the course could fit.
Read About WMU Essential Studies and Tips for a Successful WMU Essential Studies Course Proposal for background information.
Watch the video “The Why and How of WMU Essential Studies” for background knowledge.
Visit the WMU Essential Studies website to research WES levels, categories, and rubrics
Choose appropriate WMU Essential Studies level, category and SLOs
Meet with chair or department faculty/curriculum committee to discuss department resources, funding, and interest in the WMU Essential Studies course (strongly recommended).
Refine WMU Essential Studies level, category and SLOs based on conversations with colleagues.
Request market research from Institutional Effectiveness for support of course topic (if applicable)
Create a Master Syllabus for the course with WMU Essential Studies language included:
- Include WMU Essential Studies language in the Course Description: This course satisfies WMU Essential Studies Level ____ Category ____
- Include WMU Essential Studies language in the Course Goals, only Diversity and Inclusion and Planetary Sustainability.
- Write the Catalog Description including WMU Essential Studies language, "This course satisfies..."
Download the WMU Essential Studies assessment plan template. Choose the appropriate level and delete the rest.
Develop your Assessment Plan for the course. Please refer to the following sample assessment plans for ideas: STAT 1600, COM 2710, SOC 3130, and PSY 3505.

Writing the proposal

Log in to Curriculum (https://wmich.curriculog.com/).
Click the “New Proposal” button on the dashboard or left-hand menu.
Choose the specific form (Course New, Program Change, etc.). There are multiple WMU Essential Studies options, new and revised for each level. Pick the appropriate one.
Fill in the details and save changes frequently.
Attach your Master Syllabus, Assessment Plan, and Catalog Description to the proposal.
Check that each question has been answered or with an N/A as appropriate.
Remember to “Validate and Launch” your proposal. You should see a thumbs-up icon.
Check the Curriculog Quick Guide for help.

Post-writing/Next Steps

The proposal should move on to your department curriculum committee representative or chair. Monitor your proposal’s progress.
At any time, your proposal could be returned to you for revision.
If your proposal is returned, please review the comments and make revisions. Once the revisions are complete, you can send the proposal on again by hitting Submit.
The typical process of a proposal moving through Curriculum is:
- Originator (You)
- Department Curriculum Committee Representative
- Chair Review
- College Curriculum Committee
- Dean Review
- WMU Essential Studies Curriculum and Approval Committee
- WMU Essential Studies Director in consultation with the WMU Essential Studies Executive Advisory Committee
- Curriculum Manager Review
- Registrar
Please be aware of due dates:
- For the following fall semester, the proposal should reach WMU Essential Studies CRAC (Course Review and Approval Committee) by the end of October. For example, a proposal reaching CRAC by October 31 will be implemented (if passing all units) during the next fall semester.
- Note: All WMU Essential Studies courses enter the catalog in the fall semester only.

Resources

The Why and How of WMU Essential Studies WMU Essential Studies Handbook

FAQs

Where do I start a proposal and what deadlines apply?

You initiate all WMU Essential Studies course proposals in Curriculum; note the annual October 31 deadline for any changes or additions to WMU Essential Studies since they only take effect in fall terms.

How do I pick the right WMU Essential Studies level and category for my course?

Use the Interactive Model to see the three levels—Foundations, Exploration & Discovery, and Connections—and their categories/outcomes.

What are the diversity (DI) and planetary sustainability (PS) requirements, and can my course satisfy them?

Students must complete one DI and one PS course (typically at Level 2 or 3); the Interactive Model and catalog pages clarify where DI/PS can be embedded.

Which Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) do I have to include?

Each level/category has required SLOs and optional menus; the Assessment Plan Template spells out how many SLOs to select at each level and links to rubrics.

Where do I find the official rubrics and codes (e.g., WCL, ILL, DIL, PSL)?

The WES Outcome Rubrics page lists all outcomes and rubric codes used in proposals and eLearning assessment.

What does a compliant WMU Essential Studies assessment plan look like?

Use the WMU Essential Studies Assessment Plan Template and follow the instructions for aligning assignments to SLOs.

How do I enter rubric results in eLearning for WMU Essential Studies assessment?

The Faculty Resources page links to the Help Hub guide and videos for entering WMU Essential Studies rubric data in D2L.

What proposal type do I select for a new WMU Essential Studies course vs. adding an existing course to WES?

Curriculum houses all new/revised course proposals, including those adding a WMU Essential Studies designation; choose the appropriate proposal form after logging in (the interface provides guided help and FAQs).

Who reviews my WMU Essential Studies course and in what order?

Proposals route through department/college approvals, then WMU Essential Studies /Faculty Senate governance per the curriculum change guidelines noted from Curriculum to Faculty Senate resources.

What syllabus elements are required for WMU Essential Studies?

You will need to include a sample syllabus and SLO assessment plans to model language, outcomes, and assessment mapping.

Do I need to attach anything beyond the syllabus?

Yes—attach the completed WMU Essential Studies Assessment Plan (template for your level/category) and ensure outcomes are explicitly tied to graded work. Catalog copy also needs to be attached.

When will my approved WMU Essential Studies course appear for scheduling and in the catalog?

WMU Essential Studies changes must meet the Oct. 31 deadline to take effect in the next fall catalog; other course changes have additional timeline notes in Curriculum.

What happens after my course is in WMU Essential Studies—do I submit anything later

WMU Essential Studies courses participate in cyclic review and ongoing outcomes assessment.