WMU Essential Studies

Propose a WES Course

Information for faculty on the process of proposing or revising a WES 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 WES for background information.
Watch the video “The Why and How of WMU Essential Studies” for background knowledge.
Visit the WES website to research WES levels, categories, and rubrics
Choose appropriate WES level, category, and SLOs
Meet with chair or department faculty/curriculum committee to discuss department resources, funding, and interest in the WES course (strongly recommended).
Refine WES 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 WES language included:
- Include WES language in the Course Description: This course satisfies WES Level ____ Category ____
- Include WES language in the Course Goals, only Diversity and Inclusion and Planetary Sustainability.
- Write the Catalog Description including WES language, "This course satisfies..."
Download the WES assessment plan template. Choose the appropriate level and delete the rest.
Develop your Assessment Plan for the course. Peruse these master-syllabus and assessment-plan samples (Appendix E, pg. 29).

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 WES 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
- WES Curriculum and Approval Committee
- WES Director in consultation with the WES Executive Advisory Committee
- Curriculum Manager Review
- Registrar
Please be aware of due dates:
- For the following fall semester, the proposal should reach WES 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.
- For the following spring semester, the proposal should reach WES CRAC by the end of March. For example, a proposal reaching CRAC by March 31 will be implemented (if passing all units) during the next spring semester.
- Note: All WES courses enter the catalog in the fall semester only.

Resources

The Why and How of WMU Essential Studies Master Syllabus and Assessment Plan Samples

FAQs

Where do I start a proposal and what deadlines apply?

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

How do I pick the right WES 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 WES assessment plan look like?

Use the WES Assessment Plan Template and follow the instructions for aligning assignments to SLOs.

How do I enter rubric results in eLearning for WES assessment?

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

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

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

Who reviews my WES course and in what order?

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

What syllabus elements are required for WES?

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 WES Assessment Plan (template for your level/category) and ensure outcomes are explicitly tied to graded work.

When will my approved WES course appear for scheduling and in the catalog?

WES 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 WES—do I submit anything later

WES courses participate in cyclic review and ongoing outcomes assessment.