FAQs about Developing On-Campus Supplemental Courses
What is a supplemental course?
A supplemental course is a face-to-face on camus (or hybrid) class offered at a non-traditional time. Short courses and full term classes can be supplemental courses. Supplemental courses are offered through Outreach.
Supplemental courses provide additional seats/sections. These courses are offered to meet the needs of a non-traditional population.
Supplemental and short courses provide coursework to off-campus audiences as well as traditional degree seeking students during periods when the University does not schedule regular courses (for example, intersessions in August or early January), or at times when regular courses are not frequently offered (for example, weekends and evenings after 3:30 PM). Short courses are condensed format classes that offer an alternative schedule with enhanced flexibility.
More information about supplemental courses can be found in OSU Policy 5-0201, and 5-0202.
Who decides if a course can be offered as a supplemental course?
There is a joint approval process. Initial approval is between the Department Head and the Assistant Dean of Outreach, final approval is via Associate Dean for Instruction in the College of Arts & Sciences, and the Office of the Provost. A limited number of supplemental coursescan be offered due to budgetary constraints.
When can supplemental courses be offered?
During the week, 3:30 p.m. or after. On an evenings weekends, or during intersession, the courses may be offered according to the intersession time schedule, or between 7:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. All courses must meet an appropriate number of instructional minutes, (800 minutes per credit hour) and allow reasonable breaks (time in addition to the 800 instructional minutes). There are additional requirements regarding the span of a short course, please contact Outreach for additional information.
What is the salary for teaching a supplemental course?
The salary for supplemental courses varies depending on the faculty status and educational level of the instructor, the enrollment count, and needs of the department (in-load). There is a minimum enrollment count required for all short courses (20).
What class sizes are allowed?
Class sizes must meet a miminum, however, an instructor can elect to still teach the class for a smaller number at a reduced salary. Please note that due to salary and budgetary constraints, the course maximums must be controlled by Outreach.
What types of classes are currently offered in the short course format?
To see a list of currently offered short courses, please visit the CAS short course list.
Have questions? Contact Angie Kelly, 405.744.8459.
