CAPA Course Proposal Instructions

One guide for every course proposal path. Select your proposal type and any additional designations below — the page will show only the steps that apply.

Proposal Type

Deadlines to be Effective Spring/Summer 2027

New courses and course changes that do not impact degree requirements. This timeline ensures courses are available when spring/summer 2027 registration begins on November 12.
Deadline Date
Graduate-level courses approved by college September 29, 2026
Undergraduate-level courses approved by college October 6, 2026
Graduate-level courses approved by Graduate School October 6, 2026
UCC Subcommittee approval October 13, 2026
UCC Executive Committee approval October 20, 2026
Courses available for scheduling in Banner By November 4, 2026
Faculty upload syllabi and CV prior to registration Prior to November 11, 2026
Spring/Summer 2027 registration begins November 12, 2026
1

Log in to CAPA

  1. Go to capa.uga.edu
  2. Click the "Create or Change a Course" link
  3. Log in with your UGA MyID and Password
2

Select Your Unit and Role

After logging in, select your unit from the dropdown (e.g., your department), then select your role within that unit (e.g., Department Course Initiator).

Unit and role selection screen
Select your unit and role from the dropdowns
3

Begin Your Proposal Decision

This step differs based on your proposal type
What are you proposing?

New Course Proposal

From the Task dropdown, select "Begin a New Course Proposal".

Task dropdown showing Begin a New Course Proposal
Select "Begin a New Course Proposal" from the Task dropdown

You'll be taken to the Enter New Course Proposal Information screen. Fill in the Course ID fields:

FieldDescription
Owning Course Prefix A four-letter alphabetic code approved by the University Curriculum Committee that designates an area of study. Example: ANTH, ENGL, MATH
Number A four-digit number that reflects the level of the course. May be single level (e.g., ENGL 4000) or split-level (e.g., ENGL 4000/6000).
Crosslisted Prefix Used when two or more prefixes share the same course. First prefix = owning department. Example: CBIO(MIBO). Only the owning department can initiate proposals. Proposals automatically route through crosslisted departments for approval.
Course Suffix An approved letter appended to the course number. Only one suffix per course. Contact capa@uga.edu if more than one is needed.

Click "Validate New Course ID". If the course ID already exists, you'll be asked to pick another number. After validation, you'll land on the full proposal page with all tabs.

New Course ID entry and validation screen
Enter course ID information and click "Validate New Course ID"
Approved course suffixes
SuffixMeaning
DNon-Credit Discussion Group
EOnline Learning Course
HHonors Course
IIntegrated Language Course
LLaboratory Course
RUndergraduate Research Course (CURO)
SService-Learning Course
WWriting Intensive Course

More info: reg.uga.edu/faculty-governance/course-approval/#suffix

Course numbering guide
RangeLevel
1000–1999First-year and second-year students
2000–2999Mainly second-year; in special instances may be senior division
3000–3999Third- and fourth-year students
4000–5999Third- and fourth-year students
6000–6999Fundamental knowledge (graduate)
7000–7999Technique and professional courses (graduate), except 7000 (Master's Research) and 7300 (Master's Thesis)
8000–9999Advanced graduate courses and seminars, except 9000 (Doctoral Research) and 9300 (Doctoral Dissertation)

Reserved numbers:

  • 4960R, 4970R, 4980R — Undergraduate Research
  • 4990R — Undergraduate Research Thesis
  • 7000 — Master's Research · 7005 — Graduate Student Seminar · 7300 — Master's Thesis
  • 9000 — Doctoral Research · 9005 — Doctoral Graduate Student Seminar · 9300 — Doctoral Dissertation

Course Change Proposal

From the Task dropdown, select "Begin a Course Change/Deletion Proposal".

Task dropdown showing Begin a Course Change/Deletion Proposal
Select "Begin a Course Change/Deletion Proposal"

Choose the relevant course from the list beneath the selected prefix, then click "Begin Proposal".

Select course from list
Select the course you want to change and click "Begin Proposal"

You'll see the "Select the Fields You Would Like to Change" screen. Check only the fields you need to modify, then click "Proceed". You will only be able to edit the fields you checked.

Select the Fields You Would Like to Change checklist
Check the fields you want to change, then click "Proceed"
Adding Experiential Learning? Make sure to check the "Experiential Learning" checkbox on this screen before clicking "Proceed."
Adding Institutional Competency? Make sure to check the "Institutional Competency" checkbox on this screen. If your course objectives need updating, also check "Course Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes".
4

Titles

Course Info tab · Course Change: only if you checked "Course Titles"
Titles fields
Title entry fields
FieldDescription
Course Title Title as it will appear in the University Bulletin. Limited to 100 characters. Should be descriptive and reasonable in length.
Example: Introduction to Computing and Programming
Athena Title Title in Athena, Schedule of Classes, and transcripts. Limited to 30 characters.
Example: Intro Computing and Program
Non-Credit Lab/Discussion Title Only if applicable. Limited to 30 characters. Also appears in Athena, Schedule of Classes, and transcripts.
Example: Intro Computing Program Lab
5

Course Description

Course Info tab · Course Change: only if you checked "Course Description"
Course description field
Course description entry

For use in the University Bulletin and Athena. Must not exceed 50 words. Should briefly describe the content of the course.

Guidelines for writing course descriptions
  • Identify the content of the course, not the procedure for teaching or studying.
  • Do not begin with the course title or phrases like "The course," "This course," "The students," or "The instructor."
  • If the course number or title already indicates level/difficulty, do not repeat with words like introductory, basic, elementary, intermediate, or advanced.
  • Avoid highly technical jargon and abbreviations.
  • May begin with a sentence fragment. The rest should be complete sentences.
  • Be concise — the shortest description will be the clearest.
  • Do not repeat information already in the course title.
  • Proofread carefully for grammar, diction, spelling, and punctuation.

Sample descriptions for ENGL 4XXX, "Jacobean Drama":

Not good
The course will examine selected plays by Jacobean writers, including Jonson, Webster, Tourneur, Middleton, and Ford.
No better
Students will read and discuss selected plays by Jacobean writers, including Jonson, Webster, Tourneur, Middleton, and Ford.
A little better
Selected plays by Jacobean writers, including Jonson, Webster, Tourneur, Middleton, and Ford.
A lot better
Plays by Jonson, Webster, Tourneur, Middleton, Ford and their contemporaries.
6

Graduate Requirements

Course Info tab · If applicable (split-level courses) · Course Change: only if checked
Graduate requirements field
Graduate requirements field

If the course is split level (e.g., ENGL 4000/6000), graduate students will be required to do extra or different work, which must be explained here.

Example
Graduate students will be required to submit an individual report on a selected topic graded on a pass/fail basis. Written material and project assignments will receive more rigorous grading than at the undergraduate level.
7

Grading System

Course Info tab · Course Change: only if you checked "Grading System"
Grading system field
Grading system selection
OptionDescription
A-F (Traditional)Standard A-F grading scale.
S/USatisfactory/Unsatisfactory. Generally for dissertation, thesis, student teaching, practicum, internship, and proficiency requirements.
A/S (Restricted Differential)Graduate-level only. Flexibility to offer as A-F or S/U. For seminar and research courses where differential grading is justified. The Grading comment box must clearly state when each system is used.
8

Credit Hours & Contact Hours

Course Info tab · Course Change: only if you checked "Credit Hours"
Credit hours fields
Credit hours and contact hours fields
FieldDescription
Credit HoursStandard credits for successful completion. Minimum 750 minutes of instruction per credit hour.
Lecture Hours/weekUsually equals credit hours. 1 hour lecture = 1 credit hour.
Lab Hours/week2 hours lab = 1 credit hour.
Discussion Hours/week1 hour discussion = 1 credit hour.
Fixed Credit

Same credit amount every semester.

Variable Credit

Credit-hour range (e.g., 1–3 hours). Restricted to courses tailored to the individual student.

9

Non-Traditional Format

Course Info tab · If applicable · Course Change: only if checked
Non-traditional format field
Non-traditional format explanation field

Complete this for courses not in the "traditional" format, or if lecture/lab/discussion hours are fewer than credit hours — justify the difference here.

Example
The course will include extended field experience and a series of lectures combined with seminars, presentations, and/or student projects.
10

Repeat Policy

Course Info tab · Course Change: only if you checked "Repeat Policy"
Repeat policy field
Repeat policy fields

If the course can be repeated for credit, enter the maximum credit hours allowed.

Example
4 credit hour course, repeatable for a maximum of 16 hours credit.
11

Equivalent Courses

Equivalent Courses tab · If applicable · Course Change: only if checked
Equivalent courses tab
Equivalent courses entry

Courses with the same content must be listed as equivalent to each other. Equivalent courses satisfy the same degree requirements.

Example
DANC 2010 is equivalent to DANC 2010E, and DANC 2010E is equivalent to DANC 2010.
Multiple equivalents
MATH 2260 ↔ MATH 2260E ↔ MATH 2310H (all three must list each other)
Don't forget the reverse When creating a new course equivalent to an existing one, submit a separate course change proposal for the existing course to add the new course in its Equivalent Courses field.
12

Prerequisites / Corequisites

Pre/Coreq tab · If applicable · Course Change: only if checked
Prerequisites fields
Prerequisites and corequisites entry

Per UCC policy, prerequisites for courses numbered 3000–5999 must be entered.

Acceptable prerequisite types
  • Specific Course IDs (e.g., MATH 2260)
  • Permission of Department, Honors, School, or Major
  • Specific Prefixes/Levels (e.g., "One 2000-level ENGL course")
  • Class Standing (e.g., "4th year student standing")
  • Professional Program Statement
  • Other — minimum skills, experience, competencies

Split-level courses may have different prerequisites for undergraduate and graduate levels. Include both.

Using brackets for clarity
Ambiguous
AAEC 3030-3030L and AAEC 3580 or STAT 2000
Clear
(AAEC 3030-3030L and AAEC 3580) or STAT 2000
Also clear
AAEC 3030-3030L and (AAEC 3580 or STAT 2000)
Required Prerequisite

Must be completed before enrollment.

Pre- or Corequisite

Completed before or taken concurrently.

Corequisite

Must be taken concurrently (same semester).

Enforcement note Undergraduate prerequisites are checked at registration — students who haven't completed them will be unable to register. Graduate prerequisites are not entered in Banner and will not be checked during registration.
13

Primary Delivery Mechanism

Primary Delivery tab · Course Change: only if you checked "Primary Delivery Mechanism"
Primary delivery field
Primary delivery mechanism selection

The primary instructional format. Only the primary method. This determines the appropriate fees charged to students.

Delivery mechanism options
OptionDescription
LectureFormal presentation; primarily one-way communication.
SeminarStudents carry major preparation responsibility. Group discussion under instructor direction.
InternshipApply knowledge in a supervised situation approximating real conditions.
PracticumSupervised practical application of previously studied theory.
Directed StudyIndependent work with minimal faculty direction.
Student TeachingPractice educational skills under supervision in preparation for professional teaching.
Thesis/DissertationFormal treatise embodying results of original research.
Supervised LaboratoryKnowledge acquired in a supervised artificial construct of reality.
Unsupervised LaboratoryKnowledge/skills acquired through independent lab experiences.
14

Course Will Be Offered

Primary Delivery tab · Course Change: only if you checked "Course Will Be Offered"
Course offering pattern
Course offering pattern

Indicates regularity and semester(s) offered. Appears in the Bulletin and helps students plan.

Example
Offered fall semester every odd numbered year
15

Syllabus

Syllabus tab · Course Change: only if you checked "Course Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes" or "Topical Outline"
Syllabus tab
Syllabus tab — objectives and topical outline
Required before using the IC tab Course Objectives / Expected Learning Outcomes must be entered here before the IC tab will populate correctly. Each objective must be in a separate text box. Click + to add more.

Course Objectives / Expected Learning Outcomes

Describe the intent and desired outcome. What should the successful student be capable of upon completion? Each objective goes in a separate field.

Tips for writing objectives
  • Does it describe what the learner will be doing when they reach the objective?
  • Does it describe the conditions or restrictions under which they demonstrate competence?
  • Does it indicate how they will be evaluated?
Example objectives (each in a separate field)
Field 1: By the end of this course, non-science majors will understand how evolutionary and ecological processes work and shape organisms and their interactions with the environment.

Field 2: Students will understand the value of scientific knowledge by applying basic biological concepts to scenarios relating to their own health/wellness or natural communities.

Field 3: Students will be able to analyze and apply scientific information to everyday situations, critically examine information, and solve problems using facts.

Topical Outline

Subjects taught in the course, as they'd appear in a syllabus. Each topic in a separate field.

Example topics (each in a separate field)
Field 1: Reading and Thinking Critically

Field 2: Learning to Read and Evaluate Arguments

Field 3: Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

Field 4: Other Methods for Analyzing Argument

Field 5: Visual Arguments
16

Honor Code & Academic Honesty

If applicable · Course Change: only if you checked "Honor Code Reference"
Honor code field
Honor code and academic honesty field

Statement about authorized assistance and the effect of dishonesty on grading. Additional course-specific information is optional.

Example
As a University of Georgia student, you have agreed to abide by the University's academic honesty policy, "A Culture of Honesty," and the Student Honor Code. All academic work must meet the standards described in "A Culture of Honesty" found at: www.uga.edu/honesty.
EL

Experiential Learning If applicable

EL tab

The EL tab aids in approving courses for the Experiential Learning requirement per the UGA Experiential Learning Rubric.

Course Change reminder Make sure you checked "Experiential Learning" under "Select the Fields You Would Like to Change" in Step 2 and clicked "Proceed" before navigating to the EL tab.
EL tab
EL tab with area selection and learning outcomes
  1. Select the Experiential Learning Area that best suits the course per the rubric linked at the top of the EL tab. This pre-fills the chosen area into the five Learning Outcomes.
  2. Complete all five Learning Outcome sections. All required fields are marked with a red asterisk.
The Five EL Learning Outcomes
  • Engagement Learning Outcome
  • Mentorship Learning Outcome
  • Challenge Learning Outcome
  • Ownership Learning Outcome
  • Self or Social Awareness Learning Outcome
EL Area Selection
EL area dropdown
Select the EL area
EL learning outcome sections
Complete all five learning outcome sections
IC

Institutional Competency If applicable

IC tab
Prerequisite: Syllabus tab first Course Objectives / Expected Learning Outcomes must be entered on the Syllabus tab (Step 15) before the IC tab will populate correctly.
Course Change reminder Make sure you checked "Institutional Competency" under "Select the Fields You Would Like to Change" in Step 2. Enter the proposed Course Objectives on the Syllabus tab (in the "Proposed" section) before navigating here.

Links to the IC Rubric and course examples are on the IC tab.

IC tab
IC tab showing competency areas and checkboxes

The Six Institutional Competencies

Critical Thinking
Analytical Thinking
Communication
Social Awareness & Responsibility
Creativity & Innovation
Leadership & Collaboration

How to Complete the IC Tab

  1. Click each Institutional Competency to expand it. You'll see IC Learning Outcomes (blue, bolded) with your Course Learning Outcomes (from the Syllabus tab) beneath each.
  2. Select the checkboxes beside relevant Course Learning Outcomes for each IC Learning Outcome.
  3. Only select competencies evidenced by the Course Objectives entered on the Syllabus tab. Not all must be selected.
IC competency checkboxes
Select relevant course objectives under each competency

Writing SLOs for Institutional Competencies

The IC Subcommittee reviews primarily the course Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) in CAPA. Well-written SLOs are critical for IC approval. Questions may be directed to clr@uga.edu or 706-542-6358.

SLO Writing Guidelines from the IC Subcommittee
  • SLOs should outline the process of attaining and acquiring the mapped ICs. Use active verbs and words like "by" or "through" to show how students will acquire the ICs.
  • Include course-specific content and evidence that supports students in achieving the IC outcomes. If this info was previously in the "Briefly provide examples..." text field, incorporate it into the SLOs instead.
  • ICs must be incorporated and achieved explicitly and directly through the course — not indirectly.
  • Detail what will make a student successful in acquiring the mapped ICs, and the methods of assessment and feedback that will be used.
  • Avoid less measurable terms like "understand," "know," and "gain an appreciation for."
  • Incorporate specific language from the relevant ICs and IC Learning Outcomes without simply restating them.
  • Avoid jargon, discipline-specific terms, and abbreviations. If necessary, provide definitions.
  • Remember that SLOs will appear in the Comprehensive Learner Record (CLR) for students and employers to view.

Visit the Office of Instruction website for detailed information about creating measurable SLOs.

Per-Competency Guidance

Critical Thinking — Focus on: evaluating information to make reasoned judgments, questioning assumptions and considering different perspectives, assessing the validity of analytical findings.

Analytical Thinking — Focus on: breaking down information to understand its structure, identifying patterns, drawing conclusions from evidence, solving problems by interpreting data. Many courses include a quantitative reasoning process (e.g., the Scientific Method). Some include application of methods or theory to problems in the discipline.

Communication — Should achieve the competency through an iterative process with stated opportunities for feedback, corrections, and improvement over time.

Social Awareness & Responsibility — Should demonstrate how the course helps students understand that the world does not revolve around them and gives awareness of other people and how they, as individuals, are situated within and impact other people, communities, and environments. Courses showing effects of people on the environment may be approved; effects of environment on people typically are not. Must be a contemporary application, not just a study of the history of concepts.

Creativity & Innovation — Should demonstrate that creativity and innovation are processes ending with a new or original project or product. For standard academic products like research papers, the weight of evidence is higher than for more original products.

Leadership & Collaboration — Should focus on both learning about leadership and collaboration and providing opportunities to actively lead and collaborate, improving these skills through feedback throughout the course.

Approved Course Examples

ANTH 4075, Economic Anthropology
Approved ICs: Critical Thinking, Analytical Thinking, Communication, Social Awareness & Responsibility

Example SLOs
1. Students will critically evaluate evidence-based arguments and social theories about value, competition, cooperation, human nature, inequality, and social responsibility, using a variety of theoretical perspectives.
2. Students will decipher quantitative evidence in the form of graphs and statistics that describe income and wealth inequality across case studies.
3. Students will research and write original arguments using peer-reviewed journal articles and proper citation practices.
4. Students will evaluate the ethics of social and economic interactions among people of unequal wealth and power.

ECON 2105, Principles of Macroeconomics
Approved ICs: Critical Thinking, Analytical Thinking, Social Awareness & Responsibility

Example SLOs
1. Students will be able to analyze opposing views on government intervention in the economy, as supported by different macroeconomic schools of thought.
2. Students will be able to use supply and demand models to analyze cause-effect patterns graphically and numerically.
3. Students will be able to discuss the social and ethical considerations involved in the pursuit of efficiency versus equality.

HIST 2111, American History to 1865
Approved ICs: Critical Thinking, Communication, Social Awareness & Responsibility

Example SLOs
1. Students will be able to arrive at conclusions and think historically by gathering and weighing evidence, logical argument, and listening to counter arguments.
2. Students will be able to write stylistically appropriate papers and essays, analyze ideas and evidence, organize their thoughts, and revise and edit finished essays based on both primary and secondary source analysis.
3. Students will be able to identify how U.S. history has shaped diverse social and cultural identities, encouraging them to understand diverse worldviews and experiences.

MILS 3010, Applied Leadership and Management I
Approved ICs: Leadership & Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking

Example SLOs
1. Students will create and sustain an organizational climate of trust in which all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.
2. Students will have the ability to develop others (setting conditions, creating opportunity, providing feedback, and enhancing learning).
3. Students will compose and present a military brief in a clear, concise, and expedient manner.
4. Students will write and discuss peer evaluations on their abilities as a leader and develop insights to give and receive systematic and specific feedback on leader attributes, values, and competencies.
17

Finalize & Submit

After all required tabs are complete, scroll to the bottom of the page and complete the remaining fields.

Originator of Request

Originator of Request
Originator of Request

All curriculum requests must be originated by faculty members. If someone else is entering the information, enter the name of the responsible faculty member. Deans and department heads certify that budgeting and staffing arrangements have been or are being made.

Comments — if applicable

Comments field
Comments field

Visible throughout the approval process. Any changes made during approval must be noted here. If returned, comments explaining why are required. Comments do not appear on the approved version or in the Bulletin.

Effective Semester

The semester the proposal becomes effective in Banner for registration. The effective date of new course and course change proposals is dependent on the date of full approval in CAPA.

Requests for earlier effectiveness may be noted in Comments. Reserve for special circumstances (e.g., visiting professor). New courses effective spring/summer won't appear in the Bulletin until the following year.

Preview & Share

View Proposal in New Window

Preview without text boxes. Allows printing.

View Proposal button
Copy Link

Click the icon in the top-right corner to share the in-progress proposal at the Initiator level. Once submitted, viewable in CAPA Browse.

Copy link icon

Save or Submit

Department within a School or College
Save/Submit for departments
Department submission options
  • Temporary Save — only the initiator can view
  • Submit to Department Staff
  • Submit to Department Head
School or College
Save/Submit for school/college
School/College submission options
  • Temporary Save — only the initiator can view
  • Submit to College/School Staff
Questions? capa@uga.edu · 706-542-6358