Watch this instructional video to learn how to complete a quinquennial review proposal.
What is a quinquennial review?
What materials do I need for a quinquennial proposal?
What needs to be included in course syllabi?
What additional course materials are required?
How do I access the online submission system?
I’ve logged into the system, now what do I do?
How do I print a copy of my proposal?
How will I know that my proposal has been successfully submitted?
How do I delete a proposal from the system?
Whom should I contact with questions about the process?
What is a Quinquennial Review?
The General Education Council of the Faculty Senate reviews Gen Ed courses every five years to insure continuing course alignment with the goals and learning objectives of the overall General Education program as well as with the specific Gen Ed designations.
What materials do I need for a Quinquennial proposal?
Please note that a complete proposal is required for the Gen Ed Council to review a course. This includes completion of Form LO and Form Q, as well as additional course materials including syllabi for all course sections and representative assignments. Forms are filled out online in the process of submitting a quinquennial review.
What needs to be included in course syllabi?
Course syllabi for ALL distinctive course sections (e.g., RAP, TAP, online, and Honors), should include:
- A detailed course description that clearly states how the course goals and student learning outcomes fulfill the relevant designation-specific goals outlined by General Education (visit the Curriculum Areas webpage for designation-specific learning objectives).
NOTE: It is essential that this information be in course syllabi so students can better understand the ways in which the course addresses Gen Ed learning goals. The General Education Council will not approve any quinquennial reviews that do not include these details in their syllabi.
- A list of the course goals and a description of the ways in which these goals address the overall learning objectives of General Education: content, critical thinking, communication, and connections (visit the Learning Outcomes page for more information).
- A calendar/outline for all assignments
- A listing with descriptions and due dates for all requirements
- Bibliographical citations for texts and readings used in the course
- Grading criteria and points-to-grade values
What additional course materials are required?
For the primary course section (and other sections if possible), please include additional documentation including, but not limited to, the following:
- Major assignments
- Specific assignment rubrics
- Midterms or finals
How do I access the online submission system?
Once you are ready to submit course materials, go to the online course proposal system and enter your UMass NetID and Password.
I’ve logged into the system, now what do I do?
Watch this instructional video to learn how to submit a quinquennial review proposal.
Once in the system, click on “Create New Proposal” and you will be prompted through the following steps:
1) Choose the course up for review from the established online list of current courses
2) Confirm the specific Gen Ed designation(s) for the course
3) Choose “Quinquennial Review” if a proposal is not automatically created
4) Complete Forms LO and Q (you may fill out the forms online or copy and paste previously drafted responses)
5) Upload syllabi and other documents (requirements are bulleted above)
6) Submit proposal for review
How do I print a copy of my proposal?
A printer-friendly version of your proposal is available by clicking the “Printer-Friendly Version” at the top of the proposal page. This link will only print the forms for your proposal; to print all attachments (e.g. syllabi) as well, use the “Download Zip File” link, also found at the top of the page.
How will I know that my proposal has been successfully submitted?
Once you have uploaded all relevant syllabi and assignments, and have completed all questions on Forms LO and Q, click on the submit button at the bottom of the proposal page. Make sure that you get a message at the top of the proposal screen (blue text) confirming that your proposal has been submitted.
How do I delete a proposal from the system?
A proposal can be deleted from the system by clicking on the pencil icon next to the proposal you wish to delete. Under course details on the next page, you will see a “Withdraw Proposal” icon, which will allow you to delete the proposal. **Please note–once a proposal is withdrawn the contents of the proposal will no longer be accessible through the online system.
Whom should I contact with questions about the process?
Visit the online system FAQ page
Technical Assistance: cps-help@cesd.umass.edu
Other questions: gened@acad.umass.edu
