FAQ
If you have a question that is not answered here, please email stu-co@andrew.cmu.edu with your question.What kind of classes are offered by StuCo?
Here are some examples of classes we offer right now:
- Fun with Robots
- Sneakerology 101
- Introduction to Ballroom Dancing
- Crocheting at Carnegie Mellon
- Wall Street 101
- Introduction to Anime
Does StuCo grant CMU credit?
Yes. Carnegie Mellon undergraduate students who enroll in, and pass a course evaluation of, a StuCo course will receive 3 Free Elective unit for that course. Carnegie Mellon undergraduate students who teach, and pass a course evaluation of, a StuCo course will also receive 3 Free Elective units for that course.
What type of credit does StuCo grant?
A maximum combination of 9 units of credit for StuCo courses may be counted for credit toward graduation as Free Elective units. This may be further constrained by similar college rules governing Physical Education and/or ROTC courses.
Why does StuCo grant credit?
Credit is being granted to ensure that there is a level of academic responsibility on the part of both the instructor and students. It is to legitimize the intellectual endeavor, not to provide an incentive to enroll to pad one's resume or to accumulate units.
How are StuCo courses graded?
All StuCo course units are graded pass/no pass.
Who can take StuCo courses?
All members of the University community are eligible to take StuCo courses. However, only those individuals with current enrollment status may receive credit.
Who can teach StuCo courses?
Only currently-enrolled graduate and undergraduate students are eligible to teach StuCo courses.
What schedule does StuCo follow?
StuCo observes the official academic calendar. No StuCo course will be offered prior to 6:30pm on weekdays.
What series of course numbers are StuCo courses?
StuCo courses are assigned 98-xxx.
If I'm taking a StuCo course, or am teaching a StuCo course, and a serious problem arises, what should I do?
If at any point in the proceeding of a StuCo course the student and/ or teacher feels a serious issue has arisen, it is his/ her duty to notify the StuCo course administrator, Catherine Ribarchak, to pursue resolution.
Are StuCo teachers or Committee members paid?
StuCo teachers and Committee members do not receive any monetary compensation from StuCo or Carnegie Mellon University.
Can a StuCo course have a course fee?
Yes. However, this fee, when assessed, is strictly to cover necessary materials. Prior approval from the StuCo Executive Committee is required to assess a course fee. The course fee, if applicable, will be included in the course description to alert prospective students.
How many students can teach a single StuCo course?
Generally, StuCo courses are taught by one or two teachers. If a third teacher is required, please explain in the application why this would be necessary for your particular course.
If I would like to teach a course with a friend, how many applications should we submit?
You should jointly submit a single course application.
If I would like to teach a course with a friend, do we both need to interview with the StuCo Committee?
Yes. Both you and your friend will be interviewed together in a group interview.
Can I re-teach a course I previously taught?
Yes. If you previously taught the course, then you must ask the StuCo Committee for a copy of your previously submitted course application, and submit the copy with updated relevant information. You do not need to interview the Committee again.
Can I teach a course that someone else previously taught?
Yes. As long as you are qualified and are interviewed and approved by the StuCo Executive Committee, you can develop your own course on a topic previously taught in StuCo.
How are StuCo teachers evaluated?
StuCo teachers are evaluated by the StuCo Committee based upon teacher evaluation forms and a course proceedings form. Each student in a class will submit a teacher evaluation form at midterm and another at final time. This gives both the StuCo Committee and the teacher valuable feedback about the teachers performance in class. The StuCo Committee will also submit a course proceedings form at some point during the term. This form serves as a formal observation of the proceedings of the course. Both types of forms are standard across all classes; they do not change depending on the course.
How are StuCo students evaluated?
StuCo students are evaluated by their teacher, in the manner set forth in the course application for that course. That is, the teacher will choose how to evaluate the students. The evaluation method will need to be approved by StuCo.
Can a StuCo teacher advertise his own course?
Yes. We highly encourage StuCo teachers to advertise their own courses to the student body as a supplement to the regular StuCo advertising.
What other policies does StuCo adhere to?
StuCo adheres to and acknowledges the principles of Carnegie Mellon University as expressed in the University Policies.