As per 2021 Oregon Senate Bill 233, the university is required to participate in a state-level common course numbering system. This means that select courses will be approved by the Higher Education Coordinating System (HECC) to have common numbers, learning outcomes and course descriptions across all public institutions in the state. This approval will come after statewide disciplinary subgroups of faculty have recommended learning outcomes, course descriptions and numbers to the Transfer Council, which then makes a recommendation to HECC. These courses will be designated with a “Z” at the end. For example, MATH111 will become MATH111Z. In some cases, the subject code will have to change. For example, MATH243 will become STAT243Z. 

Courses that are part of the state common course numbering system and thus designated with the “Z” cannot change the state-approved course description, learning outcomes, subject code or number. Those courses can include additional learning outcomes as long as those outcomes do not detract from coverage of the material to address the state-approved outcomes. The rule-of-thumb is that 75% of the course consists of the state-approved material and 25% of the course is at the discretion of the institution. 

In addition, if we do not offer a course that is part of the common course numbering system, we cannot use that subject and course number for any other course. For instance, if WR115Z is part of the common course numbering system, we cannot use that number for a course that has different outcomes and course description. 

Approved By: University Senate        Date: 05/24/2023

Motion Number: US22/23-20

Revision History:

Original US22/23-20 Date 05/24/2023