Because students have chosen their classes freely, they are especially committed to the material. For this reason, Brown faculty report higher levels of satisfaction than their colleagues at comparable institutions. They also tend to be motivated to become better teachers, and to participate actively in our academic advising networks.
The College
Teaching and Curriculum
Policies and Resources
The College Curriculum Council (CCC) is an elected body of faculty and students, along with administrators, charged with overseeing undergraduate curricular offerings at Brown.
As part of its broader charge to "examine, evaluate, and approve all educational offerings" in Brown’s undergraduate curriculum, the College Curriculum Council approves new courses and programs of study, including concentrations, certificates, degree options (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science), and optional or required tracks, as well as substantive modifications to existing programs of study.
Innovative course development is fundamental to Brown’s open curriculum. Mini-grants support small-scale projects, materials, or activities in undergraduate classes. Larger grants are available to develop new undergraduate courses or revise existing courses in ways that promote strategic initiatives.
Information about students’ experiences in a course is one important component - among many - in a larger system for the review of teaching.
By faculty rules, the dates of final exams are fixed by the Registrar before the start of a semester and are indicated with the class date and time in the Banner course schedule. The dates and times of exams are arranged so that students will not be taking multiple exams at the same hour.
Many academic departments employ advanced undergraduates as teaching assistants in entry-level courses. Working with an undergraduate TA can be an extremely rewarding experience for instructors and students alike. Instructors should be aware of the University guidelines governing the limits of TA responsibilities to teaching and grading.