New Course Prefix Process

A new course prefix requires approval from the Vice Provost of Academic Programs. 

When updating an existing course prefix to a new course prefix, please understand the impact on campus curricular. Not only do all courses need to be updates, but all existing associations (e.g., course requisites), degree listings, and repeatability statements also need to be updated. Requests should come early in the curriculum cycle and provide justification of the need for a new prefix as detailed in the steps below. 

Note: There must be a single specific department under which all courses bearing the designation will be administered. If appropriate, the department can be a college office.

  • Submit a short memo to the Academic Programs Office (Catalog@csulb.edu) detailing:
    • the new prefix (four characters with no slashes, spaces, or special characters)
    • definition of the new prefix
    • the department hosting the prefix
    • short rationale for why the new prefix is necessary
    • For areas changing from an existing prefix to a new prefix:
      • rationale for the changes
      • a list of courses that are undergoing change (or confirmation that is all courses under an existing prefix)
      • a list of impact to programs and other courses (both inside the current department hosting the prefix and outside it)
        • depending on the change, course change and program forms may be necessary for each impacted item

Also submit letters of support/approval from the college's curriculum committee and Associate Dean's Office presiding over Curriculum

The Academic Programs team will assess the impact of the change and consult with the Vice Provost of Academic Programs. As necessary the teams will work with the department on updating the request.

Due to the nature of some changes, some course prefix requests may be elevated to the Academic Senate for review. 

If approved, the Academic Programs team will include the prefix change on the next applicable Curriculum Certification document (traditionally effective the following Fall semester with the publishing of a new Catalog).