C-3: UNDER-ENROLLED SECTIONS

1. Under-enrolled sections are defined as:

--0 through 399-level course with an enrollment of fewer than fifteen students;
--400-level course with an enrollment of fewer than eight students;
--500-level course with an enrollment of fewer than five students.

Under-enrolled criteria do not apply to the following courses:

--600-level courses;
--foreign studies courses;
--courses numbered 0--499 with an 'H', 'I','J', 'M', or "T" alpha suffix ;
--courses numbered X94, X95, X96, 199, 300, 399, or 499.

2. Under-enrolled sections should not be offered except under exceptional circumstances. Exceptional circumstances that permit the offering of an under-enrolled section include:

--the section is essential for normal degree progress for specifically identified students.
--learning space in essential classrooms or laboratories for a section is limited.

3. To assist academic units in identifying under-enrolled sections, the campus Registrar will provide appropriate informational reports.

4. Sections that are to be dropped because of under-enrollment should be dropped in a timely manner such that registered students have sufficient time to register for other appropriate courses. Academic units should carefully analyze the section offerings each semester and annually review the causes for under-enrolled section offerings. Patterns should be monitored and appropriate steps taken to minimize the number of under-enrolled sections.

Revised: ACUE (3-4-99)

The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. Please consult a Penn State academic adviser for more detailed information. Penn State is an affirmative action, equal opportunity university.