Based on a review of the Senate Guide to Curricular Procedures, including Section One (C) Courses; (D) Senate Policies and Procedures Concerning Courses; Provost John Brighton's memo of October 11, 1996; and Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education John Cahir's memo of March 24, 1997, the following principles and procedures are identified to clarify policies relevant to the authorization to offer courses within the context of the restructured University:

• New courses are developed with consultation among peers and represent a mix of individual and collaborative creativity and scholarship, disciplinary adherence, and principled application of teaching practices appropriate to the bodies of knowledge the faculty embrace.
• Authority to develop courses rests within the degree-granting units.
• New courses may be proposed by any academic unit. Once a course is approved, it is a university course and any formal, substantive changes must be proposed through the Faculty Senate curricular process, which includes relevant consultation with the disciplinary community involved with and/or offering the course.
• University courses may be offered at any location at which the dean or chancellor certifies the availability of qualified faculty and necessary facilities. In addition, courses offered within Penn State must include a minimum of 80% of the core content and learning objectives as approved by the University Faculty Senate.
• Deans and Chancellors have the responsibility for assigning instructors and other matters related to new and existing course delivery.
• A course offered at multiple locations should carry a common course number at all locations and will meet degree requirements at all locations.
• Strong preference should be given to assuring the availability of courses that support the University's preference for the practice of the 2 + 2 change of assignment.