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Credit Workshop Resources

A credit workshop is an enrollment-contingent, self-supporting, program designed to encourage curricular innovation and/or serve special populations of learners. Workshops offer academic credit to registered students, and are directed by Miami University faculty. Workshops vary in length from one day to several weeks.

What is a credit workshop proposal?

A credit workshop proposal includes the details of the course and curriculum as well as a financial plan with projected expenses. Specifically, a submitted credit workshop proposal includes general workshop information, curriculum, itinerary, and budget. This process is all done electronically.

Workshop Guidelines and Responsibilities

Following and understanding these guidelines and responsibilities is essential for any faculty member looking to develop or lead a credit workshop.

Steps in Submitting a Proposal

Steps in submitting a proposal are based on the type of program you are offering, but in general the steps are as follows:

  1. Request a proposal
  2. Complete and submit your proposal
  3. Continuing Education will review your submitted proposal, will work with you to address any questions/concerns, and then will route for approvals.
  4. Continuing Education will build all workshop courses and manage the registration process.

Proposal Submission Deadlines

The proposal process for education abroad or away workshops begins about a year in advance. Visit Education Abroad/Away Faculty Resources to view the current timeline, steps on designing your workshop, and to complete a Statement of Intent.

Non-Travel related workshop proposals should be submitted 6-8 weeks in advance of the start of the program. Complete the Credit Workshop Proposal Form Request to receive our most current proposal. Proposals are updated routinely, so be sure to begin with the newest version to prevent duplication.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started?

If you have an idea for a credit workshop, you would be advised to talk to other faculty or staff in your department or division who have proposed workshops. They can help you with the specific process your area goes through in vetting a workshop. In addition, you may choose to meet with the staff in Global Initiatives who can help you through the process.

Once you have background information, try a draft of the proposal to see where you are in gathering what you need to propose the workshop. You may be surprised at how much you already know or have in hand for the proposal.

How do I develop a budget?

A workshop budget is an estimation of expenditures, determined by the workshop director. The goal is to develop a realistic budget that will provide a high-quality program.

Global Initiatives Budget Specialist can be a great resource of information during the process.

How do I know how many students to expect?

Your first budget is a proposal; an educated guess. Your expenses will also be an estimate. This is done to give you a general idea of the enrollment you will need to sustain your workshop.

Can I conduct an already approved course as a credit workshop?

Yes, you can. You must submit a proposal, with a budget, and it goes through the proposal process as described above. You will need to provide a rationale on why this course should be offered as a workshop. You must pay careful attention to the contact hour guidelines.

When do I submit my proposal?

All study abroad/away program proposals are due to the Global Initiatives system in November annually for the following academic year. The workshop must be fully approved at least one semester prior to the start of the workshop. For domestic programs, proposals should be submitted at least six weeks prior to the start date of the program.

Who can and cannot be paid a salary?

Full-time/part-time faculty, consultants, and others can receive appropriate salary. Full-time unclassified employees on twelve-month appointments cannot receive additional compensation for their work in a workshop unless vacation time is used. All clerical and other classified employees must be hired within university personnel policies. Consult the Human Resources Office or Academic Personnel for more information.

What if I don’t reach the enrollment I proposed?

When your enrollment is final you should revise your workshop budget based on the actual enrollment. Revised budgets are submitted to Global Initiatives. If your enrollment is less than proposed, you may need to adjust expenses.

How do I promote my workshop?

It is the director’s responsibility to promote the workshop to students. However, Global Initiatives can provide support and guidance as needed.

What are the prerequisites or requirements for the workshops?

Because every experience is unique, each workshop director has her/his own set of pre-requisites, requirements, rules, and policies for the individual workshop program. All credit workshops operate under the Miami University student Code of Conduct and the Miami University Travel Guidelines, whether they are on-campus, at an off-campus site, or traveling to a location in the US or abroad.

Where can I get help with this process?

Key partners in proposal development and workshop management include department chairs and support staff, divisional deans, faculty colleagues with extensive workshop experience, and most importantly Global Initiatives.

In addition, Purchasing, Accounts Payable, Academic Personnel and Human Resources, Graduate School, and others provide specialized guidance as needed.

For help with the credit workshop proposal forms and conducting a credit workshop, contact the appropriate Global Initiatives staff member.

Macmillan Hall
Contact Information

Global Initiatives

214 MacMillan Hall
531 E Spring St.
Oxford, OH 45056
513-529-8600 513-529-8608 fax

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Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
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