The Course of Study Committee and the Committee on Majors

The Course of Study Committee is the standing committee of the Yale College Faculty with which directors of undergraduate studies have the most direct and frequent contact. It is composed of members of the faculty drawn from the divisions of the humanities, the social sciences, and the natural sciences; of members of the Yale College Dean's Office; and of undergraduate students. The Course of Study Committee is the main agency by which the Yale College Faculty controls, supervises, and improves the curriculum of Yale College. One of its chief responsibilities is considering and approving (or rejecting) proposals for additions or alterations to the curriculum submitted to it by departments and programs. The secretary to the chair of the Course of Study Committee is Eileen Quinn, Senior Deputy Registrar, 246 Church Street, 432-2337.

In substantive matters the approval of the Course of Study Committee is not final but is subject to ratification by the Yale College Faculty. The addition of any new course to the curriculum, or a significant change in any already existing course or program, thus requires the approval of the Course of Study Committee and then of the faculty. Proposals for New Courses and for Changes in Existing Courses, Changes to Requirements of the Major, and Notification of the Course of Study Committee's Actions discuss the main points of business that a DUS has with the Course of Study Committee. These pages complement the section Yale College Programs of Study (YCPS) and Related Publications.

The Committee on Majors was created in 2000 to oversee major programs in Yale College. The Committee on Majors and Periodic Review of Undergraduate Programs describes the review process that you may be asked to complete in cooperation with the Committee on Majors.

Annual information about the membership of the Course of Study Committee and the Committee on Majors is published on the Yale College Web site. A calendar of Course of Study Committee meetings is also available on the Yale College site. General questions may be addressed to any of the officers of the committees.