REAL classification for courses
REAL Curriculum Committee Calendar
Based on national research, VCU now classifies experiential learning activities across four levels (see guiding principles for classification). You must apply and have your level approved by the REAL Curriculum Committee before your course can be officially assigned a REAL classification.
Please note that courses must also proceed through the University Undergraduate Curriculum Committee (UUCC) using the CIM workflow in order to have their REAL classification formally reported and entered into Banner and displayed in eServices.
The dates below reflect Fall 2023 the review cycles for course changes to appear in the Fall 2024 Bulletin. We remind all applicants that once the RCC has approved your course changes, the course must then move through the full CIM review process.
| Course classification materials submitted by: | Will be reviewed and discussed at the RCC Course Classification subcommittee meeting on: |
|---|---|
| Fall 2023 | |
| 09/05 | 09/12 |
| 09/19 | 09/26 |
| 10/03 | 10/10 |
| 10/17 | 10/24 |
| 10/31 | 11/14 |
| 11/21 | 11/28 |
| Spring 2024 | |
| 01/09 | 01/16 |
| 01/23 | 01/30 |
| 02/06 | 02/13 |
| 02/20 | 02/27 |
| 03/12 | 03/19 |
| 03/26 | 04/02 |
| 04/09 | 04/16 |
REAL Classification Application
Please use the application embedded in the CIM course form to propose a new or renew a current REAL designation. Additional information regarding accessing, proposing and editing courses can be found in the CIM User Resources folder.
Our guiding principles for REAL classification webpage can help you determine the appropriate REAL level for your course. You may also want to review the evaluation rubric that evaluators will use in reviewing applications to help you in your planning, and the REAL Reflection Handbook as a tool for facilitating critical reflection.
Please note:
- REAL level classifications apply to courses, not sections
- REAL level classifications are based on the threshold-level of engagement any student enrolling in any section of that course can expect
- REAL classifications will be reviewed on a three year cycle; however, departments can apply at any time to modify a course's REAL level and/or type
For more information about the REAL Curriculum Committee and the role it plays, see our REAL Curriculum Committee webpage.
Service-learning
Those applying for a REAL service-learning type must also meet the requirements set forward by VCU's Service-Learning Office. Please refer to the Service-Learning website for information about designing a service-learning course. Service-Learning staff members are also available for individual consultation to help walk you through this process.