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Policy 9.1.2

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SUBJECT:      CLASS SIZE REQUIREMENTS

51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University class size will provide for educationally functional student-teacher and student-student interaction within budgetary requirements.

As class size should be dictated by instructional methodology, stated course outcomes and the availability of equipment and facilities, the following provide basic guidelines for ensuring an appropriate teaching/learning environment:

• In general, undergraduate courses are capped at 25, and graduate courses are capped at 20, but School Deans and Executive Directors/Campus Deans may adjust caps based on program needs.
• Maximum class enrollment will be dictated by instructional procedures, room size, available laboratory or other equipment, and stated course outcomes.
• Undergraduate classes should not be offered with fewer than three (3) students. Graduate classes should not be offered with fewer than three (3) students.

The above guidelines may be set aside, if any one of the following conditions applies:

• If the instructor agrees to teach the course for a prorated pay amount (not as part of full-time contract workload);
• when class size is dictated by regulations established by an appropriate accrediting body, i.e. clinical teaching;
• when an educationally sound rationale exists for limiting enrollment in a class to less than that specified by these guidelines;
• when two or more students must be enrolled in a course to meet graduation requirements prior to the next course offering;
• when approved by the School Dean or Executive Director/Campus Dean in charge of scheduling the course section.

A class of fewer than 8 students should not be used to fulfill annual contractual workload unless approved by the School Dean or Executive Director/Campus Dean in charge of scheduling the course section. Instances that might warrant approval are 1) upper-level and graduate courses needed to maintain rotation or 2) new courses being implemented as part of a new program or revision to an existing program.

Contact for Interpretation: Vice President of Academic Affairs

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This policy statement supersedes all previous policy statements on this subject.

Revisions:

• 05/14/2025 – Revision to manage the teaching of small courses and/or discourage the teaching of small courses as part of full-time faculty load.
• 08/14/2017 – Title changes
• 07/01/2013 – Review-no changes
• 03/09/2009 – Revision-title change
• 03/15/2007 – Review
• 06/15/2004 – Reissue as 9.1.2
• 12/07/1995 – Inception as policy 9.1.3

Printable 9.1.2 Policy

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