COI Resources

Overview

The Committee on Instruction (COI) at Columbia University's School of Professional Studies plays a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the School's academic standards. Comprised of full-time faculty members appointed by the Dean, the COI advises on curriculum matters, including approving new programs and courses. It ensures that all syllabi meet Columbia University's rigorous standards, collaborates with program directors, faculty, and curriculum committees, and proposes new academic policies. The COI upholds the quality and integrity of the School's academic offerings through regular meetings and continuous oversight.

Beth Fisher-Yoshida, Ph.D., Program Director, M.S. in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution; Professor of Practice (Chair)

Steve Safier, Ph.D., Program Director and Lecturer, Human Capital Management

Michael Schwam-Baird, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Professional Practice, Political Analytics

Robert Simione, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Professional Practice in Applied Analytics

Grant Son, M.B.A., Senior Lecturer, Sports Management

Danielle Spencer, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer in Discipline, Narrative Medicine

Kevin Visconti, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer and Associate Director of Curriculum, Strategic Communication

 

Secretary & Ex Officio 

Erik T. Nelson, Ph.D., Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Lecturer in Professional Studies

 

Advisory & Ex Officio 

Tiffany Hughes, Ed.D., Associate Dean of Graduate Programs

Ariel Fleurimond, Senior Director of Instructional Design & Curriculum Support

 

Administrator

Evelina Freeman, Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs

 

The Committee on Instruction must review and approve new and redeveloped courses if changes meet the review criteria below. This does not apply to minor course changes, which program administrators can process without COI review through the Course Management System (CMS). 

COURSE ACTIONS THAT REQUIRE COI REVIEW & APPROVAL

  • All newly developed courses 
  • Changes of significance to existing courses, including any of the following:  
    • Course Title*
    • Course Description* 
    • # of Credits 
    • >25% of Learning Objectives 
    • >50% of the Course Topics
    • Course Assessment Strategy
    • Change the Course from a Core to an Elective, or Elective to Core*

*Denotes a COI informational item.

COURSE ACTIONS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE COI REVIEW & APPROVAL

  • Minor Changes to Existing Courses, Including any of the Following:
    • Method of Instruction* 
    • Course Prerequisites 
    • Course Section Size
    • Updating Course Content that does not Change Course Learning Objectives. For Example: 
      • Replacing outdated textbooks with newer editions;
      • Adding recent journal articles or other current resources; 
      • Introducing more recent or relevant case studies;
      • Replacing old examples with current events or situations;
      • Adjusting the specifics of assignments to reflect current trends or technologies;
      • Changing project topics or questions, revising slides or lecture notes with updated data or information, including recent developments or advancements in the field; 
      • Introducing new software or tools used in the industry;
      • Adding multimedia elements like videos or interactive content;
      • Introducing new in-class exercises or group activities;
      • Modifying discussion topics to reflect current issues.
    • Grammatical Corrections to the Course Description 
  • Standard Legacy Updates to Courses

*Any addition of an online modality version of an existing course must partner with a member of the Instructional Design team.

Link to access COI Process Workflow Resources 

For any questions regarding the Committee on Instruction, please email [email protected]

Please use the designated web form (linked below) to submit your course syllabus or other materials for review by the Committee on Instruction.

For syllabus submissions, please ensure the syllabus is complete and adheres to the guidelines set by the Committee. The syllabus should clearly articulate course-level learning objectives that are specific, observable, and measurable. Additionally, it must include a comprehensive list of required and recommended readings with full citations following a consistent discipline-appropriate formatting style such as APA, MLA, or Chicago. This process is designed to maintain high academic standards and ensure a coherent and supportive learning environment for all students. Please review and address any feedback from previous submissions before resubmitting.

 

Important: Program Curriculum Committees (PCCs) must review and approve any materials being submitted. For syllabus submissions, PCCs are required to review and approve use the SPS Course Review and Approval Matrix. 

 

Syllabus submissions must be submitted using the approved syllabus template and include a narrative cover page (see resources below). Informational items, such as course name changes, must also be submitted using the appropriate cover page. 

Upon submission, you will receive a confirmation email, and a member of the Academic Affairs team will reach out with any questions. Please note the COI review period is rolling, and decisions may be administered at any time during the review period. 


Link to COI Submission Web Form

 

USEFUL PLANNING RESOURCES

 

For any questions regarding the Committee on Instruction, please email [email protected].

 

GENERAL

COURSE SYLLABUS MATERIALS

COURSE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

PROGRAM CURRICULUM COMMITTEES

For any questions regarding the Committee on Instruction, please email [email protected].