Committee on Instruction

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.

Academic Year 2025-2026

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

Beth Fisher-Yoshida, Ph.D., Professor of Professional Practice in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

Lillian Ore, Ed.D., Lecturer in the Discipline of Strategic Communication

Katja Schroeder, Senior Lecturer in the Discipline of Technology Management; Associate Director in Technology 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

Basil Smikle, Ph.D., Professor of Professional Practice in Nonprofit Management; Program Director, M.S. in Nonprofit Management

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

 

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

All program and course-level changes requiring COI (Committee on Instruction) approval should primarily be reviewed by the Program Curriculum Committee (PCC) during the Annual Curriculum Review (ACR) and on an ad-hoc basis if emergent needs arise.

Course updates made as part of regular teaching practice should be made in consultation with the Program Director, who will advise if COI review is needed. Minor changes can be processed through the Course Management System (CMS) without COI review.

Please review the Course and Program Change Policy to determine what program-level and course-level changes are required.

PROCESS SUMMARY

Program Directors are responsible for consulting with the Office of Academic Affairs for program-level changes and ensuring compliance with the Office of the Provost's guidelines. Minor course updates should be processed through the CMS, while significant changes must be presented to the Committee on Instruction.

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 syllabi using the SPS Course Review and Approval Rubric.

Items to Submit for Review

  • Course Syllabus
  • SPS Course Development Syllabus Narrative Cover Page
  • Informational Items

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].