Objective
To implement a common course numbering system in alignment with the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) directive, ensuring consistency across public universities and supporting statewide academic mobility.
Summary of the Initiative
This past spring our institution, along with others in the ASU system, began transitioning to a standardized course numbering system, becoming the second Higher Education system in Arkansas to adopt this approach. This initiative aims to:
- Maximize credit mobility for students across institutions.
- Strengthen equitable transfer pathways between campuses.
- Simplify administrative processes, including transcript evaluation.
The system builds upon the existing Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) and introduces:
- A standardized schema for credit-bearing courses.
- A separate schema for noncredit workforce training.
- No requirement for renaming courses or altering course descriptions.
This transition supports a statewide goal of creating a unified course numbering and compliance with state regulations.
Key Changes to Course Numbers and Prefixes
Prefixes will change from three-letters to five-letters and Course numbers will change from a four-digit to a five-digit format (e.g., ENG 1463 becomes ENGL 10103).
Some courses will be aligned in new prefixes that match existing courses in the database.
A Common Course Numbering Crosswalk is available for students, faculty and staff to help during the transition. The Academic Catalog will also continue to list the old course number alongside the new course number for the next couple of years as we transition.
The Registrar’s office is updating Banner, DegreeWorks, the Academic Catalog and course equivalencies. The new course numbers will become effective starting with the Fall 2026 term meaning registration that opens in the Spring 2026 term will be using the new course numbers.
Training sessions will be offered for faculty advisors and staff by the Registrar’s Office in the Spring 2026 term.