If you have a question that is not answered here, please email
stuco@andrew.cmu.edu with your question.
What kind of classes are offered by StuCo?
Here are some examples of classes we are currently offering or have offered in the past:
- Fun with Robots
- Sneakerology 101
- Introduction to Ballroom Dancing
- Crocheting at Carnegie Mellon
- Wall Street 101
- Introduction to Anime
Does StuCo grant CMU credit?
Yes. Carnegie Mellon undergraduate students who enroll in and pass a StuCo course will receive 3 Free Elective units for that course. Carnegie Mellon undergraduate students who teach and pass a course evaluation of a StuCo course will also receive 3 Free Elective units for the 98-000 StuCo Teaching Practicum.
What type of credit does StuCo grant?
A maximum combination of 9 units of credit for StuCo courses may be counted for credit toward graduation as Free Elective units. This may be further constrained by similar college rules governing Physical Education and/or ROTC courses.
Why does StuCo grant credit?
Credit is being granted to ensure that there is a level of academic responsibility on the part of both the instructor and students. It is to legitimize the intellectual endeavor, not to provide an incentive to enroll to pad one's resume or to accumulate units.
How are StuCo courses graded?
All StuCo course units are graded pass/no pass. Any student who has more than two unexcused absences is automatically given a no pass grade.
Who can take StuCo courses?
All members of the University community are eligible to take StuCo courses. However, only those individuals with current enrollment status may receive credit.
Who can teach StuCo courses?
NOTICE: STUDENTS ON LEAVE CANNOT TEACH
Only currently-enrolled graduate and undergraduate students are eligible to teach StuCo courses.
What is the course enrollment minimum?
At a minimum, courses must have 3 students per instructor by the start of the semester. If not, stuco executive will reach out to discuss how to continue with your course (most likely will result in a cancellation).
What schedule does StuCo follow?
StuCo observes the official academic calendar. No StuCo course will be offered prior to 7:00pm on weekdays.
The StuCo policy requires instructors to award a "no pass" grade to any student who has more than two unexcused absences. If this presents an issue with a student who joins the class late, but before the university course add deadline, the instructor must find a way to assign work to make sure the student is caught up with the rest of the class, and the student will still be able to pass.
What series of course numbers are StuCo courses?
StuCo courses are assigned 98-xxx.
Can I pick my own StuCo number?
Unfortunately, you cannot pick your own course number. It has to be decided by Miriam Wertheimer, StuCo's Course Administrator.
If there are retired StuCo courses that have run in the past with common names, descriptions and syllabus themes, then they will be revived using the retired course number. When a similar course name, description or syllabus is not able to be selected, a new course number is generated.
I want to take a StuCo, but I'm on the waitlist. What should I do?
If you end up on a StuCo's waitlist, don't give up! StuCos often experience a higher drop rate than regular CMU courses, because students sign up for many of them and then choose which ones they want to stick with. If you're on the waitlist, be sure to go to the classes and talk to the instructor as well. There is a high chance you'll be able to get in.
If I'm taking a StuCo course, or am teaching a StuCo course, and a serious problem arises, what should I do?
If at any point in the proceeding of a StuCo course the student and/or teacher feels a serious issue has arisen, it is their duty to notify the StuCo course administrator,
Miriam Wertheimer, to pursue resolution.
Are StuCo teachers or Committee members paid?
StuCo teachers and Committee members do not receive any monetary compensation from StuCo or Carnegie Mellon University.
Can a StuCo course have a course fee?
Yes. However, this fee, when assessed, is strictly to cover necessary materials. Prior approval from the StuCo Executive Committee is required to assess a course fee. The course fee, if applicable, will be included in the course description to alert prospective students. If you have a course fee, you must also outline how you are spending it in your
How many students can teach a single StuCo course?
Generally, StuCo courses are taught by one or two instructors. As of S19, new courses looking to have more than two instructors can petition the executive committee for up to four instructors. Existing courses with more than two instructors may continue to run as they have been.
If I would like to teach a course with a friend, how many applications should we submit?
You should jointly submit a single course application. Please visit the
Teach a Course page for more details on applying to teach a StuCo.
If I would like to teach a course with a friend, do we both need to interview with the StuCo Committee?
Yes. Both you and your friend will be interviewed together in a group interview, or separately if your schedules don't allow a group interview.
Can I re-teach a course I previously taught?
Yes. If you're currently teaching, simply fill out the form indicating your intent to teach again when you receive it from the executive committee. If you previously taught the course, then you can ask the StuCo Committee for a copy of your previously submitted course application, and submit the copy with updated relevant information.
Can I teach a course that someone else previously taught?
Yes. As long as you are qualified and are interviewed and approved by the StuCo Executive Committee, you can develop your own course on a topic previously taught in StuCo. Contact the executive committee to explore the possibility of using the previous instructor's course materials (permission of the previous instructor is needed).
How are StuCo instructors evaluated?
StuCo instructors are evaluated by the StuCo Committee based on a course audit performed at some point throughout the semester. The audit is unannounced. Any serious issues will be addressed immediately following the audit, possible in conjuction with Miriam Wertheimer. Otherwise, feedback is provided to instructors closer to the end of the semester.
How are StuCo students evaluated?
StuCo students are evaluated by their instructor, in the manner set forth in the course application for that course. That is, the instructor will choose how to evaluate the students. The evaluation method will need to be approved by StuCo.
Can a StuCo instructor advertise their own course?
Yes. We highly encourage StuCo instructors to advertise their own courses to the student body as a supplement to the regular StuCo advertising. The executive committee can help with printing posters -- look out for an email about this a few weeks before course registration.
What other policies does StuCo adhere to?
StuCo adheres to and acknowledges the principles of Carnegie Mellon University as expressed in the University Policies.
Can StuCo courses make class seat reservations (e.g. for a certain major or class level)?
Unlike other courses, StuCos cannot make class seat reservations. However, when a class accumulates a wailist, Mimi can help move any student on the wailist to the top of the waitlist, so they can be enrolled on priority once somebody drops and creates an empty seat. This enables instructors to selectively favor a subgroup of students in enrollment, similar to reservations. To achieve this, instructors need to contact Mimi Wertheimer (mwerthei) during registration.