Learner's Odyssey Program (LOP): A Student-Driven Course Policy
‍This policy outlines the procedure for students who are interested in applying for the Learner's Odyssey Program during their studies. The Learner's Odyssey Program (LOP) stands as a dedicated initiative within CMKL, designed with the distinct purpose of empowering students to actively contribute to the academic community by offering specialized, self-designed courses. Our primary goal is to facilitate a dynamic exchange of knowledge, allowing students to become both learners and educators. Participants are encouraged to craft courses on a diverse array of topics, fostering a vibrant learning environment that extends beyond the conventional university curriculum.

‍Scope
‍This policy applies to all students who are enrolled at CMKL University.

‍Eligibility
To be eligible for the LOP teacher position:

• Students must be currently-enrolled students at CMKL University.
• Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Students must submit a course profile by the application deadline.Students must not be on leave of absence.
• Students must have a faculty member or an evaluator to be the course supervisor and grade their work.

To be eligible for the course supervisor position:

• Course supervisor must have knowledge/work experience pertinent to the course.
• Course supervisor must be able to observe the LOP class and supervise the LOP instructor at least once a month and grade their work in a timely manner.

‍Procedure
‍To apply for the LOP teacher position:

• The application deadline to teach an LOP course is May 31 for the fall semester and October 1 for the spring semester.
• The applicant must submit the following information by the above deadline.

LOP teacher Info:

• Full name and email address of the LOP teacher(s), a maximum of 2 teachers per course.
• Basic bio information for each LOP teacher, specifically regarding relevant experience/qualifications.

Course Profile Info:

• A course name and description to be put on Canva.
• Course goals, e.g. the overall goals of this course, specified in terms of  students will achieve after completing the course.
• Number of course credit. LOP course offers credit flexibility ranging from 2 - 9 credits.
• A detailed syllabus (in .pdf form) describing the activities for each week. The syllabus should span the entire semester and should include some form of assessment. Clear description of the extra time commitments that are required outside of the regularly scheduled course meeting times to complete the credit requirement. One credit unit represents one work-hour of time per week throughout the semester.
• Assessment structure, e.g. assignments, exams, final, presentation, project, etc.
• Learning resources, e.g. web pages, learning applications, texts, case studies, etc.
• Grading - how they would determine a student's grade.
• A plan for course logistics, if any, e.g. materials, tools, props, etc.
• Any requirement on prerequisite knowledge.
• A tentative plan for the day of the week, time of class, and classroom type, e.g. classroom with tables, computer lab - Windows, etc.

Course Supervisor Info;

• Full name and email address of the course supervisor.
• A brief biographical description of the course supervisor.
• Signed statement of commitment by the course supervisor.

‍To evaluate the LOP course:

• LOP teacher(s) will be evaluated by the course supervisor based on a course audit performed at some point throughout the semester. The audit is unannounced. The feedback from the course supervisor will be addressed to the LOP teacher(s) following the audit.
• The course supervisor must observe the class and sit through an entire session of the course. Then, he or she should complete a Teacher and Course Evaluation due no later than the end of the course as a part of the teaching evaluation.
• The Instructor Evaluation form must be submitted by the students with valuable feedback on the quality of this course, so as to make improvements in the future.  
  ‍https://form.jotform.com/240421031748447

Grading Standard

‍For the LOP teacher(s):LOP teacher(s) could earn free elective units up to 9 units.The course number and title will show as LOP-9xx Practicum Course on the transcript.The LOP teacher(s) will receive non-factorable units with a letter grade  'S' or 'U' (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) from the course supervisor.For the enrolled students in the LOP class:Enrolled students who take a LOP course will receive up to 9 free elective units. The enrolled student will receive non-factorable units with a letter grade  'S' or 'U' (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) from the LOP teacher(s). A student who has more than two unexcused absences is automatically given a no-pass grade.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.The grade will not be included in the GPA calculation but will contribute to meeting graduation requirements.

‍Guidelines and Responsibility for the LOP Teacher's Teaching Evaluation: LOP teacher(s) will be evaluated by their course supervisor in the manner set forth in the course application for that course. The criteria for teaching evaluation should include these:   Effective communication both speaking and listeningClear demonstration of the course materialAppropriate difficulty level of material taught. Appropriate difficulty level of work/project/assignment  Adherence to the course syllabusProfessionalism and maturity in dealing with students.

‍LOP Policy

• Course Supervisor and LOP teacher(s) do not receive any monetary compensation from the University.
• Course Supervisor and LOP teacher(s) will be responsible for covering any fees associated with the course.
• All LOP courses must be offered after 5PM on weekdays, or on weekends.
• An LOP course can only be offered if at least 5 students register.