Faculty Resources

Existing TSEM topics can be taught by any TU faculty member. If the topic however is offered outside the department that created the initial proposal, faculty must include a new topic description and copy of the new syllabus. These should be shared with the Registrar’s Office when scheduling. For a list of approved TSEM topics, visit the Undergraduate Catalog.

Guidance for new TSEM Proposals 

(updated Fall 2025)

Any TU faculty member can teach TSEM and new TSEM topics are welcome!

Topic proposals move through the following workflow for approval: Departments/Chairs > TSEM Director > Office of Assessment > College Committees > Honors (if an Honors topic) > Registrar

  • New topics must be submitted through CIM and include a course proposal and assessment plan that clearly illustrate how the topic fulfills TSEM student learning outcomes (SLOs). (SLOs 1-4 are required for all TSEM sections; SLOs 5 and 6 are optional)
  • Please use TU’s course proposal template and core assessment plan template for your submission in CIM to ensure that all parts of your proposal are complete for the approval process. New topic proposals also require a catalog description, rationale, and syllabus of record.
  • All TSEM course syllabi should include TU’s required policies. For further syllabus guidance, please review the university’s Guidelines for Best Practice for Syllabi.
  • When proposing a new topic, remember your audience. New TSEM topics should appeal to a variety of first-year students and support TSEM learning goals (100-level: research, information literacy, communication, and critical analysis). Compelling topic titles are encouraged!
  • All TSEM topics are proposed and offered through academic departments. 

Guidance for Scheduling