Course Subject Codes are Changing from Numbers to Letters
Why is UA making the change?
Changing from numeric to alphabetic course subject codes is expected to mitigate existing confusion, internally and externally, about a coding convention that is no longer relevant. Alphabetic subject codes are used by nearly every other college and university in the U.S. and abroad. This change will bring UA into alignment with its university peers. For practical purposes, updating our course subject codes will make it easier to interpret UA’s official academic transcripts and to search the schedule of classes and the bulletin for courses. The change is supported by the Faculty Senate, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Undergraduate Student Government, Information Technology Services, and University Registrar. Jump to the search tool.
When will this change happen?
Beginning Monday, June 13, 2022, you may notice glimpses of the change in course subject codes. The switchover from numeric (e.g., 3300) to alphabetic (e.g., ENGL) subject codes will be finalized by the first day of fall semester 2022. Jump to the search tool.
How do I find a new alphabetic subject code or course number?
We understand that this is a big change for everyone at UA, and that many of us may need help determining new subject codes and, in a few cases, course numbers. For example, Principles of Social Media will change from 7600:209 to COMM 307 beginning fall 2022. To minimize any confusion regarding the change, we created an easy-to-use search tool. Jump to the search tool.
I am a continuing UA student. How will this impact me?
Numeric course subject codes will be replaced by alphabetic course subject codes everywhere beginning with fall semester 2022.
As a continuing UA student, your academic record, which includes your academic transcript and degree progress report (DPR), will consist of both numeric and alphabetic subject codes. All courses completed through summer 2022 will retain the numeric subject codes, while courses completed after summer 2022 will be identified with the new alphabetic subject codes. Jump to the search tool.
I am starting my academic journey at UA this fall. Will this change impact me?
If you will be new to The University of Akron this fall, you may have registered for classes with numeric subject codes, but those numeric subject codes will be replaced with alphabetic subject codes prior to fall semester 2022. You will likely never need to use the numeric subject codes again.
Numeric course subject codes will be replaced by alphabetic course subject codes everywhere beginning with fall semester 2022. Jump to the search tool.
Will this change complicate registration or change my degree requirements?
No. We do not expect this change to impact prerequisite requirements, repeats for change of grade, or degree progress reports. All courses have a unique identifier in our student information system. These identifiers allow us to change subject codes and catalog numbers without negatively impacting the ways in which courses are used and displayed. Jump to the search tool.
Will Brightspace use the new alphabetic subject codes?
Yes. Numeric course subject codes will be replaced by alphabetic course subject codes everywhere you use or see subject codes and course numbers. Faculty - if you have started developing your fall 2022 course, do not be alarmed if you are placed into a new, empty course. Your previous course will still be in Brightspace, and your content can be copied into the new course. If you already merged your fall course(s), you will need to submit another request to merge those courses. In either of these scenarios, please send email to ddshelp@uakron.edu for assistance. Jump to the search tool.
If I have questions, who can I contact?
Direct your questions or comments to the Office of the University Registrar at 330.972.8300 or registrar@uakron.edu. We will be happy to assist you. Jump to the search tool.