Dartmouth College
Office of the Registrar
6014 McNutt Hall
Hanover, NH 03755-3541
To log into DCARS select “DCARS (Dartmouth Course Approval and Routing System)” from your Faculty and Advisor Menu on BannerStudent. You can also click the link provided in DCARS e-mail notifications sent at each step of the course approval process.
How do I know which proposals require my review?
Proposals that require your review display in the "Proposals Needing Action" section of the DCARS Dashboard. You will also get an email each time someone adds a proposal to your dashboard that requires review.
How do I know which number to assign for my new course proposal?
You have two reports to help you determine the correct course number. The Expanded Course Number Report if your course utilizes the expanded number system and the Active Course Report. Course numbers may be “recycled” and used for a new course four years after the last time offered.
Do I have to submit a course syllabus with my proposal?
All new course proposals require a syllabus. Any ‘update course’ proposal that includes a change or addition to the distributive or world culture attributes also require a syllabus. To upload your syllabus click the “Add Syllabus” button after you enter all of your course details in DCARS.
What types of curricular changes may not be submitted through DCARS?
DCARS will not support every type of curricular change or all types of courses. For example the process for making certain curricular changes such as the renumbering of multiple courses in a department or program at one time, changes in requirements for an FSP/LSA, and changes in requirements for the major or minor, remain as usual. Graduate courses, first-year seminars, and courses with an off-campus component should be submitted following the usual process to the appropriate entity since each of these has a unique routing/approval system.
The faculty member who will be teaching the proposed new course is not yet hired and is therefore not listed in Banner. Can I indicate somewhere who is teaching the course?
Yes, if the faculty member is not listed in Banner, you may use the comments box that appears after you submit the proposed course to indicate the instructor's name.
How do I reinstate an old course to be available for an upcoming term and next year’s ORC/Catalog?
You may submit a “Reinstate No Change” (RNC) proposal to allow for a previously-offered course not in the current year’s ORC/Catalog to be available for an upcoming term and next year’s ORC/Catalog. Only use RNC if there are no changes to the reinstated course, otherwise submit an update course proposal in DCARS. Refer to the Reinstate No Change (RNC) Proposal Guide for more information.
What is a cross-listed course?
A cross-listed course is a single course offered by two or more undergraduate departments or programs.
Can students choose which subject and course number appears on their transcript?
Yes, students can choose to switch which subject and course number of a cross-listed course appears on their transcript.
How do I cross-list a course in DCARS?
You can cross-list a course once the owner has submitted the course in DCARS and it has been approved. Submit a new course proposal to cross-list with the already approved course.
Who is notified when a change is made to a cross-listed course?
When a new course proposal is submitted to cross-list a course or an update is made to an already cross-listed course an email notification goes to all departments/programs involved in the cross-listed course.
If I am unclear on which department/program owns a course, where do I seek assistance?
The Registrar’s office does not have information about course ownership. Departments/Programs should work together with their Associate Dean(s) to determine ownership if there are questions.
Who submits “update course” proposals for a cross-listed course?
The department/program that owns the cross-listed course submits any update course proposals. DCARS automatically updates the other course(s) cross-listed with the owner’s course, and informs all involved.
How do I remove my department/program from a cross-listed course?
Departments/Program may submit an update course proposal to remove themselves from the cross-listed course. This removal is a permanent action. If you are the owner you can choose not to offer the course.
What number do I assign to a Special Topic course?
Special Topic courses fall under a “rubric” or general descriptor that provides an overview of the focus of study, while each topic has a unique number, title, and description. Special Topic courses use the Expanded Course Numbering System where each topic has a two-digit “root” number followed by a “point,” then a two-digit extension number. Refer to your Expanded Course Number Report if you are unsure extension number to assign.
How are Special Topic courses approved?
The rubric is approved as a regular course through the Divisional Council process, before the topics may be approved. Each topic is then approved by the COI Chair and Registrar only.
Can Special Topic courses carry Distributive and World Culture attributes?
Distributive and world culture attributes may be approved for the rubric by the COI and thus apply to all ensuing topics. If the rubric has no distributive or world culture attributes, they may vary by topic and be approved by the COI Chair and Registrar each time a new topic is offered. In both situations, it is important that the department/program always enter distributive and world culture information as part of the proposal (even if it will follow the approved rubric).
How do I submit a new course intended to be a special topic rubric?
Submit a new course proposal on the DCARS system and DO NOT check the special topic checkbox.
