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Is there a class-size limit for HIP designation?

No. There is no official cap for HIP-designated courses. However, instructors submitting large-enrollment courses must explain how the course will be supported (for example, with GTAs or other resources) to ensure the HIP experience is implemented and that students receive meaningful feedback throughout the semester. Final grades and a portion of the feedback must still come from the instructor. Instructors should also justify the assignment design for larger classes—for instance, how discussions are facilitated or how students are guided to produce a creative or culminating project.

Related FAQs

Yes. Group projects may fulfill HIP assignment requirements as long as the submission clearly explains how each student will engage in — and be assessed on — all activities or skills required by the rubric for the selected designation.

Yes. Both mixed-mode (M) and fully online (W) classes are eligible and have previously been approved for HIP designations.

Yes, with one exception. The Research-Intensive designation applies only to undergraduate courses. All other HIP designations are available to both undergraduate and graduate courses.

The course must either have a course-level designation or both instructors must have instructor-level designations in order for the course to count as HIP-designated.

Yes, HIP-designated courses may include graduate and undergraduate TAs. However, final grades and a portion of the substantive feedback must come from the instructor who is the content expert.

Only faculty with a permanent appointment at UCF may submit courses for HIP designation. Research-Intensive HIP courses must be taught by content experts with a terminal degree and/or a permanent appointment at UCF. The other three HIP designations may be taught by visiting faculty or others only at the discretion of the department chair.

Sometimes. Independent undergraduate research course credits (e.g., thesis hours or 4912) are not eligible for a designation, because they are generated individually and fall outside the traditional curriculum. In rare instances, study abroad and internships may receive a HIP course designation, though study abroad is not eligible for the Global Learning designation. For guidance on specific cases, email HIP@ucf.edu.

Yes. HIP designations are re-reviewed every five years through a brief update process. This review allows the HIP Steering Committee to learn about course changes, improvements, and lessons learned, and to verify that the course continues to meet designation standards. Faculty with designated courses will be contacted by HIP@ucf.edu with instructions when it is time to complete the review.