Frequently Asked Questions
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What ExCos are offered changes from semester to semester, so it depends if anyone applies to teach the Winter Term ExCo. This course has not been taught in a couple of semesters so if you would be interested in restarting it, let us know.
ExCo (the Experimental College) is a student-run department of Oberlin College that offers classes taught by students, community members, and basically anyone else who wants to teach. The courses usually cover subject matter not offered through the Oberlin College curriculum.
Yes. Student can receive college credit both for taking and for teaching classes. No more than 5 ExCo credits can be applied towards graduation, but you can still take as many ExCo classes as you want.
The short answer is that you need to fill out a New Course Proposal form, write a detailed, 12-week syllabus, get 2 recommendations, and have an interview. It sounds daunting, but it's not so bad. Once your application and interview are complete, the ExCo Committee will review it and get back to you.
For more information, go to this page on the instructor application process.
Application materials are available year-round on this very website (right here). Please submit applications to our office (Wilder Hall, Room 302) in paper form before our deadline (right here).
Go to the ExCo Fair, held at the beginning of each semester. You can sign up for the classes you want to take, as well as ask the instructors any questions you have about a class. Most classes select their students by random lottery, although some have an application. If you're accepted into an ExCo, you can register on PRESTO (just like your other classes). (If you're not an Oberlin College student, you don't need to register at all.)
You can change your variable hours with the Variable Credit option in PRESTO. Alternately, you can go to the Registrar's Office and fill out a Schedule Adjustment Request form (they're gray).
All ExCos can be taken for credit up to the maximum number the course is approved for, and any class may be taken for zero credits. So a one-credit class may be taken for one credit or for zero credits. This way, students are not restricted from taking an ExCo because of semester credit limits.