Meets-with Definition: A temporary link in our student information system (SIS) between 2+ class sections that allows certain details to be combined, like class rosters, meeting times, and room assignments. It indicates that students from these sections attend class together. 

Appropriate Uses of Meets-With and L&S Policy Guidelines

There are two ways to use meets-with:

(1) To create a “temporary cross-list” between sections in two courses that cover the exact same content.

• Students have the exact same assignments, readings, etc. regardless of through which course they enroll.
• Interdisciplinary programs might link a topic title in their subject with a traditional department’s course to increase course visibility. This is particularly useful when faculty members have joint appointments.
• Per L&S Policy, when a single curriculum is taught, the linked sections must have identical level, breadth, and general education designations. This ensures integrity in our curriculum and fair treatment for students.
• Departments must verify meets-with courses have matching designations each term. When errors occur (mismatched course/course information) the department will be required to assume responsibility for communicating with students, documenting individual degree audit exceptions that may be required, and ensuring that students are treated fairly despite the department's mistake.

Example: RELIG ST 200: Topics in Religious Studies and ART HIST 103: Topics in Art History have matching designations of elementary level and Humanities breadth. Sections of these courses may meet together, with a shared topic title like  "Religion and Art."

(2) To reflect a shared pedagogical design where students enrolled in different courses, with different curriculum, attend some portions of their classes together

• In this case students in different courses, with distinct curriculum and assignments, are meeting together.
• Because students are doing different work, the designations on the courses and how the courses count towards program and degree requirements may differr
• Instructors must clearly communicate to students the differences in expectations, assignments, grading criteria, meeting times, etc., for each course through the syllabus and other course materials.

Example: SLAVIC 422: Dostoevsky (with assignments and readings in Russian) and LITTRANS 222: Dostoevsky in Translation (with assignments and readings in English) could be designed in a way that meet together. Although students attend class together, they know they have different assignments and readings, and their courses count differently towards their requirements. 

For questions or issues related to meets-with, please contact Kimbrin Cornelius, Assistant Dean for L&S Teaching & Learning (kimbrin.cornelius@wisc.edu)