Are you curious about JMU X-Labs and the process by which our cross-disciplinary, team-taught courses are formed to innovate solutions? X-Labs is pleased to roll out our new course proposal system, along with essential information about X-Labs courses and the resources we provide when you teach in X-Labs.

We are here to support all levels of experience and curiosity! We understand that cross-disciplinary team teaching may be new to you and that some features in our X-Labs courses, listed below, may also be unfamiliar.

Contact us at jmuxlabscourses@jmu.edu to connect with X-Labs Assistant Directors of Engaged Learning Adrienne Hooker, associate professor of media arts and design, and Masoud Kaveh, associate professor of physics. They are your consultants for course development – from ideation to launch and everything in between!

 What makes an X-Labs course uniquely ‘X-Labs’?  

• A well-formed problem statement is the cornerstone of an X-Labs course.
  Students experience the process of innovation through problem-based learning
• Each course is team-taught from distinct fields of study and expertise.
  Faculty and students are from different colleges
  Student-centered approach
  Courses are often cross-listed and carry multiple titles
• Design thinking is the methodology used to facilitate the course.
  X-Labs provides a design-thinking toolkit and Collaborative Pedagogy manual
  X-Labs will provide the design-thinking facilitator for the course
• (optional) External partners supply the problem statement and/or join the teaching team
  X-Labs will assist in making connections and executing contracts 

By now, you will have worked with X-Labs staff to develop your course idea, challenge statement, and cross-disciplinary collaborators. It’s time to submit a course proposal form.

Complete our course proposal form: Click Here. 

X-Labs courses typically take a minimum of 2-3 months from idea to being ready to launch for enrollment at the start of student registration. Work backwards accordingly from the below deadlines to better guarantee approval. 

For Fall semester courses: March 1 is the deadline by which all X-Labs courses must be registered in SA, faculty teaching teams assembled, contracts signed, and course information for marketing provided.

For Spring semester courses: October 1 is the deadline by which all X-Labs courses must be registered in SA, faculty teaching teams assembled, contracts signed, and course information for marketing provided.