Will this be the first time the course is offered?
Creating a new course offering and obtaining a course number for it can be a lengthy process. The department may require committee for approval. The curriculum approval process varies by department. Check with your department to determine their procedure.

Are there any prerequisites?
Include any prerequisites in the Schedule of Courses and your syllabus.

Will you use a special topics course number?
In the past departments have used special topics course numbers to test out online materials. If it proves to be successful, extended paperwork for a new permanent course number can then be initiated and approved.

Is this a program, series of courses or one-off course?
If it is a program or series, will you need someone to coordinate production? Successful online degree program or series of courses often require additional investment of resources from each department. Besides release time and monetary compensation for faculty, a designated course coordinator may be appointed to work with the individual faculty of each course to ensure standards and quality are maintained for the program. The coordinator also acts as the contact person and mediator between faculty and on-campus support units. A course coordinator could either be a faculty or administrative support personnel from the department.

Will the course be offered for credit, non-credit, or both?
Procedures and resources vary for the different types of courses. Sometimes courses are offered both ways. If your course will be offered non-credit, make sure you are aware of the differences.

Will you choose fully-online, blended or enhanced?
There are some distinctions between these, primarily in the planning phase. Be sure you know which format your department expects you to implement. Some departments phase in the development process, beginning with enhanced or blended and moving to fully-online over time.