CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT & REVISION

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CURRICULUM

DEVELOPMENT & REVISION

Curriculum and Program

Review Committee Purpose

The purpose of the STC Curriculum and Program Review Committee is to establish, review, and evaluate curricula culminating in certificates or degrees leading to workforce preparation or transfer to senior institutions. The Curriculum and Program Review Committee will oversee the Program Review process and select which programs will be reviewed during a given academic year. Programs that do not meet THECB standards will automatically be included in the Program Review process for the following year. All Programs will undergo Program Review at least once every four years. Most importantly, the Curriculum and Program Review Committee will initiate and recommend the nature of the College curriculum and any necessary changes in it, assuring compliance with all guidelines from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and program-specific accreditation criteria.

Voting Membership

The voting membership of the committee is elected by the faculty from each of the five Instructional Divisions based upon the chart listed below. An alternate member for each of the positions listed below must also be elected by the Faculty in each Division. The Division Dean is responsible for coordinating the faculty elections in August of each year. The total voting membership equals 19 members. The voting membership of the Curriculum and Program Review Committee must also serve as members of the Division Curriculum Committee from their respective Divisions.

Core Curriculum # of Representatives Division

Communication = 1 representative LASS Humanities = 1 representative LASS Visual & Performing Arts = 1 representative LASS Social & Behavioral Sci. = 1 representative LASS Computer Science = 1 representative BMST Mathematics = 1 representative BMST Natural Sciences = 1 representative BMST

Academic – Non Core

Education/Kinesiology = 1 representative LASS

Workforce Programs by Division

1 representative elected for every 3 Workforce Program Chairs within the Division. (Detailed List is in Appendix N).

BMST = 3 representatives NAH = 4 representatives

Developmental Studies

Reading / Writing, = 1 representative Math = 1 representative College Success = 1 representative

Baccalaureate Programs

Faculty = 1 representative Total Voting Membership=19 representatives

Officers

A Chair for the Curriculum and Program Review

Committee will be elected from the voting membership. The elected committee chair may relinquish their voting rights to an alternate from their Division. The Curriculum and Accreditation Officer will assist the Curriculum and Program Review Committee Chair with his or her duties. The Curriculum and Accreditation Officer will act as secretary and record the deliberations and actions of the committee, as well as create and distribute the committee agendas. A majority of the voting members present at a meeting must vote in favor of an action for the action to be approved. Ex-Officio Membership

The Vice President for Instructional Services, Curriculum and Accreditation Officer, Faculty Senate Representative, Institutional Effectiveness Specialist, Library Services Liaison, Student Services Liaison, and three student representatives are all ex-officio members. The three student representatives will be appointed by the Student Government Association. One will be from a baccalaureate program; one will be from a technical program and one from a transfer program. Student representatives must have a minimum of 15 earned semester credit hours and a GPA of 2.8. Student representatives must be currently enrolled at the institution with a non-probationary status.

Division Curriculum Committee

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DEVELOPMENT OF NEW FIELD OF STUDY FOR THE

A.A. OR A.S. DEGREE Instructional Dean/ Program Developer

The Dean assigns development of the Program Brief to a Faculty member. The Dean must notify the Office of the Vice President for Instructional Services in writing when a Program Brief has been assigned to a Faculty member. The Faculty member is referred to in this document as the Program Developer. The Curriculum and Accreditation Officer will assist the Program Developer with developing the revised budget projection that includes operating costs, revenue projections and documentation of program demand. The Program Brief will include the following:

1. Field of Study Summary • Proposed Field of Study • Field of Study objectives • Field of Study location 2. Field of Study Demand

• Potential articulation agreements • Entry-level salaries

• Existing programs

• Expected enrollment – Each Program Brief needs to include the enrollment projections made utilizing the template that has been designed by OIRE. This template is available from the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer. However, each new Program Developer must contact OIRE to make sure that the figures that will be submitted on the template match the figures that OIRE has on existing similar programs. This is to ensure that the figures used by the Program Developer represent a realistic portrayal. 3. Admissions Requirements

4. Marketing Plan

• Include a Marketing Action Plan, which details how the Field of Study will attract new (not existing) students to enroll in the Field of Study. This plan will subsequently be tied to the Field of Study’s IE Plan.

5. Student Retention Plan

• Include a Student Retention Plan, which details how the Field of Study will retain the students that enroll in the Field of Study. This plan will subsequently be tied to the Field of Study’s IE Plan. 6. Graduation Plan

• Include a Graduation Plan, which details how the Field of Study will graduate the necessary number of graduates to meet THECB and Program Review Guidelines (15 graduates within the first three years of the Field of Study’s existence). This graduation plan will subsequently be tied to the Field of Study’s IE Plan.

7. Resources Required for Field of Study Operation

• Faculty: At least one full-time faculty member with appropriate credentials must have his or her

primary teaching assignment in the major, curriculum area, or concentration.

• Facilities: List the facilities required for adequate delivery of the Field of Study.

• Equipment: List all required equipment, estimated costs, and potential donations.

• Five-year Costs: Detail the projected revenue and Field of Study costs for five years, including personnel, operating expenses, and capital outlay for the first five years. A uniform template for the 5-year budget developed by the Vice President for

Administrative and Financial Services must be utilized. Items included in this budget template include costs such as Faculty Salaries and benefits,

supplies and materials, library resources, equipment and software, new

construction/renovation and revenue sources such as state appropriations and tuition. This template will be provided by the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer.

Division Dean

The Program Developer will submit the Program Brief to the Division Dean for detailed review and approval before it is sent to the Office of Vice President for Instructional Services. Program briefs should be submitted to the Vice President for Instructional Services.

Office of the Vice President for Instructional Services

Members of the Office of the Vice President for Instructional Services will review the Program Brief for all of the necessary information and return it to the Program Developer for revision, if necessary.

Instructional Council

The Program Brief will be submitted by the Vice President for Instructional Services to the Instructional Council for review and discussion.

Planning and Development Council

Following review by the Instructional Council, the Program Brief will then be submitted by the Vice President for Instructional Services to The Planning and Development Council, which will analyze the Program Brief to determine feasibility and prioritization of development and make a recommendation to the Vice President for Instructional Services.

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Program Developer / Division Curriculum Committee

Once the Planning and Development Council and the Educational Workforce and Innovations Committee have approved the new field of study for development, the Program Developer will fully develop the Field of Study by utilizing the Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM) and the SACS criteria and submit the new Field of Study Request to the Division Curriculum Committee for approval. The New Field of Study Request must include a revised program summary, proposed curriculum outline and course descriptions. The

proposed curriculum outline must include the field of study course list and a semester by semester recommended course sequence including the core curriculum and the field of study. Associate of Science Fields of Study must include

a minimum of 6-7 semester credit hours of mathematics or natural sciences coursework. During this process, the Office of the Vice President for Instructional Services will continue to provide the necessary assistance to the Program Developer and the Dean.

Library Resource Assessment

In order to ensure that the library will have the necessary resources available to support all programs of study, the Director of Library Services asks that the Consultation with Library Form be completed as part of the program development and revision process. After the new or revised curriculum has been approved and signed by the Program Advisory Committee (in the case of a technical program) or the Division Curriculum Committee (in the case of an academic Field of Study), arrange with the Director of Library Services to meet with a specialist librarian to complete the form. After the Director of Library Services reviews and signs the form, it will then be included with the other required documentation.

The Chair of the Division Curriculum Committee will submit the New Field of Study Request to the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer. The following documentation must be included: The STC Revision Request form (with all signatures), revised program summary, proposed curriculum outline, course descriptions, Consultation with Library Form, and Division Curriculum committee minutes.

Curriculum and Program Review Committee

After verifying that all necessary documentation is present, the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer will place the New Field of Study request on the agenda for the next Curriculum and Program Review Committee meeting for final review and approval. The Curriculum and Program Review Committee will review the curriculum to ensure compliance with THECB and SACS requirements. All curricular materials must have course objectives, and it is a requirement that the curricular materials for new courses will have course competencies.

NOVEMBER 15TH IS THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION TO THE OFFICE OF VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES FOR IMPLEMENTATION

THE FOLLOWING FALL SEMESTER AND TO BE INCLUDED IN THE NEXT CATALOG.

DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW SPECIALIZATION FOR

AN A.A.S. DEGREE Instructional Dean / Program Developer

The Dean assigns development of the Program Brief to a Faculty member. The Dean must notify the Office of the Vice President for Instructional Services in writing when a Program Brief has been assigned to a Faculty member. The Faculty member is referred to in this document as the Program Developer. The Curriculum and Accreditation Officer will assist the Program Developer with developing the revised budget projection that includes operating costs, revenue projections and documentation of program demand. The Program Brief will include the following:

1. Program Specialization Summary • Proposed Specialization

• Program Specialization objectives • Program Specialization location 2. Program Specialization Demand

• Documentation of Workforce Demand for the Specialization. The proposed Specialization must be justified in terms of labor market information documenting pertinent local, regional, and/or statewide workforce demand for the program. If the Program Developer cannot verify program demand on at least two of the resources listed below, then the Program Developer must have the written approval of the Vice President for Instructional Services before any

further program development work is undertaken. Document at least two of the following:

a. The specialization would prepare students for an occupation targeted by the Lower Rio Grande Workforce Development Board or the South Texas Workforce Development Board. This list is available from the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer.

b.The specialization would prepare students for an occupation listed as one of the top 25 for the Lower Rio Grande Valley Workforce Development Area according to SOCRATES.

(See http://socrates.cdr.state.tx.us/iSocrates/ Projections/ChooseRegion.asp).

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(See http://www.tracer2.com/admin/ uploadedPublications/840_Lower_Occ.xls) d. The specialization would prepare students for an occupation that has been identified as an emerging and evolving occupation for the region or state by Career Development Resources (CDR).

(See http://www.cdr.state.tx.us/Researchers/ emergingCIP.asp).

e. Publications of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of the U.S. Department of Labor that indicate high demand occupations for the next five to ten years. (See http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm) f. A survey conducted by the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness (OIRE) of local or regional

employers that documents sufficient employment opportunities for the projected enrollment in the specialization. Approval from

the Vice President for Instructional Services is required in order to complete a survey through OIRE. • Entry-level salaries

• Expected enrollment– Each Program Brief needs to include the enrollment projections made utilizing the template that has been designed by OIRE. This template is available from the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer. However, each new Program Developer must contact OIRE to make sure that the figures that will be submitted on the template match the figures that OIRE has on existing similar programs. This is to ensure that the figures used by the Program Developer represent a realistic portrayal.

3. Admissions Requirements 4. Marketing Plan

• Include a Marketing Action Plan which details how the Specialization will attract new (not existing) students to enroll in the Field of Study. This plan will subsequently be tied to the Specialization’s IE Plan. 5. Student Retention Plan

• Include a Student Retention Plan, which details how the Specialization will retain the students that enroll in the Specialization. This plan will subsequently be tied to the Specialization’s IE Plan.

6. Graduation Plan

• Include a Graduation Plan, which details how the Specialization will graduate the necessary number of graduates to meet THECB and Program Review Guidelines (15 graduates within the first three years of the Field of Study’s existence). This graduation plan will subsequently be tied to the Specialization’s IE Plan.

7. Resources Required for Specialization Operation • Faculty: For applied associate degree programs, at least one full-time faculty member with appropriate credentials must have his or her primary teaching assignment in the major, curriculum area, or concentration.

• Facilities: List the facilities required for adequate delivery of the specialization.

• Five-year Costs: Detail the projected revenue and program costs for five years, including personnel, operating expenses, and capital outlay for the first five years. If revenue does not cover expenses, how will these costs be covered? A uniform template for the 5-year budget developed by the Vice President for Administrative and Financial Services must be utilized. Items included in this budget template include costs such as Faculty Salaries and benefits, supplies and materials, library resources, equipment and software, new construction/renovation, and revenue sources such as state appropriations and tuition. This template will be provided by the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer. Division Dean

The Program Developer will submit the Program Brief to the Division Dean for detailed review and approval before it is sent to the Office of Vice President for Instructional Services. Program briefs should be submitted to the Vice President for Instructional Services.

Following review by the Instructional Council, the Program Brief will then be submitted by the Vice President for Instructional Services to The Planning and Development Council, which will analyze the Program Brief to determine feasibility and prioritization of development and make a recommendation to the Vice President for Instructional Services.

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be submitted to the Educational Workforce and Innovations Committee of the Board of Trustees for review.

Once the Planning and Development Council and the Educational Workforce and Innovations Committee have approved the new specialization for development, the Program Developer will fully develop the specialization. If a DACUM must be completed, Program Developer must schedule this with the Office of Instruction (refer to Procedures for scheduling a DACUM). Once the DACUM is complete or national standards/competencies are established, the Program Consultant in conjunction with the Program Advisory Committee will develop the specialization by utilizing the Workforce Education Course Manual, THECB and the SACS criteria. During this process, the Office of Vice President for Instructional Services will continue to provide the necessary assistance to the Program Developer and the Program Advisory committee. The Program Developer should meet with the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer before the Program Advisory Committee approves the final curriculum to ensure compliance with the THECB and SACS.

Once the Program Advisory Committee has approved the curriculum, the Program Developer will submit the New Specialization Request to the Division Curriculum Committee for approval of the curriculum. The New Specialization Request must include a program summary, proposed curriculum outline, course descriptions/prerequisites, and minutes from the Program Advisory committee.

In order to ensure that the library will have the necessary resources available to support all programs of study, the Director of Library Services asks that the Consultation with Library Form be completed as part of the program development and revision process. After the new or revised curriculum has been approved and signed by the Program Advisory Committee (in the case of a technical program) or the Division Curriculum Committee (in the case of an academic Field of Study), arrange with the Director of Library Services to meet with a specialist librarian to complete the form. After the Director of Library Services reviews and signs the form, it will then be included with the other required documentation.

The Chair of the Division Curriculum Committee will submit the New Specialization Request to the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer. The following documentation must be included: The STC Revision Request form (with all signatures), revised program summary, proposed curriculum outline, course descriptions, Consultation

with Library form, Program Advisory Committee minutes and Division Curriculum committee minutes. Curriculum and Program Review Committee

After verifying that all necessary documentation is present, the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer will place the Specialization Request on the agenda for the next Curriculum and Program Review Committee meeting for final review and approval. The Curriculum and Program Review Committee will review the curriculum to ensure compliance with THECB and SACS requirements. All curricular materials must have course objectives, and it is required that the curricular materials for new courses will have course competencies.

NOVEMBER 15 IS THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION TO THE OFFICE OF VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES FOR IMPLEMENTATION

THE FOLLOWING FALL SEMESTER AND TO BE INCLUDED IN THE NEXT CATALOG.

DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW PROGRAM IN WORKFORCE EDUCATION

(NEW CERTIFICATE OR A.A.S./A.A.A.) Phase One—Program Origins:

When New Program Development Is Required Colleges must submit a new program application under the following circumstances:

• To create a certificate or A.A.S./A.A.A. degree in a four- or six-digit CIP code area for which the college has no current offerings on its inventory.

• To create an A.A.S./A.A.A. degree in a four- or six-digit CIP code area in which the college has only certificate offerings on its inventory.

Instructional Dean / Program Developer

The Dean assigns development of the Program Brief to a Faculty member. The Dean must notify the Office of the Vice President for Instructional Services in writing when a Program Brief has been assigned to a Faculty member. The Faculty member is referred to in this document as the Program Developer. The Curriculum and Accreditation Officer will assist the Program Developer with developing the revised budget projection that includes operating costs, revenue projections and documentation of program demand. The Program Brief will include the following: 1. Program Summary • Proposed award • Program objectives • Program location 2. Program Demand

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program demand on at least two of the resources listed below, then the Program Developer must have the written approval of the Vice President for Instructional Services before any further program development work is undertaken. Document at least two of the following:

a. The program would prepare students for an occupation targeted by the Lower Rio Grande Workforce

Development Board or the South Texas Workforce Development Board. This list is available from the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer.

b. The program would prepare students for an occupation listed as one of the top 25 for the Lower Rio Grande Valley Workforce Development Area according to SOCRATES. (See http://socrates.cdr. state.tx.us/iSocrates/Projections/ChooseRegion.asp). c. The program would prepare students for an occupation identified as a

priority occupation for the region or state by the Texas Workforce Commission.

(See http://www.tracer2.com/admin/ uploadedPublications/840_Lower_Occ.xls) d. The program would prepare students for an occupation that has been identified as an emerging and evolving

occupation for the region or state by Career Development Resources (CDR). (See http://www.cdr.state.tx.us/Researchers/ emergingCIP.asp).

e. Publications of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of the U.S. Department of Labor that indicate high demand occupations for the next five to ten years. (See http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm)

f. A survey conducted by the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness (OIRE) of local or regional employers that documents sufficient employment opportunities for the projected enrollment in the program. Approval from the Vice President for Instructional Services is required in order to complete a survey through OIRE. • Entry-level salaries

• Expected enrollment– Each Program Brief needs to include the enrollment projections made utilizing the template that has been designed by OIRE. This template is available from the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer. However, each new Program Developer must contact OIRE to make sure that the figures that will be

submitted on the template match the figures that OIRE has on existing similar programs. This is to

ensure that the figures used by the Program Developer represent a realistic portrayal. 3. Admissions Requirements

4. Marketing Plan

• Include a Marketing Action Plan, which details how the Program will attract new (not existing students) to enroll in the Field of Study. This plan will subsequently be tied to the Program’s IE Plan. 5. Student Retention Plan

• Include a Student Retention Plan, which details how the Program will retain the students that enroll in the Program. This plan will subsequently be tied to the Program’s IE Plan.

6. Graduation Plan

• Include a Graduation Plan, which details how the Program will graduate the necessary number of graduates to meet THECB and Program Review Guidelines (15 graduates within the first three years of the Field of Study’s existence). This graduation plan will subsequently be tied to the Program’s IE Plan.

7. Resources Required for Program Operation

• Faculty: For applied associate degree programs, at least one full-time faculty member with appropriate credentials must have his or her primary teaching assignment in the major, curriculum area, or concentration.

• Facilities: List the facilities required for adequate delivery of the program.

• Five-year Costs: Detail the projected revenue and program costs for five years, including personnel, operating expenses, and capital outlay for the first five years. If revenue does not cover expenses, how will these costs be covered? A uniform template for the 5-year budget developed by the Vice President for Administrative and Financial Services must be utilized. Items included in this budget template include costs such as Faculty Salaries and benefits, supplies and materials,

library resources, equipment and software, new construction/renovation, and revenue sources such as state appropriations and tuition. This template will be provided by the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer.

Division Dean

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Following review by the Instructional Council, the Program Brief will then be submitted by the Vice President for Instructional Services to The Planning

and Development Council, which will analyze the Program Brief to determine feasibility and prioritization of development and make a recommendation to the Vice President for Instructional Services.

Educational Workforce and Innovation Committee Upon approval for Development by PDC and the Vice President for Instructional Services, the Program Brief will be submitted to the Educational Workforce and Innovations Committee of the Board of Trustees for review.

Once the Planning & Development Council and the Educational Workforce & Innovations Committee has authorized a new program, the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer will provide oversight and assistance during the full development of the new program by the Division.

Establish a Timeline

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Program Development Timeline

Program:_____________________________________________________________________________ Division: _____________________________________________________________________________ _____Program will be developed. ______The Program will not be developed Minutes from PDC are attached. _____Semester/year of program implementation

_____PDC approves development, August 2007 _____EWIC approves development, September 2007

_____Date Letter of Intent submitted to Regional Higher Education Council and Local Work Force Board.

_____Date program notebook to the Office of Vice President for Instructional Services for initial review (February 1, 2008, deadline) _____Date program notebook to be submitted to Office of Vice President for Instructional Services for final review

(March 1, 2008, deadline)

_____Date placed on STC Board agenda (April 1, 2008, deadline)

_____ Date submitted to STC Board of Trustees for final approval (April 19, 2008, meeting)

_____Date Program Application will be submitted to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for review (May 1, 2008, deadline)

_____Month/year of THECB formal program review, if required

I agree to the timeline stated above.

Division Dean ____________________________________________ Date___________________ (Signature)

Program Consultant ________________________________________ Date__________________ (Signature)

Curriculum and

Accreditation Officer _______________________________________ Date__________________ (Signature)

Director of Institutional

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Phase Two – Letter of Intent

After the Board of Trustees approves development of the program, the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer will do the following:

• Ask the Vice President for Instructional Services to write a letter of intent to the Chair of the South Texas Regional Higher Education Council regarding the proposed new program and attach a copy of the letter of intent sent to the THECB.

• Send copies of the letter of intent to the Lower Rio Grande Workforce Development Board. Contact the University of Texas Pan- American, Texas State Technical College, and Texas Southmost College, if program duplication is possible.

• Secure a letter of acknowledgement from the Chair of the South Texas Higher Education Council, which acknowledges receipt of STC’s letter of intent.

• If an objection is received, the Council Chair will confer with a representative from the

requesting college and a response will be prepared for the Coordinating Board following the two week time period.

• If no objection is received, the Regional Council Chair will submit a letter of no objection to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Program Director.

Phase Three—Research

Program Developer will complete the following tasks: Introduction to Program Development Procedures The Program Developer should study the New Program Approval Process found in the Guidelines for Instructional Programs in Workforce Education, 2003 (GIPWE), Chapter 5, and choose an appropriate approved technical program application as a guide. The Office of the Vice President for Instructional Services will provide technical assistance during this process.

Research

Collect all relevant information about the new program. Determine how many colleges offer this program in Texas; specifically search for programs offered in the Rio Grande Valley.

Phase Four—Advisory Committee

The Program Developer will complete the following tasks: Selection of Advisory Committee Members

Collect 10 to 15 names of potential Advisory Committee members from leaders in the program area who work in Hidalgo and Starr Counties. Advisory Committees should also represent the demographics, including the ethnic and gender diversity, of the institution’s service area as well as the demographics of the occupational field. Programs with Tech-Prep articulation agreements should include members from secondary and higher education as well as business and industry. Study “Effective Use of Advisory Committees”

from GIPWE 2003, Chapter 3, pages 15-17. Organize agenda, members’ packets, sign-in sheets, and minutes for each Advisory Committee meeting.

Developing a Curriculum

If national standards or licensure/certification competencies for the program are unavailable, a DACUM is required for the development of a curriculum. The Office of the Vice President for Instructional Services will provide the DACUM facilitator. (Refer to the Procedures for Setting Up a DACUM). Secure the DACUM panel and coordinate dates with the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer for the workshop. If national standards are available, a DACUM is not required. The Curriculum and Accreditation Officer will provide information as to the appropriate people to be invited to participate in the DACUM and also information regarding the DACUM process.

Curriculum Design

The Advisory Committee will structure curriculum upon national standards, if available, and upon competencies identified through the DACUM.

Advisory Committee Meetings Schedule

Program Developer will develop an Advisory Committee and conduct the following meetings:

First Advisory Committee Meeting • Introduction and discussion • Discuss accreditation requirements Second Advisory Committee Meeting—Program Competency Profile

• Discuss results of the DACUM workshop

• Distribute program competency profile charts and curriculum charts for discussion

• Discuss Articulation Agreements and Letters of Support

• Identify admissions criteria, if limited enrollment Third Advisory Committee Meeting—

Curriculum Development

• Identify WECM courses that match

the competencies identified in the DACUM or national standards

• Sequence courses and identify prerequisites • Identify program course prerequisites • Determine program resource needs

• Identify library resources needed Fourth Advisory Committee Meeting— Curriculum Development • Finalize curriculum

• Work on SCANS matrix • Approve course descriptions

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In order to ensure that the library will have the necessary resources available to support all programs of study, the Director of Library Services asks that the Consultation with Library Form be completed as part of the program development and revision process. After the new or revised curriculum has been approved and signed by the Program Advisory Committee (in the case of a technical program) or the Division Curriculum Committee (in the case of an academic program), arrange with the Director of Library Services to meet with a specialist librarian to complete the form. After the Director of Library Services reviews and signs the form, it will then be forwarded to the Office of the Vice President for Instructional Services to be included with the other required documentation.

Phase Five—Writing the Program Completing the Program Notebook

The Program Developer will write the program book, which will include the following sections:

A. Application Form for Approval of New Workforce Programs

This form and instructions are found at the end of Chapter 5 in GIPWE-2003.

B. Program Summary

1-1/2 page summary including the following: AWARD NAME

• Institution Name

• List all proposed degrees and/or certificates and a proposed program title

CURRICULUM QUALITY • Program Objectives • Curriculum PROGRAM DEMAND • Occupational Need • Existing Programs • Expected Enrollment PROGRAM SUPPORT • Faculty

• Facilities and Equipment • New Costs

INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS (I.E.)

• Statement about the percentage of STC’s workforce education programs meeting I.E. standards

(see GIPWE-2003 chapter 5, pages 4 for more information). This information will be provided by the Office of the Vice President for Instructional Services.

C. Proposed Curriculum Outline

Curriculum must be outlined by semester and include courses (number and title); course

sequence; weekly lecture and laboratory hours; external learning experience hours; total contact hours; and credit hours. All course pre-requisites must be included in the curriculum outline. (See GIPWE, Chapter 5, Section B)

D. Statement of Assurances

All new program applications must include a Statement of Assurances approved by the STC Board of Trustees and signed by the President. Supporting documentation, demonstrating proper new program design and

implementation, must be maintained for examination during THECB Institutional Effectiveness Site Visit. See GIPWE-2003, Chapter 5, pages 5-6, for criteria that must be included. The Statement of Assurances will be prepared and submitted to the President’s office for approval by the Board of Trustees by the Office of the Vice President for Instructional Services.

E. WECM Special Topics Course Forms, if applicable. GIPWE, Chapter 5, Section E.

F. WECM Local Needs Course Forms, if applicable. GIPWE, Chapter 5, Section E.

G. Additional Attachments for Tech Prep Applications • Six year plan

• Curriculum for Enhanced Skills Certificate, if requested

• Notation on the curriculum outline indicating which courses will be available for articulated credit

Supporting Documentation for the Statement of Assurances

This section outlines the supporting documentation, which must be compiled and maintained to demonstrate proper new program design and implementation. Additional documentation may be requested during the approval process and will be examined during the Coordinating Board Institutional Effectiveness Site Visit. (See GIPWE 2003, Chapter 5, pages 10-15, for detailed description.)

While this information is not required for the New Program application, it must be completed along with the New Program Application and made available to the STC Board of Trustees.

• Documentation of Workforce Demand for the Program

• Assurances of Basic and Workforce Skills Competencies

• Capstone, external learning experience, or licensure examination

• Course and program prerequisites identified • Enrollment Management Plan

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Duplication

• Advisory Committee Minutes

• Resources Required for Program Operation • Meets SACS requirements

• Meets requirements for other licensing and/or accrediting authorities

• Improvement plans for all programs not meeting graduation and placement requirements

• Written notice of application sent to Higher Education Regional Council

Assembling the Program Notebook

The Program Developer will compile the Program Notebook, including the New Program Application and the supporting documentation for the Statement of Assurances

Format: Cover Page Table of Contents Notebook Dividers Section pages Number all pages Review and Proofreading

The Program Developer will submit to the Office of the Vice President for Instructional Services a completed copy of the Program Notebook and supporting documentation for initial review three months prior to the submission date. The Program Developer will submit to the Office of the Vice President for Instructional Services a final copy of the Program Notebook and supporting documentation for final review two months prior to the submission date.

Final Curriculum Approval

Once the Program Notebook is completed, the Program Developer will submit the curriculum to the Division Curriculum Committee for approval. The Division Curriculum Committee should review the curriculum to ensure all THECB requirements are met.

The Chair of the Division Curriculum Committee will send the curriculum, minutes from the Division Curriculum Committee, and completed Consultation with Library Form to the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer with a completed Revision Request Form. After verifying that all necessary documentation is present, the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer will place the new program curriculum on the agenda for the next Curriculum and Program Review Committee meeting for final review and approval.

After verifying that all necessary documentation is present, the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer will place the new program on the agenda for the next Curriculum and Program Review Committee meeting for final review and approval. The Curriculum and Program Review Committee will review the curriculum to ensure compliance with THECB and SACS

requirements. All curricular materials must have course objectives, and it is expected that the curricular materials for new courses will have course competencies.

Duplication of Program Notebook

Staff assigned by the Dean will:

Prepare copies of the entire New Program Notebook for each of the following:

• Board of Trustees • President

• Vice President for Instructional Services

• Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness • Division Dean

• Program Chair

Final Board of Trustees Approval

The Office of Vice President for Instructional Services will place the final approval of the program on the STC Board of Trustees agenda. Deadlines for Board agendas are approximately one month prior to the scheduled meeting. The Board of Trustees must approve the Statement of Assurances that all Supporting Documentation has been completed. The President must then sign this Statement of Assurances.

Phase Six—Submission to THECB

The Office of Vice President for Instructional Services will submit all programs to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Institutional Awards

In addition to Coordinating Board-recognized awards, colleges may offer institutional awards of fewer than 15 SCH or 360 continuing education contact hours reflecting a course or series of courses which:

1. represent achievement of a marketable skills proficiency, or

2. meet a student’s self-defined educational objective.

Institutional awards shall be based on existing WECM courses in the STC course inventory or approved Local Needs inventory. Institutional awards shall not be part of the THECB maintained Program Inventory. In order to develop an Institutional Award, follow these steps:

1. If this is an A.A.S. or certificate program, ask the Advisory Committee to select courses from the current course inventory.

2. Select less than 15 credit hours of course work.

3. Write rationale as to the benefit of this institutional award. See two criteria listed above.

4. The Program Chair submits an Institutional Award Application including a list of courses included and rationale for Institutional Award to Division Curriculum Committee.

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Award Application and Minutes of the Division Curriculum Committee to the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer with a completed Revision Request Form.

6. The Curriculum and Accreditation Officer will place the Institutional Award on the agenda for the next meeting of the Curriculum and Program Review Committee. If approved by the Curriculum and Program Review Committee, the Office of Vice President for Instructional Services will submit the Institutional Award to the STC Board of Trustees for final approval.

Marketable Skills Achievement Awards A marketable skills achievement award may be a sequence of credit courses totaling 9-14 SCH (Semester Credit Hours) or workforce continuing education courses of 144 – 359 contact hours. These awards meet the minimum standard for program length specified in the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) but are too short to qualify as certificate programs on the Coordinating Board’s program inventory. Marketable skills achievement awards are TSI waived if they meet the following criteria:

• The content of the award must have

been recommended by an external workforce advisory committee or appear on the Local Workforce Development Board’s Demand Occupations list;

• In most cases, the award should be composed of WECM courses only. However, academic courses may be used occasionally if recommended by the external committee and if appropriate for a TSI-waived program;

• If the award does not have at least 50% of its course work in a CIP code area in which the college must comply with the Single Course Delivery guidelines for WECM courses listed in Chapter Four of this manual; and

• The college should document that the marketable skills achievement award

prepares students for employment in accordance with guidelines for the Workforce Investment Act. Marketable skills achievement awards do not require prior approval from the Coordinating Board staff and will not appear on the college’s program inventory. However,

students who complete the awards may be reported as completers on the new CBM-00M report (refer to the Coordinating Board Reporting Manual for more details).

In order to develop a Marketable Skills Achievement Award, follow these steps:

1. If this is an A.A.S. or certificate program, ask the

Advisory Committee to select courses from the current course inventory.

2. Select less than 15 hours of course work.

3. Write rationale as to the benefit of this Marketable Skills Achievement Award. See the criteria listed above.

All required documentation listed in the criteria must be included with the rationale.

4. The Program Chair submits a Marketable Skills Achievement Award Application including a list of courses included and rationale for the Marketable Skills Achievement Award to Division Curriculum Committee. 5. If approved by Division Curriculum Committee, Division Curriculum Committee Chair submits Marketable Skills Achievement Award Application and Minutes of the Division Curriculum Committee to the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer with a completed Revision Request Form.

6. The Curriculum and Accreditation Officer will place the Marketable Skills Achievement Award on the agenda for the next meeting of the Curriculum and Program Review Committee.

7. If approved by the Curriculum and Program Review Committee, the Office of Vice President for Instructional Services will submit the Marketable Skills Achievement Award to the STC Board of Trustees for final approval.

Revision Process For Academic Fields of Study Instructional Division Dean/Program Chair

With the approval of the Division Dean, the Department Chair originates the revision for the Associate of Art and Associate of Science Field of Study or academic courses by meeting with the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer at the Office of Vice-President for Instructional Services to obtain a Revision Request Form and to review the proposed revisions to ensure compliance with the THECB and SACS. The Program Chair finalizes the proposed revisions to include any changes required for THECB and SACS compliance. Division Curriculum Committee

The Department Chair submits the Revision Request to the Division Curriculum Committee for approval. The Revision Request must include a revised curriculum outline and revised course descriptions / prerequisites / lec-lab hours.

The proposed curriculum outline must include the field of study course list and a semester-by-semester recommended course sequence including the core curriculum and the field of study. Associate of Sciences Fields of Study must include

a minimum of 6-7 semester credit hours of mathematics or natural science coursework.

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The Curriculum and Accreditation Officer will place major revisions on the agenda for the next Curriculum and Program Review Committee meeting for final review and approval. The Curriculum and Program Review Committee will review the major revisions to ensure compliance with THECB and SACS requirements. All curricular materials must have course objectives, and it is expected that the curricular materials for new courses will have course competencies. Revisions are implemented at the beginning of each fall semester. All Revision Request Forms must be submitted to the Office of Vice President for Instructional Services by November 15th for implementation the following fall semester and for inclusion in the next catalog. Revisions will not be implemented during the spring semester, as this would affect the integrity of the college catalog. Exceptions to this cycle will be allowed only with the approval of the Vice President for Instructional Services.

Minor Revisions

(Require Division Curriculum Committee approval)

• Prerequisite/co-requisite

• Less than 25% of course credit changes in a Field of Study

• Change in course sequencing • Change in title, catalog description • Course deletion

• Change in number of contact hours per week • Addition of individual courses

• Unique Need course requests (see procedures for Unique Need applications)

• Out-of-Country course offerings (see procedures for Out-of-Country course offerings)

Major Revisions

(Require Division Curriculum Committee and

Curriculum and Program Review Committee approval)

• Award change

• Revision or addition of 25% or more of course credits in Field of Study

• Any change that affects another program or department outside of the Division from which the program originates

• Any change that affects the Core Curriculum • Removal of a Field of Study

Revision Process For Technical Programs

Instructional Division Dean/Program Chair

With the approval of the Division Dean, the Program Chair originates the revision for the certificates or A.A.S degrees by meeting with the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer at the Office of Vice President for Instructional Services to obtain a Revision Request Form and give initial information regarding the proposed revision.

Program Chair/Program Advisory Committee The Program Chair takes the proposed revisions to the Program Advisory Committee, which reviews the changes, makes suggestions, and approves the final revisions. The Program Chair should meet with the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer before the Program Advisory Committee approves the final curriculum to ensure compliance with the THECB and SACS criteria.

Once the revised curriculum has been approved by the Program Advisory Committee, the Program Chair will submit the Revision Request to the Division Curriculum Committee for approval of the curriculum. The Revision Request must include a revised curriculum outline, course descriptions / prerequisites / lec/lab, and minutes from the Program Advisory Committee.

The Department Chair will submit the Revision Request to the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer. The following documentation must be included: The STC Revision Request form (with all signatures), revised curriculum outline, course descriptions, Consultation with Library Form, Program Advisory Committee minutes, and Division Curriculum Committee minutes. The Curriculum and Accreditation Officer, after verifying that all necessary documentation is present, will submit the appropriate revision forms to the THECB for minor revisions and keep them on file for inclusion in the next catalog or catalog addendum.

The Curriculum and Accreditation Officer will place major revisions on the agenda for the next Curriculum and Program Review Committee meeting for final review and approval. The Curriculum and Program Review Committee will review the major revisions to ensure compliance with THECB and SACS requirements. All curricular materials must have course objectives, and it is expected that the curricular materials for new courses will have course competencies. Submission to the THECB

If the appropriate College committees vote to approve the revisions, The Curriculum and Accreditation Officer will prepare all of the necessary revision forms for submission of the proposed revision to the THECB and submit the forms to the Vice President for Instructional Services for signature. When the VPIS’s signature is obtained, then the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer will submit the revision to the THECB.

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implemented during the spring semester, as this would affect the integrity of the college catalog. Exceptions to this cycle will be allowed only with the approval of the Vice President for Instructional Services.

Minor Revisions • Prerequisite/co-requisite

• Less than 25% of course credit changes • Change in course sequencing

• Change in course title, catalog description • Course deletion

• Change in number of contact hours per week • Addition of individual courses

Major Revisions • Award change

• Revision or addition of 25% or more of course credit in program/degree

• New area of specialization or certificate within an already existing A.A.S. program

• Any change that affects another program or department

Unique Need Course Requests

The College, in order to facilitate transferring credits, schedules courses that are part of the Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM). On rare occasions, the College petitions the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to approve a Unique Need Course. To offer a course that is not part of the ACGM, the course must meet following criteria to be submitted for THECB approval. (Refer to ACGM.) For courses to be included in an institution’s inventory as Unique Need courses, each specific course must meet the two following criteria:

1. The course must be acceptable for transfer to two or more Texas and/or regional universities. Copies of letters documenting transferability must be included in the application. The letters must state that the course will be applied to degree requirements for the core curriculum or a specific major.

Identification of a direct course substitution at the receiving institution strengthens the case for a Unique Need course. Courses that transfer only as elective credit are not eligible for Unique Need status. In certain cases, colleges may obtain Unique Need approval for courses that are documented for transfer to only one Texas university if the course is part of a 2 + 2 agreement or other special transfer agreement. In such a case, documentation of that agreement must be submitted along with the letter of transferability.

2. The course requested must have college-and university-level rigor. Course designed to meet a community service, leisure, or a vocational need are inappropriate for Unique Need approval and will not receive state (academic) funding.

The procedures for Unique Need approval are: 1. The application for each Unique Need course submitted to the Coordinating Board must be accompanied by a proposal that states the various needs for the course and a syllabus that includes a course description, detailed course outline, and objectives. This proposal must also

document that the course is transferable to two public universities, or that it is part of a special transfer agreement, and that it meets the requirement of college and university rigor.

2. Once approved, a Unique Need course shall be placed on the college inventory for three years. Colleges must reapply for approval of Unique Need courses at the end of every three year term.

Such requests must include the enrollment and frequency with which the course was offered during the preceding three years.

The Department Chair submits the Unique Need Course Request to the Division Curriculum Committee for approval. The Unique Need Course Request must include a completed Unique Need Course: Request for Approval Form, two letters documenting transferability from other IHEs, course syllabus with all required information, and the justification of need.

The Department Chair will submit the Unique Need Course Request to the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer. The STC Revision Request form (with all signatures) and all of the documentation required for the Unique Need Course Request must be submitted. The information will be kept on file for inclusion in the next catalog (if approved by the Curriculum and Program Review Committee). Depending on the deadline set for catalog submissions by the Office of Public Relations and Marketing, this may be two years hence.

Vice President for Instructional Services

If the Division Curriculum Committee votes to include the Unique Need Course into the following year’s College Catalog, the forms are forwarded to the Vice President of Instructional Services for signature.

THECB Submission

When the VPIS’ signature is obtained, the Curriculum & Accreditation Officer will submit the Unique Need Course Request to the THECB. Unique Need applications must be re-submitted every three years to maintain approval of the course. Letters of transfer from the other IHEs must be updated for each application.

Out-Of-District Courses

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States or in another country. The following procedures should be initiated by the Faculty member in the fall semester. All steps necessary for obtaining approval for an Out-of-District course offering must be completed by the end of the fall semester for courses to be offered beginning in the following summer session. (e.g., process completed fall 2005, courses may be offered beginning Summer 2006.) 1. The faculty member must secure initial approval from her/his Chair for the proposed Out-of-District course or courses. If the faculty member is the Chair, the faculty member must receive approval from his/her Dean. 2. The Program/Department Chair must secure approval from the Dean to offer the proposed Out-of-District course.

3. After the necessary Dean approval has been secured, the Chair should schedule an appointment with the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer to ensure that the proposed courses are a part of the College’s current course inventory. At this meeting the Faculty member will be given a checklist, which includes:

• Beginning and ending dates the Out-of- District instruction will take place.

• Location of Out-of-District instruction. • Courses to be taught Out-of-District.

• Section outlines for all Out-of-District courses, including when and where the courses will be taught as well as when and where the course assignments will take place, and the manner of assessment.

• Detailed itinerary and costs involved.

4. After this meeting, the faculty member should set up an appointment with the Comptroller of the College. At this meeting, the Chair will be asked to provide firm figures on the cost per participant based on:

• The amount of tuition and fees.

• Any scholarships or TPEG monies that can be applied to the program costs.

• Per student insurance rates. (The Risk Assessment Manager for the College can provide per student insurance rates to the Business Office and Chair for inclusion into the overall cost of the program.) • Cost of transportation, meals and lodging. (The Business Office can assist the Chair in securing firm prices for transportation, meals and lodging to be included in the overall cost of the program.)

• Contractual relationships with other IHEs. (The Business Office can assist the Faculty member in securing any contractual relationships with other IHEs such as in the case of a foreign country.) Upon completion of the above, the Business Office

will assign the Faculty member an account number for the proposed program in which the Out-of-District courses will be offered.

5. The Chair will complete the Out-of-District course forms that the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) requires as part of the approval

process for an Out-of- District course. The Curriculum and Accreditation Officer can assist the Chair in completing these forms.

6. Upon approval by the Division Curriculum Committee of the Out-of- District course offerings, the Vice President for Instructional Services will review and sign the necessary forms that must accompany the Out- of-District application to the THECB.

7. The Vice President for Instructional Services will submit the Out-of-District Course to the Regional Higher Educational Council early in the spring semester. 8. Upon approval by the members of the Regional Higher Educational Council of the proposed out-of-district courses, the Curriculum and Accreditation Officer will submit the application to the THECB.

Articulation Agreements

The College has been successful in setting up articulation agreements with some of our neighboring senior Institutions of Higher Education (IHE). These agreements are initiated and handled by the Office of the Vice President for Instructional Services. The Vice President for Instructional Services (VPIS) or a designee will coordinate all future College to senior IHE articulation agreements.

The Associate Dean for Bachelors Programs & University Relations coordinates all of the necessary tasks to ensure that College department to IHE department articulation agreements occur. If a Department has certain courses that need to be articulated with a counterpart department at a Texas senior IHE, a designee from the Department should take the following steps:

1. Obtain specific details about the course in question from either the Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM) or the Workforce Education Manual (WECM).

2. Obtain a copy of the senior IHE catalog description of the course that the College department is trying to articulate with the senior IHE.

3. Obtain the name, address, phone number, and the fax number of the department Chair at the senior IHE with which the College department wishes to establish an articulation agreement.

4. After the above three steps have been taken, the

Department designee should make an appointment with the Assistant Vice President for Instructional Services or a designee.

5. During this meeting between the Program designee and the Vice President for Instructional Services designee, there will be a decision made on how best to contact the senior IHE department Chair about articulating courses between the senior IHE department and the College. 6 The outcome of that meeting will dictate whether the Program Chair, with the assistance of the Vice President for Instructional Services’ office staff does the