EB. Curriculum and Course of Study (BP)

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy and procedure is to ensure understanding and a standardized approach concerning curriculum changes.

REVIEW

This policy will be reviewed in May of even-numbered years by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) in conjunction with the instructional deans with substantive revisions presented to the Academic and Administrative Councils with final approval of the Board of Regents.

POLICY/PROCEDURE

The determination of the educational program, including the addition and deletion of courses is a matter delegated to and made the responsibility of the academic officers of the institution. The faculty has primary responsibility for such fundamental areas as curriculum, subject matter and methods of instruction, and other matters directly related to teaching and learning. The Board is responsible for final approval of all associate degree and certificate programs proposed for implementation by the academic officers and faculty of the College. The Board of Regents will be briefed and apprised periodically of all curriculum revisions, course changes, additions, and deletions to be made.

The VPAA has been delegated the authority and responsibility for authorizing course additions, changes, and deletions.

1. Policy
   1. The VPAA or designee will approve all additions, deletions, and changes (including changes in method of delivery) of courses for South Plains College using an established procedure for reviewing and determining approval. The review process will include departmental recommendations, instructional dean review, and the Academic Council.
   2. Courses should not be submitted for areas in which degree programs have not been approved except when they accompany degree program requests. All courses must be included in the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) manuals for respective courses.  This includes the Lower Division Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM), the Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM), and the Guidelines of Instructional Programs in Workforce Education (GIPWE).  As much as possible, courses should follow and fall within the naming, numbering sequences, and recommended semester credit hours as outlined in the Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS).
   3. Departments should review courses annually to ensure appropriateness of content and accuracy of description in accordance with ACGM, WECM, and GIPWE.
   4. Courses not taught for three consecutive years will be brought to the attention of the department chair and, if not justified, dropped from the course inventory after five years unless continued in the curriculum from ACGM, WECM, and GIPWE.
   5. Course descriptions should not be changed substantively in catalog copy unless changes have been approved through the established procedures below.
   6. Courses should not be taught before they are accepted as part of the course inventory.
2. Procedure
   Revisions to the curricula offered at South Plains College must follow the process as outlined:
   1. The proposed course/program change (addition, deletion or revision) should be initiated at the department level and must be approved by the appropriate chairperson/director. 
   2. A written request should be sent to the divisional dean on the correct form. All curricular changes will be made using the SPC online curriculum approval platform.
   3. If the dean approves the change(s) she/he will forward it to the academic council.
   4. The Academic Council will review the proposed change at the next scheduled meeting.
   5. All proposed course/program changes are submitted to the Academic Council for official institutional action. The Academic Council, chaired by the vice president for academic affairs, has legislative authority and meets once a year, in the spring semester.
   6. All course/program changes approved by the Academic Council are presented to the Board of Regents by the vice president for academic affairs. This is done at the April board meeting.

Date Issued: March 10, 2005

Revision Issued: January 12, 2023

Approved: Board of Regents