Curriculum Reviews, Modifications and Approvals (A-4)
Original Implementation: October 17, 1978
Last Revision: October 18, 2011
Introduction
It is the responsibility of each academic unit of the university to maintain current curricula and engage in continuous review of its curricula. The provost and vice president for academic affairs and appropriate dean will set time lines for the modification and approval process.
Curriculum Modification Procedures
Curricular modifications include:
- new courses;
- modified courses (e.g., course title, credit hours);
- new programs (e.g., degrees, endorsements, certificates);
- modified programs (e.g., degrees, endorsements, certificates);
- deletion of courses and/or programs (e.g., degrees, endorsements, certificates); and
- changes in mode of delivery such as off-campus face to face, online instruction, and other distance delivery methods.
Substantive Change
Any curricular changes that involve substantive change as defined by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges must be communicated by the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs to the appropriate entity and, if necessary under the rules of the entity, be approved before implementation. For further information see the university policy on Substantive Change (A-70).
Processes & Procedures
Forms for this purpose are available at the Academic Affairs website http://www.sfasu.edu/acadaffairs/.
- New, modified and deleted undergraduate and graduate programs and changes in mode of delivery shall be developed and submitted at the program level, and recommended for approval by:
- the academic unit’s Curriculum Committee;
- the academic unit chair;
- appropriate councils or committees in the college [e.g., Professional Educators’ Council (A-6) for teacher certification];
- the college dean;
- the university Undergraduate Council or Graduate Council; and
- the Deans Council.
New, modified and deleted undergraduate and graduate programs and changes in mode of delivery shall then be considered for approval by:
- the provost and vice president for academic affairs;
- the university president; and
- the Board of Regents.
Where appropriate, approval will then be sought from (and/or notification will be made to) the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), the Texas Education Agency, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, or other outside agencies and organizations.Changes will be made in the General Bulletin and/or Graduate Bulletin after approval.
- New, modified and deleted undergraduate and graduate minors, second majors and concentrations shall be developed and submitted at the program level, and recommended for approval by:
- the academic unit’s Curriculum Committee:
- the academic unit chair;
- appropriate councils or committees in the college [e.g., Professional Educators’ Council (A-6) for teacher certification];
- the college dean
- the university Graduate or Undergraduate Council; and
- the Deans Council.
New, modified and deleted undergraduate and graduate minors, second majors and concentrations shall then be considered for approval by the provost and vice president for academic affairs.
Changes will be made in the General Bulletin and/or Graduate Bulletin after approval.
- New, modified and deleted undergraduate and graduate be developed and submitted at the program level, and recommended for approval by:
- the academic unit’s Curriculum Committee;
- the academic unit chair;
- appropriate councils or committees in the college [e.g., Professional Educators’ Council (A-6) for teacher certification];
- the college dean; and
- the university Undergraduate Council or Graduate Council.
New, modified and deleted undergraduate or graduate courses shall then be considered for approval by:
- the provost and vice president for academic affairs;
- the university president; and
- the Board of Regents (new courses only).
Where appropriate, approval will then be sought from (and/or appropriate notification will be made to) the Texas Higher education Coordinating Board, the Texas Education Agency, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, or other outside agencies and organizations.
Changes will be made in the General Bulletin and/or Graduate Bulletin after approval.
Cross Reference: THECB Instructions and Classification of Instructional Programs Codes; Certificate Programs (A-69); Course Incidental Fees (A-12.1); Laboratory Fees (A-24); Substantive Change (A-70); Academic Program Review (A-64); and Professional Educators’ Council (A-6)
Responsible for Implementation: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Contact for Revision: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Forms: Forms for program revision, course proposals, substantive change, distance education and laboratory/course fee requests are available at the Academic Affairs website http://www.sfasu.edu/acadaffairs/.
Board Committee Assignment: Academic and Student Affairs