3.14 Academic Program Approval

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to identify a program or major approval process for Riverland Community College.

Applicability

A program or major offered by Riverland Community College shall be approved by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees before it is offered by Riverland Community College.

Approval by the Board requires that the program or major proposal demonstrates:

1. Need and appropriate location(s) to address unmet student and occupational demand.
2. Resource sufficiency, i.e., capability of the system and institution(s) to provide necessary human, physical, and financial resources to support the program or major; and mission relevance, i.e., contribution to the institutional and system missions.
3. Approval by the Riverland Community College Academic Affairs Standards Council.

Scope

All

Definitions

Program or major: A combination of courses and experiences for credit leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate and designed to accomplish objectives such as 1) preparation for advanced study, 2) qualification for an occupation or range of occupations, and/or 3) increase of knowledge and understanding in an area.

Accomplishment of program objectives requires a set of defined learning outcomes, approved by the Academic Affairs Standards Committee, which constitutes a major or is certified by a credential.

Does this policy have a procedure?

AASC Application Procedures Pursuant to Minnesota State Colleges and University Board Policy 3.36: Pursuant to Minnesota State Colleges and University Board Procedure 3.36:

Related policies, procedures, or forms

Minnesota State Board Policy and Procedure 3.36

Submit completed form and policy to the Cabinet Member responsible for the division affected by the proposal. This section to be completed by President’s Office.

Date Implemented: 6/13/2013

Responsible Division / Author: Academic Affairs / Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs

Date Revised: 6/2022 number and template