APC RETREAT

Academic Programs Committee Philosophy The Academic Programs Committee (APC) will carry out its responsibility consistent with the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) and its functions. – SACSCOC 3.4.1: The institution demonstrates that each educational program for which academic credit is awarded is approved by the faculty (and the administration). – 3.4.5: The institution publishes academic policies that adhere to principles of good educational practice. These policies are disseminated to students, faculty, and other interested parties through publications that accurately represent the programs and services of the institution. In meeting this responsibility, APC members do not view themselves as representatives of a college but rather as individuals concerned with the programs of USFSM. – Previewer Role and Ambassador Role

Academic Programs Committee Philosophy As USFSM seeks to meet the needs of undergraduate and graduate students as well as the local communities, to promote scholarship and research, and to be responsive to social and academic change, the APC will evaluate curriculum proposals by their potential for contributing to academic and community goals and needs. The APC will also be mindful of the USFSM obligation to provide a sound undergraduate education for students and provide these students the core requirements to pursue further academic and professional goals. The APC will also be charged with representing graduate programs and to assure graduate students receive the preparation needed to enter their professional field.

Types of Proposals

When faculty members submit an item for review by the APC; they first must: 1.Complete background steps: check to ensure the course does not already exist in USF Course Inventory, look at SCNS for course numbers, consider curriculum ladder impactUSF Course Inventory 2.Complete all appropriate forms or electronic submissions (cover memorandum, access database, syllabi, change form, curriculum ladders, etc.) 3.Submit all documents to their college faculty (if applicable) and the college dean for review 4.Course Proposals: electronic submission routes to dean All Other Proposals: submit hard copy and copy of proposal and all necessary forms to APC Support Staff

Prior to submitting proposals to APC they are reviewed by: Appropriate College Dean/Faculty Academic Affairs (Lynn Lynch and Kate Collins) APC Chair (Stephen Rushton) Student Services/Advising (Advisors) Assessment (Laura Hoffman and Melanie Le Clainche) College Schedulers (Elyse Broemel, Amanda Kulaw, Peggy Ragan, Darryl Waddy) During your review, these are your resources.

At this meeting we will: Review USFSM new proposals Complete recommended/required changes form

Dr. Carol Vance (COB) & Dr. Elaine Augustine (CSM) Dr. Katerina Berzina (CHTL) & Dr. Eric Hodges (CLASS) Professor Joe Askren (CHTL) & Dr. Bhuvan Unhelkar (COB) Dr. Mike Gillespie (CSM) & Dr. Heather Duncan (CLASS) Preview Teams

What you will always receive via Course Proposals Link to proposal and supporting documents All other Proposals Cover memorandum with signatures PDF of the Access database proposal (which you can also log into Access to edit) Additional items you may receive when appropriate: Syllabi of proposed courses (in Word for tracking changes) Change form (in Word for tracking changes) New Code Request Form New Degree Pre-Proposal Curriculum Ladders Reference documents and resource contacts to assist in review Support Staff Review Recommendations

Preview Period Support Staff: – Separate s will be sent for each proposal – Sends s to preview teams and proposer Previewers: – Should review the proposals independently – Communicate with your preview team member – One member will summarize the comments and take lead on contacting the proposer (cc: Lynn Lynch, Kate Collins & Chair) – Will work with proposer & Kate to implement edits (Previewer uses track changes; Proposer updates with Kate’s assistance as needed) – Can utilize the support staff who are already familiar with the proposals (their contact information will be included in the proposal s & is listed on the APC website)

Previewers notify Kate of any guests to be invited to the APC meeting (for new academic degrees and pre-proposals, it is strongly recommended to invite proposer.) Previewers notify Kate of the status of the proposal (discussion agenda or consent agenda) Discussion Agenda Consent Agenda *Academic degree pre-proposals *Items not requiring *New academic degree programs discussion at the preview *New minors, concentrations, certificates team’s discretion *Other items at preview team’s discretion

Prior to APC meeting: All members of the APC committee should review all documents prior to the meeting for both the discussion and consent agendas. Documents located in APC Canvas Course * Example *

At the APC Meeting Preview teams will present a brief overview of the proposals they reviewed. APC Action 1.Approval : Proposal passes with a majority vote 2.Disapproval : Proposals fail to win a simple majority vote 1.Proposal returned to dean & proposer with reasoning 3.Deferral : APC simple majority vote to defer the proposal o APC outlines steps necessary to resubmit proposal for reconsideration o Proposal returned to dean & initiator

Things to Consider – Ownership of courses we can only change USFSM owned courses Changes to courses owned by other campuses would be new course proposals if significant change to course – Curriculum ladder – Prerequisites – Ability to finish degree in 120 hours / time to degree – How does the change affect other degrees, certificates, concentrations, colleges, etc. – Are student learning outcomes stated clearly? Are they measurable? – How will this affect current and future students? – Is this change sustainable? – Is this change necessary? – Concurrency period (review of proposals by Tampa and St. Pete)