For each major in a degree program, the institution assigns responsibility for program coordination, as well as for curriculum development and review, to persons academically qualified in the field. In those degree programs for which the institution does not identify a major, this requirement applies to a curricular area or concentration.

JUDGMENT: Compliant

STATEMENT OF RATIONALE FOR JUDGMENT OF COMPLIANCE

For each major in a degree program, Southwest Texas Junior College assigns responsibility for program oversight, coordination, curriculum development and review to persons academically qualified in the field. SWTJC organizes its instructional programs into five divisions: Arts and Sciences; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Business, Industrial, and Technical Studies; Allied Health and Human Services; and Developmental Studies. Each Division is led by a Chair, each of whom has experience as full-time teaching faculty. The Division Chairs report to one of two Deans, each of whom has long experience in full-time teaching and/or administration.

Division Chair responsibilities are outlined in the SWTJC Faculty Handbook. These responsibilities include leading departmental faculty in curriculum development, in the review of curricula, and in needs assessment for new program development. Programs in the Business, Industrial, & Technical Studies Division and in the Allied Health & Human Services Division are further lead by Program Coordinators. Their duties and responsibilities are outlined in the Faculty Handbook and may be unique for specific programs due to licensing or State Board requirements. Deans’ responsibilities are likewise presented in the Faculty Handbook, and include supervising curricula, courses, and methods of instruction.

The responsibility for curriculum development and review is assigned to the SWTJC Curriculum Committee, which is the principal procedural vehicle for program development, review and revision. The Curriculum Committee is composed of academically qualified faculty and professional staff. The Curriculum Committee considers curricular changes proposed by faculty, division chairs, or curricular administrators; makes written recommendations in response to those curriculum changes to the SWTJC Vice President of Academic Affairs; and coordinates program reviews for each degree and certificate program.

A Master Syllabus has been developed by discipline faculty for each course taught at SWTJC. Master Syllabi outline the teaching materials common to all sections as well as common student learning outcomes and course objectives.

The following table indicates the faculty charged with program oversight, coordination, and curriculum development and review.

Faculty Responsibility Chart

Evidence

SWTJC Faculty Handbook, 2014, pp. 25-28
SWTJC Faculty Handbook, 2014 pp.27-28
SWTJC Faculty Handbook, 2014 pp. 19-20
SWTJC Faculty Handbook, 2014 pp. 120
SWTJC Master Template Syllabi
SWTJC Program Coordinatior Roster