Processes (P)

1P1-1P2 Determining Common Student Learning Goals, Specific Program Learning Objectives, and Designing New Courses and Programs

The General Studies Committee reviews the general studies curriculum and the philosophy/common learning objectives every three years.

The Policy Guide (III.V.A) describes two processes used in curriculum development and revision (Primary--expansive changes; Secondary--expedited for minor course and program changes) and provides a timeline for this work.The Primary process involves origination by a group or individual then an approval process: chair to dean to Undergraduate Curriculum Committee (UGCC) to Faculty Senate to Governance Adisory Council (GAC) to President and finally into the catalog.

All originators follow a process to analyze the need, population to be 
served, immediate cost factors, how other programs or departments are affected, 
and the long­range view of the proposed change or addition. The faculty develops and articulates course learning goals and program objectives, establishing and evaluating the effectiveness and currency of the curriculum at the course and program level.

Advisory councils provide significant direction to many of the academic programs in terms of curriculum development and expectations of graduates. At the institutional level, the Faculty Senate Curriculum Committee reviews and approves curriculum changes. It forwards recommendations to the Governance Advisory Council (GAC).

All new programs must be approved by the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education (CBHE). State policies and procedures for new programs ensure that Missouri's higher education institutions continue to offer high quality, student-centered programs that effectively serve the citizens of the state. CBHE encourages institutions to maintain high standards, collaborate whenever possible, and to design programs that avoid unnecessary duplication in a service region (Figure 1.5).

Through state legislation in 2005, Western became a university and has begun preliminary planning for graduate level programs. A graduate studies task force developed recommendations for policies and procedures related to the administration of graduate programs. The Faculty Senate and GAC approved the recommendations.

Figure 1.5 New Program Review Process