Standard II
A - Instructional Programs
B. Student Support Services
C. Library & Learning Services
written by Dr. Kathleen Burke-Kelly, VP Academic Affairs & ALO.
Standard IIA Instructional Programs
1. Do programs meet the mission and uphold its integrity by
a. Meeting students' varied needs; Preparation, diversity, demographics, economics
b. Varying instructional delivery methods; Compatible with course objectives and appropriate to student needs
c. Creating SLOs, assessing SLOs, using assessment results to improve instruction?
2. Are courses and programs high quality and continuously improved through:
a. Procedures to design, approve, administer, deliver, and evaluate them
b. Use of faculty expertise and advisory committees to identify pre and co-requisites and SLOs.
c. High quality instruction including breadth, depth, rigor, sequencing and completion
d. Multiple delivery modes and teaching methodologies
e. Systematic evaluation of courses and programs for relevance, appropriateness, currency, and achievement of SLOs
f. Systematic evaluation , integrated planning , and continuous improvement to measure currency of SLOs in courses, certificates, programs, degrees
g. Validation of departmental exit exams minimizing test bias
h. Awarding of credits based on SLO achievement with number of credit hours being consistent with policies and norms in higher education
i. Awarding of degrees and certificates based on program
3. Do all academic and vocational degrees contain a component of general education with defined comprehensive SLOs including:
a. Understanding the content and inquiry methods of: humanities, arts, natural and social sciences
b. Demonstrating skills in: Oral and written communication, Scientific and quantitative reasoning, Critical analysis and logical thinking, Information competence and computer literacy
c. Recognizing ethical behavior and effective citizenship through: Appreciating ethical principles, Using civility and interpersonal skills, Respecting diversity with a sensitivity to history and aesthetics, Assuming civic, political and social responsibilities?
4. Do degree programs include at least one focused study or an interdisciplinary core?
5. Do students who complete vocational certificates and degrees meet employment standards or preparation for external licensure?
6. Does the college assure that students receive clear and accurate information about programs and processes including
a. Policies regarding transfer of credits to and from the college (articulation)
b. Policy regarding program discontinuance and ability of students in such a program to complete it
c. Clear, accurate and consistent representation of policies and procedures through catalogs, statements and other publications including the web. Policies and procedures are regularly reviewed to assure integrity in representations of the mission and programs and services?
7. Are board policies regarding academic freedom and faculty responsibility, academic honesty, and institutional beliefs public and available? Do they assure the institution's commitment to the free pursuit and dissemination of knowledge?
a. Academic freedom policies distinguish between personal conviction and accepted views in a discipline
b. Academic honesty policies are published and include clear expectations and consequences
c. Code of conduct policies for religious or other institutions that seek to instill beliefs or worldviews
8. Do courses and programs offered outside the United States meet the same standards and rigor as locally required?
Standard IIB Student Support Services
1. Does the college assure the quality of student support services and regardless of location or delivery mode demonstrate that they Meet the missionand Support student learning?
2. Is the catalog precise, accurate and current including specific and General information, Requirements, Major policies affecting students and Locations where other policies may be found?
3. Does the college research and identify students' learning needs; does it offer services and programs to address those needs through:
a. Assuring equitable access to students by Providing appropriate, comprehensive, reliable services regardless of service location or delivery method
b. Creating an environment that encourages Personal and civic responsibility, Intellectual, aesthetic and personal development
c. Designing, maintaining, and evaluating counseling and academic advisement
d. Designing and maintaining programs, practices, and services that support and enhance appreciation of diversity
e. Evaluating admissions and placement instruments
f. Maintaining student records permanently, securely, and confidentially. Publishing and following policies for release of student records?
4. Does the college evaluate student support services to assure student needs are met, that they contribute to the achievement of SLOs, and evaluation is used for continuous improvement of the programs and services?
Standard IIC Library and Learning Support Services
1. Are the library and learning support services sufficient in quantity, currency, depth, and variety to support educational offerings regardless of location or delivery mode:
a. Faculty expertise and learning support services professionals select educational equipment and materials to support student learning and enhance the achievement of the mission
b. Ongoing instruction is available to ensure that students develop skills in information competence
c. Adequate access to the library and learning support services is available regardless of location or means of delivery
d. There is effective maintenance and security for the library and learning support services
e. Resources and services provided by other institutions are Documented in formal agreements, Adequate for intended purposes, Easily accessible and used and Evaluated on a regular basis for performance and reliability?
2. Evaluation of the library and learning support services assures adequacy for meeting student needs, evidence that they contribute to SLOs, and the results are used for continuous improvement?
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