II.A.15. When programs are eliminated or program requirements are significantly changed, the institution makes appropriate arrangements so that enrolled students may complete their education in a timely manner with a minimum of disruption.
ASCC represents itself clearly, accurately and with consistency to its current and prospective students as well as the public and its personnel, by means of its catalogs, statements, and publications, inclusive of those presented in electronic format. New or revised policies are reviewed annually by the Board of Higher Education. Academic and student policies, procedures, and publications are reviewed regularly following the biennial catalog review cycle, ensuring the institution’s integrity and credibility in all its representations as stated in its mission, goals and objectives, programs and services.
When programs are modified, students are notified of the change and provided with appropriate course substitution if necessary. When a program has been slated for elimination, no new students are allowed to enroll and continuing students are provided with a pathway to completion in the existing program as clarified through the requirement policy found in the catalog.
The following policies are listed in the 2014-2016 catalog to clarify requirements and processes for students to follow when programs are eliminated or changed:
Course Substitution Policy 1
A student is expected to satisfy all ASCC degree requirements (such as General Education, Core Foundational, Co-Foundational, and Program Requirements) that were in effect when the student first scheduled a class after his/her admission or most recent re-enrollment as a degree candidate. Requirements for a program are those in effect at the time of the student’s admission or most recent re-enrollment into that program.
A course substitution form is available from the Admissions and Record’s office. 2
Guidelines for Considering Course Substitution Requests: The course to be substituted should be similar in outcome, scope, and content with all courses except GEN ED courses. All degree/program requirements needed for a certificate or degree may not be substituted unless approved by the Department Chairperson and the Dean of Academic Affairs. A limit of two courses may be substituted for non-GEN ED courses during your enrollment at ASCC Catalog Requirement Policy 3
A student must satisfy either the graduation requirements in effect at the time he/she first enrolled as a classified student in a specific ASCC degree or certificate program, or the requirements in effect at the time of his/her graduation. A student whose enrollment is interrupted for two consecutive semesters (excluding summer sessions) must complete the requirements in effect at the time the student is readmitted or the requirements in effect at the time of his/her graduation. Any exceptions must be petitioned to the appropriate Dean.
A student must satisfy either the graduation requirements in effect at the time he/she first enrolled as a classified student in a specific ASCC degree or certificate program or the requirements in effect at the time of his/her graduation. A student whose enrollment is interrupted for two consecutive semesters (excluding summer sessions) must complete the requirement in effect at the time the student is re-admitted or the requirements in effect at the time of his/her graduation.
The process for elimination or major changes is a data driven decision. A program must follow the Course Approval Form (CAF) for proposal of a new course. The Course Removal Form (CRF) and Program Removal Form (PRF) are proposals by programs of removing courses or removing a degree/certificate from their academic programs. These forms are routed through with supporting evidence and data through the proper channels of approval. The Academic Department Chairperson is responsible for presenting the changes and/or course revisions to the Curriculum Committee for their review and/or recommendations to administration for approval or disapproval.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) #005-AA on Catalog Review requires chairpersons to provide supporting evidence to justify changes or revisions to programs. Changes or revisions should reflect a thorough review by the academic departments and advisory council, on achievement of student learning outcomes, and the need to improve programs based on data analysis provided by the respective department.
Procedures:
- Course(s) and/or program(s) proposed changes must be reviewed and approved by the department/division chairperson. Any new, removed, or modified course and/or program must result from a collaborative discussion involving the appropriate department/division/program before submission to the Assessment Coordinator.
- The initiator (faculty member/chairperson) completes the Course Approval Form (CAF), Course Removal Form (CRF), and/or Program Approval Form (PAF) and provides evidence supporting proposed changes and/or modifications.
- The initiator (faculty member/chairperson) completes the Course Approval Form (CAF), Course Removal Form (CRF), or Program Approval Form (PAF) and provides evidence supporting new/existing course(s) and/or program(s).
Evidence:
- Department/Division’s minutes and agendas
- Result of course/program assessment data
- Textbook samples, fees, and/or lab fees
- Complete topical outline of proposed course
- Current Institutional Educational Plan (Advising Sheet)
1 - American Samoa Community College 2014-2016 Catalog, 2014, pg. 37
2 - American Samoa Community College 2014-2016 Catalog, 2014, pg 37
3 - American Samoa Community College 2014-2016 Catalog, 2014, pg. 42