Committee
Charge
Committee Name: Academic Affairs Council
Committee Type: Administrative – Policy
Mission/Purpose: The Academic Affairs Council (AAC) will serve as the academic policy making body of the College and is responsible for policy development, institutional effectiveness and ensuring academic policy, operating standards, and guidelines support the initiatives of the Academic Affairs Operational Teams.
Scope of Responsibility: The AAC shall:
- Oversee Development and Review of Academic Policies and Standards – Ensure academic policies, operating standards, and guidelines are created, reviewed, and aligned with best practices and accreditation requirements.
- Coordinate Policy Governance and Communication – Direct academic matters to appropriate governance and administrative groups, and serve as a communication conduit to the College community.
- Collaborate on Cross-Functional Policy Development – Work with Student Affairs, Administrative Services, and Marketing to ensure policies and promotions align with academic quality, student support, and institutional priorities.
- Maintain Accreditation and Compliance – Monitor and support activities necessary to meet Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and other regulatory requirements.
- Oversee Curriculum Development and Improvement – Guide the development, delivery, and evaluation of curriculum to ensure it is academically rigorous, community-responsive, and aligned with strategic goals.
- Review Curriculum Changes – Review and recommend new credit courses, programs, revisions, and degree or general education requirements.
- Ensure Curriculum Delivery Standards – Confirm that curriculum delivery meets student needs, interests, and academic quality benchmarks.
- Support Academic Planning and Strategy – Review strategic plan monitoring reports and provide input on academic persistence, completion efforts, and institutional planning.
- Oversee Academic Integrity and Appeals Processes – Ensure fair and consistent resolution of student academic appeals and integrity issues.
- Manage Faculty Development and Tenure Processes – Oversee faculty tenure, development opportunities, and professional growth initiatives.
- Guide Academic Innovation – Provide a forum for innovation in teaching and learning, and encourage creative approaches to academic excellence.
- Establish and Manage Academic Affairs Committees – Create or suspend standing and ad-hoc groups to analyze issues and make academic recommendations.
- Coordinate with Operational Teams – Engage with Academic Affairs operational teams to ensure effective implementation of policies and standards.
- Recommend Academic Calendar – Propose an annual academic calendar for approval that supports effective academic planning.
- Ensure Accurate Academic Information in Publications – Review and maintain accuracy of academic content in the catalog, student handbooks, and related web resources.
Policy Responsibility: Academic Affairs (A2000, A2100, A2200, A2300, and A2400)
HLC Criterion: 1.C., 2.D., 2.E., 3.A., 3.B., 3.C., 3.F. & 5.B.
Priorities for FY26: Expand TDR as workforce training (1.2.A.)
Enhance and improved nursing programs (1.2.B.)
Create major-specific AA and AS pathways to 4-year institutions (1.1.C.)
Include non-HS pathways on the degree plan webpage (1.1.D.)
Implement the Power Sports program (1.2.C.)
Implement the revised Automotive program; obtain ASE accreditation (1.2.C.)
Implement the new and continue to explore additional virtual/immersive learning programs (1.2.E.)
Obtain accreditation for the MA program (1.2.F.)
Implement CBE welding (1.2.P.)
Implement the Applied Trades Certificate (1.2.Q.)
Implement the Health Sciences pathways and the Clinical Health Specialist Certificate (1.2.R.)
Obtain approval and develop structure for the CBE Business Program (1.2.S.)
Develop the RT program (1.2.U.)
Develop the Paramedicine Program (1.2.V.)
Strengthen programming with the K-12 schools (innovative dual credit/enrollment programming, STEM night, 5-County Vocational Education) (1.3.H.)
Revive and strengthen the minority business council (1.4.D.)
Strengthen and grow our workforce training programming (1.4.E.)
Experiment with classroom delivery strategies such as a flipped classroom (2.2.A.)
Implement the part-time AA degree and secure a funding source for students (2.3.)
Develop and implement a math bridge course; revise the integrated math review course (2.4.)
Reporting: The AAC reports to the VPAA. The VPAA will consider all recommendations made by AAC and endorse those that are informed by best practice and compliant with applicable law. All endorsed policy recommendations will be forwarded to the Executive Council for approval.
Composition: Student Academic Assessment Chair (Assessment Coordinator), C&I Chair (Dean of Transfer & Adult Ed.), SBDC Staff, Executive Associate to VPAA, Faculty (4), and Staff (2), Department Chair (1), Coordinator of HS Partnerships/Pathways, Coordinator of Financial Aid and Veteran Affairs, Registrar, and Accreditation Liaison Officer (as invited)
Meeting Dates: Second Monday of the month from 2:00p – 4:00p.