Local Academic Senates Procedures on Curriculum

Academic Senate

In accordance with the provisions of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations, the Cypress College Academic Senate has the primary authority and responsibility for representing the faculty regarding academic and professional matters affecting the college and the district, chief among which is policy development and implementation in matters of curriculum.

While retaining its broader authority in matters of curriculum, the Academic Senate delegates certain powers and duties to the Campus Curriculum Committee, as set forth herein.

Authority and Scope

The Campus Curriculum Committee shall have general responsibility and authority for coordinating and facilitating the curriculum matters of the college, including the establishment of consistent curriculum guidelines and practices with respect to the programs and services of the college and the resolution of curriculum policy and procedural issues.

The Curriculum Committee shall have jurisdiction with respect to all credit and noncredit courses and programs offered under the auspices of the college or its auxiliary organizations, including distance learning and contract education.

Under the auspices of the Academic Senate, the Curriculum Committee shall determine procedures and make recommendations with respect to the following:

proposals for new courses, changes to existing courses, and deletion of courses, including assessment of content, units of credit, prerequisites, class size (subject to the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement), assignment of courses to disciplines, and other relevant considerations; general education curriculum; academic and occupational majors; degree and certificate requirements; campus and intra-district curriculum policies; other functions as may be prescribed by mutual agreement of the Academic Senate and the Executive Vice President of Instruction.

In the exercise of its responsibilities, the Curriculum Committee shall generally ensure adherence to external mandates for a legal and accreditable curriculum, with specific reference to relevance and appropriateness in terms of the following evaluative criteria: the comprehensive mission of the California Community Colleges; the missions of the district and the college; the intended student population and community; balance and integration of curriculum relative to college programs.