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Pilot New Preliminary Program Approval Process

At the 9/29/2022 YCAS meeting, the Academic Senate approved a Pilot New Preliminary Program Approval Process at Yuba College. This process is required for all new programs starting October 15, 2022.

Access the form:

Pilot New Program Approval Process at Yuba College (PDF)

Compliance Reminder: Course Review Cycles

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Board approval policy: The board will not approve degrees or certificates containing courses that are out of compliance with mandated review cycles.
Please verify that all courses on your degree/certificate are current or that revisions have been launched before submitting degree/certificate revisions.

What departments must provide

Departments requesting approval for new degrees must present evidence that all existing curriculum is current (or launched for review) in the mandated review cycle and entered accurately into eLumen.

Emergency exceptions

Emergency exceptions may be made when curriculum approval timelines make compliance with state or regulatory agency mandates unlikely.
If an emergency exception is needed, submit a signed curriculum update plan with agreed-upon completion dates.

Accreditation and Federal Recognition (ACCJC “Substantive Change”)

For a program to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) must approve the program as a substantive change.
Federal programs (for example, financial aid and veteran’s benefits) may require documentation that the program has been approved through the state legal and regional accreditation process.

Steps to develop a new program

  1. CCC Curriculum Inventory: Seek initial approval through the CCC Curriculum Inventory for the new program award(s), such as an Associate Degree for Transfer.
  2. CCCCO approval and ACCJC communication: After the program is approved by the California Community College Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO), follow the steps outlined in the ACCJC Manual. The first step includes formal communication with the ACCJC (email is sufficient). ACCJC staff will review the proposed change and determine whether it is substantive.
  3. Begin awarding: After approval from the Chancellor’s Office and the ACCJC, colleges can begin to award the degrees without loss of state apportionment or federal support.

Program Goals (Degree/Certificate Types)

Degree and certificate programs may have one or more of the following program goals:

  • Associate Degree for Transfer degrees
  • Career Technical Education (CTE) degrees
  • Local Associate degrees

Definitions (plain language)

  • CTE: Prepares students for employment immediately upon completing the program and/or upgrades employment skills.
  • Transfer: Prepares students to continue study in the same or similar area at a baccalaureate-granting institution.
  • Local: Used to develop degree majors or areas of emphasis designed to meet community needs and reflect faculty educational philosophy.

Note: A degree or certificate may have more than one program goal.