Curriculum Development

Creating a New Program

CREATE A NEW PROGRAM Creating a new program involves steps to ensure that the new program is an appropriate addition to the College's curriculum. New programs/program tracks are developed in response to emerging disciplines, technological innovations, evolving content and community training needs. A New Program Proposal involves multiple stages of review for viability of the prospective program, its impact to existing programs and services, its alignment with institutional mission and strategic goals, compliance reporting requirements as well as the curriculum. The approval and implementation timeline for new programs can vary significantly from one to three years depending on the levels of approval required for the particular proposal.

Stage 1 - Program Proposal   Step 1 – Cluster Decision & Approval The first step in the process of creating a new program or program concentration begins with the discipline cluster (and the business partnership as appropriate). When the cluster decides that a new program or program concentration is warranted in the discipline, a faculty member is assigned to begin the formal process of program development and approval. Step 2 – Documentation & Submission The cluster completes theNew Program Formin the college's online Watermark curriculum system with the information needed to evaluate the proposed addition to the college's offerings. This includes details of the program development timeline, the job market for this training, college readiness to support the program, budgetary impact, projected enrollment of the program as well as the proposed curriculum. Step 3 - Dean's Council,President’s Cabinet & DBOT Approvals Once the proposal is approved by the Associate Dean, Dean and VPAA, the proposal is reviewed by the Dean's Council. Upon their approval, the President's Cabinet evaluates the proposal for demand and feasibility including the impact it will have on the college facilities, personnel, academic resources and budget. If approved the proposal is transmitted to the District Board of Trustees. All new programs require DBOT approval before they can be reviewed by the College's Curriculum Committee. Step 4 – FLDOE Submission & Approval* Bachelor degree proposals and AS, CCC & CCP proposals for new state frameworks require approval from the State Board of Educationbeforethe program can be implemented at the college. See additional requirements for these options below. Step 5 – SACSCOC Substantive Change Submission & Approval*All new program proposals are reviewed by the college for federal and accreditation compliance to determine if a new program constitutes a substantive changeto the college's offerings. *New program proposals may require additional approvalsbeforethe program can be implemented at the college.

Stage 2 - Curriculum Approval   Step 6 - Curriculum Committee Submission Once the proposal is approved by the DBOT (and the state if required), the cluster finalizes the curriculum submission in Watermark by including: updatedNew Program Form(revise submission as needed) new course forms anyprogram &/or course revisionsthat occurred as a result of implementing the new program. The Curriculum Committee examines the submission for content, cohesion, appropriateness and its impact on the Course Dictionary, Degree Audit and other programs and certificates. If approved, the Curriculum Committee makes a recommendation to the Vice-President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) who gives final approval for the curriculum action. New programs go into effect the following Fall once fully approved.

*New program proposals may require additional approvals before the program can be implemented at the college. 

Create a New Statewide Program (If necessary)

Substantive Change Form (If necessary)

 

Enacted July 2004 in Section G from existing policy; revised July 2005; reviewed July 2006. July 2007, July 2008, July 2009, July 2010, July 2016; revised July 2018, July 2019; July 2024; July 2025

Create a New AS or Certificate Program at State Level

Associate of Science degree programs or certificates identified through the program review process can be proposed as new programs for the state.  New is defined as a program offering that does not exist in the state program inventory.

This proposal process includes additional steps and state-level approvals.  Academic Services can assist the cluster to facilitate the process and ensure the proposal is complete.  This process can take up to a year to complete.

Steps 1-3 - Complete the STAGE 1 Program Proposal process outlined above.  If the new program or certificate proposal is approved by the Palm Beach State College DBOT, a proposal for the new state program can be submitted to the Florida Department of Education Workforce Development office for authorization and inclusion in the state program inventory.  

Step 4 - Florida Department of Education Workforce Development Submission

This is an external approval process and requires additional forms available on the FLDOE's CTE Program Resources website.  

A.  New Program Proposal -The following forms and documents are required for the state submission:

• FLDOE New Program Request Form -Much of the information submitted with the College's new program proposal is required by the FLDOE however additional information is required to support the creation of a new state offering.  Documentation includes justification, demand, occupational outlook, program resources, personnel and program and course information. 
• Curriculum Framework Template – This form is used to provide details of the program and the learning outcomes.  The Florida Standards & Benchmarks Design Guide available on the CTE Program Resources website provides detailed information for completing the Framework Templates.

B. Submission - Submit a complete proposal package to the PBSC Curriculum Coordinator.  Academic Services submits the completed proposal to the Florida Department of Education Workforce Development Office.  

Note there are 2 postsecondary new program request windows:

• November 1 – for requests intending to enroll new students in the fall term of the following academic year or any term thereafter.  These new program requests would be sent to the State Board of Education for approval in early spring.
• June 1 – for requests intending to enroll new students in the spring or summer term of the following academic year or any term thereafter.  These new program requests would be sent to the State Board of Education for approval in late summer or early fall.

C.  FLDOE Approval - Once the state approves the proposal, the cluster should proceed with STEP 5 – SACSCOC Substantive Change Submission & Approval (if required) and  STAGE 2 - Curriculum Approval outlined above.

Create a New Bachelor’s Program

The Bachelor degree program proposal process includes additional steps and state-level approvals.  Academic Services can assist the cluster to facilitate the process and ensure the proposal is complete.  

Steps 1-3 - Complete the STAGE 1 Program Proposal process outlined above.  If the new bachelor program is approved by the Palm Beach State College DBOT, a proposal can be submitted to the Florida Department of Education.  

Step 4 - Florida Department of Education Baccalaureate Proposal 

This is an external approval process and requires additional forms available on the FLDOE's CTE Program Resources website.  

Much of the information submitted with the College's new program proposal is required by the FLDOE for a new Baccalaureate program however additional information is required.

Please visit the Baccalaureate Approval & Accountability Process website for forms and more information regarding:

• Baccalaureate Proposal Approval Process Flow Chart
• Notice of Intent 
• Baccalaureate Proposal Application 
• Instructions for completing the Demand Table
• Instructions for completing the Estimate of Unmet Table
• Instruction for completing the Supply Table
• Common Prerequisite Manual Request Form

Please note: FLDOE maintains a very strict timeline to which all Florida colleges must adhere when proposing New Baccalaureate Programs.

A. VPAA enters the prospective program in the state's APPRISe System.

B. Notice of Intent submission to the Division of Florida Colleges.  The Notice of Intent process takes 100 days, which includes a comment period for all Florida colleges and universities. 

C. Baccalaureate Proposal submission to the Division of Florida Colleges.  The proposal is reviewed, and revisions are submitted if/as needed.  

D.  Division of Florida Colleges submits proposal to the Commissioner of Education for review and recommendation.

E.  If approved by the Commissioner, the proposal is submitted to the State Board of Education (SBOE) for consideration.

F. If approved by the SBOE, the cluster should proceed with STEP 5 – SACSCOC Substantive Change Submission & Approval and STAGE 2 - Curriculum Approval outlined above. 

Program Revision

Revising an existing program involves steps to ensure that all areas of the College affected by the revision understand the changes that will be made and are aware of their ramifications. There are varied reasons programs are revised - updating outdated offerings, meeting state-wide discipline committee decisions, and complying with business partnership recommendations.

The first step in the process of revising an existing program begins with the cluster. The cluster or a designated sub-committee will review needs assessments, College records and/or state requirements and outline program revisions it deems necessary. Once the full cluster approves the changes, a designated cluster member will begin the formal process of program revision and approval. This process is part of the Curriculum Review Process.

Program revision requires a Program/Concentration Revision Form to be completed. Once this form and its' support documents (cluster minutes, Business Partnership Council Minutes, course addition, revision and deletion forms) are gathered, they are submitted to Academic Services electronically (email). The email should copy the cluster chair, associate dean, and dean of the faculty revising the program.  This packet will be added to the Palm Beach State Curriculum Committee agenda.

The Curriculum Committee examines the proposed revisions to the program to determine the impact on the Course Dictionary, Degree Audit, and other programs and certificates. The Curriculum Committee makes a recommendation to the Vice-President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) who gives final approval for the curriculum action. Unless an exception is authorized by the VPAA, all curriculum action goes into effect according to the Curriculum Action Timeline on the Curriculum Website following the approval of the VPAA.

Program Concentration Revision Needing DBOT Approval

In some cases, if the program revision involves deleting a program concentration from the College offerings, this action needs President’s Cabinet and Deans' Council approval to be considered by the Curriculum Committee. In these instances, this action will need DBOT approval once VPAA approves the Curriculum Committee approval. Contact Academic Services for clarification if you plan to submit this type of action.

 

Delete an Existing Program or Program Concentration

There are many reasons programs, or program concentrations, are deleted - outdated offerings, state-wide discipline committee or accrediting agency decisions, or Business Partnership Council recommendations.

Deleting an existing program or program concentration involves steps to ensure that this curriculum action is adequately justified and that all areas of the College affected by the deletion are aware of its ramifications. Deletion of an existing program or program concentration requires approval by the VPAA, Deans' Council, President's Cabinet, President, Palm Beach State District Board of Trustees and SACSCOC approval of Teach Out Plan(s) prior to implementation.

Programs must first initiate the Program Termination Procedure outlined in the Academic Management Manual’s Section G.  Once this has been initiated, the program may proceed with the curriculum action to the delete the program.

The first step in the curriculum change process of deleting an existing program or program concentration begins with the cluster. The cluster will review needs assessments, college enrollment records and/or state requirements, and outline program revisions it deems necessary. Once the full cluster approved the deletion, a designated cluster member will begin the formal process of program or program concentration deletion. This process is part of the Curriculum Review Process.

For complete program deletion and program concentration only, a Program Deletion Form is prepared and sent with support documents (Cluster minutes, Business Partnership Council Minutes, and related curriculum forms) to Academic Services electronically (email).  The email should copy the cluster chair, associate dean, and dean of the faculty revising the program. The full packet is sent to Deans’ Council and President’s Cabinet for approval.

In the case of a deleted program, Deans' Council examines the justification for the deletion and the impact on the College offerings and resources. If the deletion is approved, the topic of the program deletion is put on the President's Cabinet agenda for discussion and recommendation to the Palm Beach State Board of Trustees. President's Cabinet approval of this action initiates the creation of a Board Packet by the VPAA office for presentation to the Board of Trustees. The Palm Beach State DBOT approval is a two agenda reading and approval process. After the DBOT approval, the College catalog text is revised for the next edition. The Curriculum Committee is notified by the VPAA of the decision of the Board of Trustees as an FYI and the time frame for completion of the deletion of the program is established. The originator of this curriculum action is notified by Academic Services when the Board of Trustees ratifies the program deletion.

Create a New Program at the State Level

New degree programs, program concentrations or certificates identified through the program review process can be proposed as new programs to the State. The first step is to submit the normal paperwork for creating a new program through the Palm Beach State curriculum process (New Program Proposal Form Steps 1 & 2, Palm Beach State Deans' Council review, President’s Cabinet Review, Curriculum Committee Review, Vice President Academic Affairs review). If the new program or certificate is approved through the Palm Beach State Curriculum Review Process, the following documents will need to be submitted to the Florida Department of Education Workforce Development office for authorization and inclusion in the state program inventory.

 

The State Submission documents required:

 

1. Statement of Justification – This should include a list of the occupations for which the curriculum prepares students, and data on the number of jobs and job openings in the region in the identified occupational titles.
2. Curriculum Framework – This document details the program including major concepts/content, laboratory activities, and intended outcomes. To locate the state curriculum framework for the program or certificate being developed go to  www.FLDOE.Org/Workforce/CTE-Curriculum-Frameworks
3. Student Performance Standards – This document details the competencies of the intended outcomes.
4. Program Outline – Course list that will constitute the degree program or certificate.
5. Course Outlines – Course outline for each of the courses in the degree program or certificate.
6. New Program Submittal Form – The Submittal Form will need to be completed.
7. Sample Articulation Agreement – The state requires a sample articulation agreement from high school to the post-secondary level of education. The articulation agreement only needs to be proposed.

The entire package is submitted to the Florida Department of Education Workforce Development Office of the Department of Education by Academic Services. Academic Services will work with the cluster creating the program or certificate to facilitate the process and ensure that the package is complete. This process can take from 3 months to a year to complete.

 

 

Enacted July 2004 in Section G from existing policy; revised July 2005; reviewed July 2006. July 2007, July 2008, July 2009, July 2010, July 2016; revised July 2018, July 2019; July 2024

 

 

Creating a New Course

There are many reasons new courses are developed: changing degree needs, student interest, or new subject areas.  Creating a new course involves steps to ensure that the new course is in compliance with state and accrediting agencies, meets the standards for inclusion in the College's curriculum, and is appropriate to higher education.

 

Step 1:  Cluster Decision & Approval

The first step in the process of creating a new course begins with the cluster and business partnership council (BPC). Once the decision is made to create a new course, and the cluster and BPC (as necessary) approves the initial course development, a faculty member is assigned to start the formal college process of course development and approval.

 

Step 2:  Documentation & Submission

Creating a new course requires the completion of the online New Course Form. The New Course Form may be submitted in the College's Watermark Curriculum Management system once all supporting documentation is received.  This includes Cluster minutes and other items as needed to support the request (business partnership minutes, State Framework, accreditor documentation, etc.).  Course development is never done in isolation and course additions may trigger additional curricular actions.  If the new course request impacts any existing course or program at the College, the associated revision requests must also be submitted for the new course request to be considered.

 

Step 3:  Approvals & Technical Review

Once the online New Course Form is submitted, the request enters the workflow for Associate Dean, Dean, and other required approvals.  The submission also undergoes a technical review to resolve any issues which may impact approval, implementation &/or compliance. If necessary, the Deans' Council also examines the curriculum proposal to determine the impact it will have on the college facilities, personnel and budget. Once all issues and approvals are resolved, the new course request is added to the next available agenda of the College-wide Curriculum Committee.

 

Step 4:  Curriculum Committee Review & VPAA approval

The Curriculum Committee examines the proposal in detail for content, coherence, and any impact to the Course Dictionary, Degree Audit and other courses and programs. The Curriculum Committee makes a recommendation to the Vice-President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) who gives final approval for the curriculum action. 

 

Step 5:  Implementation

Upon VPAA approval, the College course dictionary, State course inventory (SCNS) and the catalog are updated to go into effect the following Fall term according to the timeline established by College policy. Programs must also update their Pathway Maps to reflect the approved changes. 

 

Note: All courses offered for CCP or AS credit must be attached to an existing or new program offered at Palm Beach State College.

 

Enacted July 2004 in Section G from existing policy; revised July 2005; reviewed July 2006. July 2007, July 2008, July 2009, July 2010, July 2016; revised July 2018, July 2019; July 2024

Revising an Existing Program

Revising an existing course involves steps to ensure that all areas of the College affected by the revision understand the change and are aware of its ramifications. There are many reasons courses are revised - updating outdated offerings, meeting state-wide discipline committee decisions, complying with accreditation or licensure requirements, or responding to business partnership recommendations.

Step 1: Cluster Decision & Approval

The first step in revising a course begins with the cluster. An individual faculty member or an entire cluster will decide revisions are needed for an existing course. If the cluster approves the idea, a member will be assigned to begin the formal process of course revision and approval.

 

Step 2: Documentation & Submission

A course revision requires the completion of a Change Course Form in Watermark, the College's online curriculum management system.  Once this form and its' support documents (cluster minutes, business partnership minutes (BPC) (if needed), associated course addition, revision and deletion requests) are received, the revision request may be submitted and will move into the approval workflow.

Step 3: Approvals & Technical Review

Once submitted, the request enters the workflow for Associate Dean, Dean, and other required approvals.  The submission also undergoes a technical review to resolve any issues which may impact approval, implementation &/or compliance.  Upon completion of the review process, the request is added to the Curriculum Committee agenda. 

Step 4: Curriculum Committee Review & VPAA approval

The Curriculum Committee examines the proposed revisions to the course to determine the impact on the Course Dictionary, Degree Audit, and other programs and certificates. The Curriculum Committee makes a recommendation to the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) who gives final approval for program revisions. Unless an exception is authorized by the VPAA, all course revisions will go into effect the following Fall after the approval of the VPAA.

Keep in mind that a revised course (other than an AA course or a Developmental Ed course) action may include a program action submission as well.

 

 

Enacted July 2004 in Section G from existing policy; revised July 2005; reviewed July 2006. July 2007, July 2008, July 2009, July 2010, July 2016; revised July 2018, July 2019; July 2024; July 2025

Deleting an Existing Program

DELETE AN EXISTING PROGRAM OR PROGRAM CONCENTRATION There are many reasons programs or program concentrations are deleted: changing community needs, outdated offerings, state-wide discipline committee or accrediting agency decisions, or business partnership council recommendations. Deleting an existing program or program concentration involves steps to ensure that this curriculum action is adequately justified and that all areas of the College affected by the closure are aware of its ramifications. Deletion of an existing program or program concentration requires approval by the VPAA, Deans' Council, President's Cabinet, President, Palm Beach State Board of Trustees and SACSCOC approval of Teach Out Plan(s) prior to implementation.   Step 1: Program Termination Initiation Programs must first initiate the College's Program Termination Procedure outlined in theAcademic Management Manual Section G. Once this has been initiated, the program may proceed with the curriculum action proposal to delete the program from the College. Note: The College'sProgram Terminationform is now integrated in the new WatermarkDelete ProgramForm. Step 2: Initiate Curriculum Submission Cluster Decision & Approval The curriculum change process of deleting an existing program or program concentration then continues with the cluster. The cluster will review needs assessments, college enrollment records and/or state requirements, and outline program changes it deems necessary. Once the full cluster approves the deletion, a designated cluster member will begin the formal curriculum process to delete the program or program concentration.

Complete Program Deletion   Step 3: Documentation & Submission For acomplete program deletion,aDelete Program Formis submitted through the online curriculum management system (Watermark). Once the form is completed with necessary supporting documentation (cluster minutes, business partnership council minutes, or course deletion forms) it will be submitted and enter the approval workflow. Step 4: Review & Deans’ Council Approval Next, the proposal is reviewed and sent to Palm Beach State Academic Deans' Council. In the case of a deleted program, Deans' Council examines the justification for the deletion and the impact on the College offerings and resources. Step 5: President’s Cabinet & DBOT Approval If the Deans' Council approves the proposal, the topic of the program deletion is put on the President's Cabinet for discussion and recommendation to the Palm Beach State Board of Trustees. President's Cabinet approval of this action initiates the creation of a Board Packet by the VPAA office for presentation to the Board of Trustees. Once the Palm Beach State Board of Trustees approves the proposal, the College catalog text is revised for next edition. Step 6: Curriculum Committee Notification Next, the Curriculum Committee is notified by the VPAA of the decision of the Board of Trustees as an FYI and the time frame for completion of the deletion of the program is established. The originator of this curriculum action proposal is notified by Academic Services when the Board of Trustees ratifies the program deletion.

Program Concentration Deletion   Step 3: Documentation & Submission For aprogram concentration deletion, aDelete Program Formis submitted through the online curriculum management system (Watermark). Once the form is completed with necessary supporting documentation (cluster minutes, business partnership council minutes, or course deletion forms) it will be submitted and enter the approval workflow. Step 4: Review & Approvals Academic Services will review the proposal and send to the Deans’ Council. Then, the Deans' Council approves the concept of deleting the program concentration considering the impact on the remaining program or program concentrations and students currently enrolled in the program concentration scheduled for deletion. Step 5: Curriculum Committee Approval After Deans’ Council Approval, the Curriculum Committee reviews and recommends the revisions to the remainder of the program to accommodate the deleted concentration. Therefore, for this curriculum action, bothDelete Program FormandChange Program Formare completed. The originator attends the next Curriculum Committee meeting to answer any questions about the proposal. Step 6: VPAA Approval If approved, the Curriculum Committee recommends this proposal to the VPAA, who makes the final approval of the curriculum action.

 

Programs must also update their Pathway Maps to reflect the approved changes. 

 

Enacted July 2004 in Section G from existing policy; revised July 2005; reviewed July 2006. July 2007, July 2008, July 2009, July 2010, July 2016; revised July 2018, July 2019; July 2024; July 2025