W. Va. Code R. § 135-11-2

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 135-11-2 - Purpose

2.1. Certificate and associate degree programs are central to the mission of community and technical colleges. They are a means through which the institution develops and maintains integrity in its educational programs. Appropriately defined, these degrees become an integrating force for the institution, set academic standards and goals for achievement of students, and establish the relationship between the college and other institutions at community college and baccalaureate college levels.

The associate degree program establishes the community college vision of what it means to be an educated person and affirms the college's commitment to program coherence, continuity, and student success. Awarding the associate degree is a way by which an institution indicates the student has completed a program of academic development and has achieved a level of performance reflected in student learning outcomes sufficient to progress to upper division collegiate work or to enter directly into specific occupations in the workplace. The associate degree is recognized by baccalaureate degree-granting institutions and by employers as a critical indicator a student has demonstrated proficiencies at levels deemed appropriate to enter upper-division college programs or to enter a field of work. Certificate and associate degree programs must consist of a coherent and sequenced set of courses, including an evaluation procedure that assesses the outcomes of the learning process.

All degree programs must include a complement of general education requirements appropriate to the level of the degree. Therefore, it is the purpose of this policy to adopt and require the use of nationally standardized nomenclature regarding certificate and associate degrees and the nationally promulgated standards for the general education components of the respective degrees. It is the goal of this policy to ensure a common understanding of the associate degrees awarded by West Virginia community and technical colleges; to promote the transferability and portability of degrees among the colleges and with baccalaureate degree granting institutions; and to foster recognition of the degrees as a respected credential for employment.

The West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education is charged by statute with general authority for academic program approval for West Virginia community and technical colleges. To facilitate the discharge of these responsibilities, the procedures and format included within this rule shall be followed by each institution in submitting to the chancellor for consideration by the Council proposals to establish academic programs.

W. Va. Code R. § 135-11-2