Revise Existing Program or Course

Revise an Existing Program

Step 1: Cluster Decision & Approval

The first step in program revision begins with the cluster. The cluster will review needs assessments, College 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.

Step 2: Documentation & Submission

A program revision requires the completion of a Change Program 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 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 program revisions. Unless an exception is authorized by the VPAA, all program revisions will go into effect the following Fall after the approval of the VPAA.

Exceptions: Significant/Substantive Changes require Deans' Council and President's Cabinet approval.

In some cases, if the program revision involves deleting a program concentration from the College offerings, this action needs Deans' Council approval to be considered by the Curriculum Committee. In this case, the program must also follow the College's Program Termination procedure prior to submitting the Program Deletion request to the Curriculum Committee.  Please refer to the Deleting Existing Program or Course webpage or contact Academic Services if you need clarification.

Revise an Existing Course

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.

 State Curriculum Resources:  

• Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS)  - Course inventory by discipline and institution.  Academic Services serves as the College's liaison to SCNS and submits all course actions for SCNS approval. 
• FloridaShines.org (a section of Florida Virtual Campus) - Identifies programs offered at institutions-public and private across the state.
• Florida CTE Curriculum Frameworks  - List of approved curriculum frameworks in Florida and access to DOE resources.

Substantive Change Policy

No employee of Palm Beach State College will implement any change to a College Program, College Campus, College Campus Offerings, Off-site Location, District Board of Trustees Policy or Program Delivery Method that might create a substantive change without a Substantive Change Review. 

Pathway Maps & AA Track Development

The College implemented the Guided Pathways model as part of its strategy to promote and increase student success. Guided Pathways is an integrated, highly structured, approach to student success that provides students with clear course-taking plans that support enrollment decisions and prepare students for future success. This also integrates support services in ways that make it easier for students to access help as they navigate each Career Pathway.  Click here for Pathway Map Development Instructions & Guidelines.