Standard 12: Postsecondary Programs
12.1 The curricula for all students enrolled in day divisions are competency based and directly related to institutional objectives. Instructional programs offered in career fields requiring licensure or certification are designed to prepare students for those requirements.
12.2. The curricula for all students enrolled in evening divisions are competency based and directly related to institutional objectives.
12.3 Procedures are in place to measure the accomplishment of stated institutional goals.
12.4 Existing programs are reviewed on a semi-annual basis by the Advisory Committee. Procedures are implemented for all proposed programs to be reviewed and recommended by the Advisory Committee.
12.5 A written agreement exists for programs requiring the use of outside facility affiliations. The agreement shall address the use of the facility, the role of school personnel, the expectations of affiliated students, the expectations of the host facility, a clarification of liability issues, and an indication of transportation provisions.
12.6 Each institution provides an environment which fosters academic success and intellectual and personal growth by offering appropriate student support services and co-curricular activities. Student support services begin with the recruitment and admission of students, continue throughout the academic experience, and include placement and career counseling activities prior to completion of the program. Follow-up studies are conducted on a periodic basis.
12.7 Each institution’s recruitment and admissions policies ensure that the qualifications and interests of the students recruited are compatible with the institution’s mission and the accepting program’s focus. The institution’s admissions policies are published and admissions practices are consistent with those policies.
12.8 Student financial aid policies and opportunities are published and the institution’s process of awarding financial aid is in keeping with the published process. Financial aid policies and practice meet state and federal regulations and are subject to periodic audits.
12.9 The institution provides appropriate and effective orientation for new students. Counseling services are available at the institution or by referral for personal and emotional needs of students. Career counseling, placement services and transfer counseling are available for students.
12.10 The institution continually monitors the learning needs of its student population and provides services to meet those needs. Those services may include but are not limited to: basic skills training, remedial preparation or course work, academic program supplementary services such as tutoring or mentoring, counseling on personal and/or educational problems. Academic skills development programs are also available.
12.11 Academic retention policies and standards for continuation need as much attention as recruitment policies. Standards for satisfactory academic progress and continued enrollment are clearly stated, publicized and uniformly applied. Academic advising and counseling is available for students to help them assess their personal education goals and determine their compatibility with the objectives of their academic program. Such services may be available through the faculty or the academic support services. The diversity of student educational goals is recognized in all institutional policies on retention and continuation.
12.12 The institution fosters the intellectual and personal development of each of its students through the co-curricular activities it provides in keeping with its mission and objectives. The institution supports opportunities for student development and the growth of student leadership. If consistent with its mission and purposes, the institution provides opportunities and facilities for student recreation and athletics. Such activity supports institutional educational objectives.
12.13 Institutions state and publish statements of student rights and responsibilities that include clearly stated expectations for student behavior. Student conduct policies clearly state the institution’s due process procedures and specify possible sanctions. Student rights and responsibilities policies include a procedure to address complaints against the institution or institutional personnel.
12.14 Health, wellness and safety education appropriate to the learning community are provided through seminars and student services. The institution provides a safe learning environment and information on security is clearly stated and readily available. Continuing policies and procedures for security and safety are monitored for effectiveness.
12.15 If the institution provides residences for students, residence-life policies and procedures support the institutional mission and are clearly stated, well publicized, readily available and fairly and consistently administered.
12.16 The institution has established policies regarding information maintained in student records, their access, and maintenance. Records of health, admission criteria and student performance are maintained with full protection assured for that information over time. Records of graduate performance including employment and continued education are kept in sufficient detail to serve as a major source of information concerning program effectiveness. Adequate security and respect for the confidentiality of student records are observed.
12.17 All student support services and co-curricular activities are available to students no matter where the student is enrolled in the institution’s programs.
12.18 The institution periodically and systematically evaluates the appropriateness, adequacy and effectiveness of all student services. Information obtained through this evaluation is used to improve the effectiveness of the student services.
12.19 The institutional record of formal complaints which relate to compliance with the accreditation standards and which are filed through the grievance process within the institution or with NEASC or with the U.S. Department of Education during the review period must be included in all institutional assessments, analyses and self-studies for CTCI accreditation. The records and incident files shall be available for verification.