3.4.5 Academic Policies

Commission Standard: The institution publishes academic policies that adhere to principles of good educational practice. These are disseminated to students, faculty, and other interested parties through publications that accurately represent the programs and services of the institution.

Status: In Compliance

Rationale: Western publishes academic policies in widely available paper and electronic forms. University academic policies and publications are subject to many levels of review.

Western's Undergraduate Catalog , updated every two years, describes policies and curricula established through departments, college curriculum committees, the University Curriculum Committee, and the University Senate. These are also approved by university administration and sometimes the state CPE. While departments are ultimately responsible for the description of their programs, the Registrar's Office verifies changes against meeting minutes of the approving bodies. Changes approved between catalog updates are posted on department websites and communicated to students through advising.

General education requirements appear in the catalog and online. Changes approved between catalog updates are printed by the Registrar's Office and disseminated for use in advising students.

The Graduate Catalog , also updated every two years, describes graduate curricula and policies established through a sequence of required approvals from departments, college graduate curriculum committees, the Graduate Council, the University Curriculum Committee, and the University Senate. The Graduate Studies Office verifies that changes have been officially approved. When changes occur between catalog updates, they are posted on the department's website and communicated to students through advising.

A Schedule Bulletin for each academic semester lists course schedules, policies such as general education requirements, and various deadlines. Each bulletin is reviewed by the Registrar's Office. Course offerings are developed by departments with review by the dean and the Office of Academic Affairs. The schedule of courses is also published online with interactive forms that help students develop workable schedules. Syllabi posted by the faculty are linked to the online schedule listings.

The Student Handbook, published each year by the Office of Student Life, is distributed in the residence halls and campus offices, and available online to provide information about policies affecting students. Sections are annually reviewed by appropriate university offices and departments to ensure accuracy.

The Faculty Handbook , updated as necessary, provides information about the university's organization and procedures, and faculty responsibilities and benefits. Accuracy is maintained by a committee of faculty appointed by the provost and representing each college of the university. The committee verifies policies according to the minutes of the board of regents and actions of the university's governance bodies.