Recommendation 13: The Committee recommends that the institution publishes, implements and consistently enforces policies related to course substitutions that adhere to principles of good educational practice.

Edison State College Response:

Edison State College understands the significance of ensuring that the policies related to course substitutions be clearly stated and accurately implemented.

Faculty and administrators continue to work on reinforcing and implementing policies and procedures relating to course substitutions. The Academic Standards Committee reviewed all procedures applicable to this policy, and updated College Operating Procedure 06-0217 in July, 2011 [ 1 ]. This procedure is included in the 2011-2012 Catalog [ 2 ]. The substitution form was changed to reflect this policy [ 3 ].

As evidenced by the current course substitution reports, we are confident the existing policy provides guidelines that preclude egregious substitutions from occurring.  Albeit the current policy has been improved and will be implemented in Fall 2012 to ensure Catalog language coincides with policy [ 4 ].  The changes bring further clarity to the process. Distinction has been made among course substitutions, transfer of coursework, and course waivers.  Institutional rules guiding course substitutions are clearly stated. Procedures for following the policy are detailed, and a new, more descriptive form has been submitted for approval.  This form will replace the current Course Substitution [ 5 ] and Course Reevaluation [ 6 ] forms. No request is considered without appropriate documentation.  All forms are signed by the student, an academic advisor, the department/faculty chair, the Associate Dean, the Dean, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The signed form is sent to the Registrar, who has the final option to process or deny the request.   No more than 10% of the program courses or no more than nine credit hours may be replaced using course substitutions, whichever is greater.

Institutionally, the number of course substitutions has decreased dramatically because of a thorough faculty review and revision of the Associate Degree Programs in Accounting Technology, Accounting Applications (Certificate Program), Business Administration and Management, and Drafting and Design [ 7 ] [ 8 ]. These programs have been aligned with the Florida Department of Education’s State Curriculum Frameworks. Cardiovascular Technology, Respiratory Care, Criminal Justice, and Dental Hygiene requirements were also reviewed against state frameworks.  Many of the internal course substitutions formerly requested can be eliminated because the programs no longer require specific math, science and general education courses.  With the recent curriculum changes, the scope of acceptable courses has been broadened to reflect the intent of the education requirements as defined in the state frameworks [ 9 ].

Consistent enforcement is supported through regular meetings of the course substitution committee, accurate program requirements in the College’s degree audit system (CAPP) [ 10 ], and implementation of a new degree audit system (DegreeWorks). The Coordinator of Curriculum and Catalog Systems has worked closely with the IT department, the program departments, and the Director of Academic Services to ensure accuracy of the degree program requirements [ 11 ].

College-wide, academic advisors have participated in ongoing training sessions which provide updates to curriculum and degree audits. Additionally, each campus and site is represented on the Curriculum Committee, as is the College Registrar and academic advising, to ensure timely and coordinated communication regarding curriculum changes.

Supporting Documentation	Description
1. COP 06-0217 Course Substitution	COP adopted July 2011
2. 2011 2012 Catalog	Course Substitution policy in 2011-2012 Catalog
3. Course Substitution Form	Form to Request Course Substitution
4. COP 06-0217 Course Substitution 3/27/2012	Revised COP approved for implementation
5. Course Substitution Form	Form to Request Course Substitution
6. Course Re-evaluation Appeal	Form to request reevaluation of transfer coursework
7. Analysis of Course Substitutions	Analysis of total number of course substitutions by academic year
8. Course Substitution Reports REDACTED	Monthly reports of course substitutions processed from 11-1-11 through 3-20-12
9. Curriculum Committee Summary Report	Curriculum Committee Actions taken
10. CAPP Emails	Internal correspondence regarding CAPP audits
11. A.S. Program Checks	Review of A.S. programs and degree requirements