Standards for Institutional Documentation
Table of Contents

Chapter 2, Page 2

Standards for Programs and Instruction

The standards described in this section identify the guidelines and procedures relating to the instructional process.

2.1 The award of one semester of academic credit shall be based on a minimum of 40 but not more than 50 hours of work in instruction, including time in class, reading, writing, projects, exams, or any elements of instruction, as planned by the instructor. One quarter of academic credit shall require a minimum of 27 but not more than 33 hours of work, as planned by the instructor.

2.2 Academic programs shall be defined according to the following criteria:

2.2.1 Title and academic credits to be awarded;

2.2.2 Summary of program content and relationship to institutional mission;

2.2.3 Statement of program outcomes.

2.3 Courses shall normally be conducted for 1-5 academic credits, according to the requirements of the various programs. Courses must conform to the following format:

2.3.1 Intellectual content as determined by the demands of the program and the area of instruction;

2.3.2 Specific instructional content, learning activities, and means of assessment to address the spiritual and affective needs of learners;

2.3.3 Behavioral or skill outcomes appropriate to course content and the student’s instructional program.

2.4 Each institution shall maintain written guidelines for course development and/or revision. Procedures should include the following:

2.4.1 Discussion with the prospective instructor concerning the place of the course
in the curriculum and the mission of the institution; review of previous courses on the proposed topic, including similar courses from other institutions; development of course content; preparation of course objectives; recommendation of texts; establishment of instructional methods and means of assessment;

2.4.2 Development of course syllabus, including:

2.4.2.1 Course description (course number and title, academic credit, instructor, term, purpose and overview);

2.4.2.2 Course goals (cognitive, affective, behavior/skill);

2.4.2.3 Textbooks and assignments, including use of library and other learning resources, with deadlines;

2.4.2.4 Explanation of the means of assessment and grading policy.

2.5 Instructors shall be employed according to the needs of the institution, and their status as faculty members, in relationship to the institution as well as to other faculty members, shall be defined according to such titles and criteria as the institution shall deem necessary. Those titles and criteria, together with the privileges and responsibilities that inhere in them, shall be explained in appropriate institutional documents, such as the faculty handbook.

2.6 Requirements for instructors shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

2.6.1 Completed faculty application, including academic transcripts, account personal Christian experience, letters of reference, or faculty standing at another similar institution;

2.6.2 Ordinarily, academic credentials of at least one degree above that of the program in which the full-time faculty member is to be an instructor (with the exception of doctoral programs). A doctor’s degree appropriate to the field of instruction is recommended. Institutions should encourage and assist faculty members to fulfill this recommendation;

2.6.3 Record of agreement with the institutional mission, doctrinal position, instructional philosophy, and faculty requirements (any exceptions, such as for visiting instructors, must be approved case by case by the institutional board);

2.6.4 Demonstrated skills in teaching and expertise in the assigned area of instruction;

2.6.5 Significant experience in local church ministry as a ruling or teaching elder or in a similar leadership capacity.

2.7 Each institution shall make available to students and faculty library resources adequate to the needs and demands of the academic programs.

2.7.1 Procedures for access to and use of those library resources shall be maintained in writing and provided for all students and faculty;

2.7.2 Institutions shall ensure that instructors incorporate use of the library in course work where relevant;

2.7.3 Each institution shall maintain a plan and program for ongoing library development.

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