POLICY STATEMENT

The Institutional Curriculum Committee (ICC) is the university committee that oversees undergraduate curriculum review and development and reports to the President of the University. PSU’s academic and administrative staff involved in curriculum review and development must strictly adhere to this policy.

BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION

PSU strives to provide high quality academic programs that comply with local and international standards while meeting personnel and community needs and fulfilling the objectives of its declared mission. This requires curriculum development policies that encourage faculty to take the lead in the process of curriculum development while unifying the procedures across the university in a manner that assures the quality and integrity of the university’s academic programs.

SCOPE AND PURPOSE

This policy provides an overview of the curriculum development process and identifies the principles, definitions, responsibilities, and implementation strategies related to curriculum development. This policy applies to all undergraduate academic programs and departments at PSU. This policy is not meant to be a guideline for curriculum development; a separate document that demonstrates recommended practices for implementing this policy and the different forms and templates used is given in the PSU Curriculum Development Manual. As for the establishment of new degree programs, additional controls for the development of new interdisciplinary degree programs, and (III) additional controls for the development of double/minor degree programs, refer to Appendix I, II and III.

PRINCIPLES OF THE POLICY

1. When designing, reviewing, and approving academic programs, the university adheres to the following:
   1. The Saudi Standard Classification of Educational Levels and Specializations (SCELS) issued by Council of Ministers Resolution No. (75) dated 1/27/1442 AH, and any amendments or updates thereto.
   2. The National Qualifications Framework in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, issued by a decision of the Board of Directors of the Education and Training Evaluation Authority in its first meeting for the second session held on 6/16/1441 AH, and any amendments or updates.
   3. PSU policies and procedures, including Rules and Regulations of Undergraduate Study and Examinations (for undergraduate programs) and this policy.
   4. The Saudi Education & Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC) standards.
2. Department faculty, students, employers, alumni, and college advisory boards are considered key stakeholders of university degree programs. Revisions of degree programs or the establishment of new degree programs should include all stakeholders' opinions as much as possible. Applicable PSU policies are the College Advisory Board Policy and The PSU Stakeholder Involvement Policy.
3. Each degree program within the university must undergo a comprehensive review of its academic curricula every 2 to 5 years to accommodate changes in the job market and developments in all aspects of the program specialization. The specific period between comprehensive reviews for each program is determined by the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA). This mandate is in compliance with Standard 3.2 of the Education & Training Evaluation Commission.
4. In designing and revising curricula, PSU strives to achieve intellectual integrity and build a personality that is proud of its identity and culture and is capable at the same time of coexisting with others and competing globally. Applicable PSU policies are the Academic Freedom Policy and the Academic Integrity Policy.

DEFINITIONS

Certificate: A credential issued by an institution in recognition of the completion of a curriculum other than one leading to a degree.

Course: An organized series of instructional and learning activities dealing with a subject.

Credit: A unit of academic award applicable towards a degree offered by the institution.

Curriculum or program: The formal educational requirements necessary to qualify for certificates or degrees. A curriculum or program includes general education or specialized study in depth in a particular specialization or both.

Double major degree program: It is a program that results in the completion of two existing undergraduate major degree programs concurrently.

Exit degree: Granting a student who has completed a number of study hours and has not completed the bachelor's degree requirements an:

• Intermediate diploma degree if the student has completed at least 60 study hours from the bachelor’s degree program that he/she is enrolled in.
• Advanced diploma degree if the student has completed at least 90 academic hours of the bachelor’s degree program that he/she is enrolled in.

Interdisciplinary degree program: A program that is prepared and implemented by faculty with more than one specialty, with specific learning outcomes that cannot be achieved through a single knowledge specialization.

Jointly-Registered Program or Program Offered Jointly: One program that is offered by two or more institutions.

Major degree program: A degree program for a specialization defined in the Saudi Standard Classification of Educational Levels and Specializations or an interdisciplinary program. The degree could be a Diploma, an Advanced Diploma, a Bachelor's Degree, a Master's Degree, a High Diploma, or a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) degree.

Minor degree program: An 18 to 27-credit-hour degree program, derived from an existing undergraduate major degree program that results in the completion of a secondary degree in addition to the student's major degree that can be completed concurrently.

Off-campus courses: Courses that are offered entirely or partially outside the university campus, which include:

1. Blended learning (at least 25% of the number of teaching hours for a course in a non-attendance mode).
2. Distance education (teaching hours will be remote)
3. Self-Education
4. Cooperative Training Programs
5. Summer training programs

Program course reviews: Internal modifications to existing courses.

Program partial reviews: Reviews proposed by program faculty or the Department Curriculum committee at any time upon a certain need that must be satisfied immediately. These changes significantly affect program learning outcomes, structure, organization, delivery, or the basis for program accreditation.

Program Comprehensive Reviews: Compulsory reviews that are conducted every 2 to 5 years and involve changes that significantly affect program learning outcomes, structure, organization, delivery, or the basis for its accreditation.

Program title: The name of the degree or certificate program, usually indicating the subject field of the program or the major, e.g., Applied Linguistics, Architecture, Computer Science, or Human Resource Management.

Registration: Approval by the Ministry of Education of a curriculum in an institution of higher education for general purposes, for admission to professional practice, or for acceptance toward a credential issued by the department or by the institution.

Semester hour: A credit, point, or other unit granted for the satisfactory completion of a course that requires at least 15 hours (of 50 minutes each) of instruction and at least 30 hours of supplementary assignments, except as regulated in the by-laws of the MOE. This basic measure shall be adjusted proportionately to translate the value of other academic calendars and formats of study in relation to the credit granted for study during the two semesters that comprise an academic year.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES

1. Policies for course reviews and free electives:
   1. 1.1 The main purpose of these reviews is to ensure that course materials are properly updated and delivered using appropriate pedagogical approaches while keeping pace with important developments related to the course. These reviews do not affect the program structure or introduce any major changes to the degree plan and are initiated by program faculty teaching the course. Main course changes that require approval include the following:
      • Changing the title of a course.
      • Major update of the course specification (textbook change, major course content change, etc.)
      • Redistribution, of course, credit hours (Lecture, Recitation, Lab).
      • Changing course requirements (Perquisites, co-requisites, senior standing, etc.).
   2. 1.2 Changing entirely the content, topic, and title of the course to the extent that the original course has been entirely omitted is considered a partial program change.
   3. 1.3 The format and content of course review proposals must adhere to the procedures mentioned in PSU Manual for Curriculum Development.
   4. 1.4 Textbook revisions must adhere to PSU Textbook Approval policy.
   5. 1.5 Course reviews must adhere to PSU Course Design Policy
   6. 1.6 Course review proposals require the review and approval of the respective department curriculum committee, department council, college council, and the Vice President of Academic Affairs before implementation.
   7. 1.7 After receiving approval for the changes proposed, the department head should communicate the updates to the registration office and responsible faculty to update course records and the program website, as applicable.
   8. 1.8 Maintaining and updating all records of curriculum changes is the responsibility of the department chairman.
2. Conversion of an On-campus Course to an Off-campus Course:
   1. 2.1 Reference to Article 8 of the Rules and Regulations of Undergraduate Study and Examinations, the course professor can suggest converting the teaching of his course to one of the modes of off-campus education.
   2. 2.2 The faculty must prepare a new course/field specification, using ETEC templates (T4/T5) with all sections completed, and submit his request to the head of the department for approval, provided that the request is made at least eight weeks before the start of the semester.
   3. 2.3 Details on how to prepare off-campus course proposals can be found in PSU Curriculum Development Manual.
   4. 2.4 Conversion of on-campus courses to off-campus courses require the review and approval of the respective department curriculum committee, department council, college council, ICC review, and the approval of the Vice President of Academic Affairs prior to implementation.
3. Introducing new free elective courses:
   1. 3.1 Introducing a new free elective course is not considered a program change, provided that the proposed free elective course is not a substitution for an existing required course or results in adding more credit hours to the program.
   2. 3.2 The specific format and content of new free elective proposals must adhere to the procedures mentioned in PSU Curriculum Development Manual.
   3. 3.3 Designing new free elective courses must also adhere to the PSU Course Design Policy, particularly for the completion of ETEC Course Specification Templates T4/T5.
   4. 3.4 Benchmarking analysis must adhere to PSU Benchmarking Policy.
   5. 3.5 Stakeholder analysis must adhere to PSU Stakeholders involvement policy and PSU College Advisory Board Policy.
   6. 3.6 New free elective proposals require the review and approval of the respective department curriculum committee, department council, college council, ICC review, and the approval of the Vice President of Academic Affairs prior to implementation.
4. Policies for program partial reviews:
   1. 4.1 Any faculty or department committee can initiate and propose a program partial review at any time if an urgent need arises that cannot be postponed to the next comprehensive review cycle.
   2. 4.2 Program Partial reviews may include any one or more of the following changes:
      • Changes in the mission statement of the program.
      • Changes in the degree program title.
      • Changes in program learning outcomes.
      • Changes in degree program objectives.
      • Changes in the courses offered at different levels (Adding and/or Deleting courses).
      • Changes in the general program structure (e.g., number of credit hours, arrangement of courses, etc.).
      • Adding or changing a concentration/track.
      • Adding elective courses that replace required courses or adding more credit hours to the program.
      • Any other significant change to the program design and structure.
   3. 4.3 The specific format and content of program partial review proposals must adhere to the procedures mentioned in PSU Curriculum Development Manual.
   4. 4.4 Courses or course content that corresponds to Important Subjects mentioned in SCELS for the degree specialization should not be omitted from the program.
   5. 4.5 If there is a conflict between the Ministry of Education/Accreditation requirements and stakeholder requirements, the Ministry of Education/Accreditation requirements take preference.
   6. 4.6 After proposal completion for partial program review, the subcommittee responsible should seek approval of the proposal from the respective department curriculum review committee, department council, and college council.
   7. 4.7 Upon obtaining necessary approvals, the college dean forwards an electronic copy of the proposal, with a copy of all approved minutes of the meetings, to both the Vice President of Academic Affairs and the institutional curriculum committee requesting a review of the proposal.
   8. 4.8 The institutional curriculum committee should review the proposal content to ensure compliance with this policy and to give recommendations for improvement. A review report is prepared, and a meeting is held to discuss the review comments with a college representative defending the proposal. The ICC then decides to either recommend forwarding the proposal to the university council for approval with possibly minor changes or to resubmit the proposal after addressing review comments made by ICC members within 2 months of receiving the request.
   9. 4.9 Upon receiving the revised proposal and after addressing all major review comments, a recommendation is sent to the president to forward the proposal to the university council.
   10. 4.10 After obtaining university council approval, the council (or whoever it authorizes) must seek the views of 3-5 external reviewers from an academic institution as per Ministry of Education rules and regulations for higher education. Based on the recommendations of the external reviewers, the University Council takes the necessary actions to submit a request to approve the changes by the university Board of Trustees and, subsequently the Ministry of Education.
   11. 4.11 The external review body should be an institutional academic body (scientific department or consulting institute) affiliated with a university accredited by the Education and Training Evaluation Commission, and the review should be conducted by a group of faculty members belonging to the same general specialization of the program to which the plan follows. A special form from the Ministry of Education for this requirement is available on their website.
5. Policies for program comprehensive reviews:
   1. 5.1 If a comprehensive review is due, the responsible college dean or department chair should form a sub-committee to prepare a comprehensive review proposal that must be submitted to the ICC within 2 academic semesters. Details related to the content of the proposal can be found in PSU Curriculum Development Manual.
   2. 5.2 All policies mentioned above for partial program reviews apply to comprehensive program reviews.
   3. 5.3 Comprehensive reviews must meet the following expectations:
      1. 5.3.1 A review of the program's mission statement and any pertinent program content; (Program Objectives, Learning Outcomes, etc.) to ensure alignment with PSU/College active mission statements and strategic plans at the time of proposal preparation.
      2. 5.3.2 Program description, learning outcomes, list of important courses and course subjects in the degree program are consistent with SCELS.
      3. 5.3.3 The descriptions and wording of PLOs and CLOs are consistent with the degree-level descriptions specified in NQF levels.
      4. 5.3.4 Compliance with all ETEC curriculum development standards mentioned in section 5.2 of ETEC standards for undergraduate programs.
      5. 5.3.5 The design of the degree program adheres to all relevant PSU policies mentioned in the principles of this policy.
      6. 5.3.6 All proposal packages and sections must be completed and submitted, particularly all the sections in ETEC templates (T3, T4, and T5) and PSU curriculum development forms (A, B, C, and D).
      7. 5.3.7 The proposal addresses any new requirements raised by the Ministry of Education.
      8. 5.3.8 The proposal addresses any new accreditation requirements raised by national/international accreditation agencies, if applicable.
      9. 5.3.9 Sincere consideration of recommendations raised in annual program reports related to curriculum review.
      10. 5.3.10 Sincere consideration of all recommendations raised by program key stakeholders, particularly faculty, students, alumni, and employers.
      11. 5.3.11 Sincere consideration of advisory board recommendations
      12. 5.3.12 Sincere Consideration of all recommendations raised by external reviewers.
      13. 5.3.13 Consideration of development in the specialization and job market
      14. 5.3.14 Consideration of updates in relevant professional body standards associated with the degree specialization.
      15. 5.3.15 Sufficient benchmarking analysis completed.
      16. 5.3.16 Recommendations by external reviewers of the revised curriculum by at least 1 external reviewer prior to the final external review requested by the Ministry of Education as mentioned in 4.10 and 4.11.
   4. 5.4 The specific format and content of program comprehensive review proposals must adhere to the procedures mentioned in PSU Curriculum Development Manual

PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING POLICY VIOLATIONS

1. The University compliance office is responsible for monitoring the compliance of academic departments with the Comprehensive review requirement. The period between reviews for each program is determined by the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
2. The compliance office should send a recommendation letter to the concerned college/department mentioning that their degree programs have their mandatory comprehensive review due with a notification to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

REFERENCES

1. The Saudi Standard Classification of Educational Levels and Specializations issued by Council of Ministers Resolution No. (75) dated 1/27/1442 AH.
2. The National Qualifications Framework in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, issued by a decision of the Board of Directors of the Education and Training Evaluation Authority in its first meeting for the second session held on 6/16/1441 AH.
3. PSU Rules and Regulations of Undergraduate Study and Examinations (for undergraduate programs).
4. PSU College Advisory Board Policy
5. PSU Stakeholders Involvement policy
6. PSU Academic Freedom Policy
7. PSU Academic Integrity Policy
8. PSU Benchmarking Policy
9. PSU Teaching & Learning Quality Framework Policy
10. PSU Course Design Policy
11. PSU Textbook Approval Policy
12. PSU Student Assessment Policy
13. PSU Final Examinations Policy
14. PSU Students with Special Needs Policy
15. PSU Advanced Placement Policy
16. PSU Academic Calendar Policy
17. PSU Graduation Policy

APPENDICES

1. Policies for establishing new degree programs:
   1. In the event that the college wishes to develop a new degree program, an Intention Letter needs to be prepared and approved by the university council before submitting a full program proposal to ICC. New degree programs may be one of the following:
      1. Undergraduate major degree program,
      2. Undergraduate interdisciplinary degree program,
      3. Undergraduate double degree program,
      4. Undergraduate minor degree program,
      5. Undergraduate exit degree program (3-year medium diploma)
   2. The intention letter can be prepared by any faculty or group of faculties from different departments.
   3. Details on how to prepare the intention letter can be found in the PSU Curriculum Development Manual.
   4. After the intention letter completion, the subcommittee involved should seek approval of the intention letter from the respective college councils that are expected to host the new program.
   5. Upon obtaining necessary approvals, the college dean forwards an electronic copy of the proposal, with a copy of all approved minutes of the meeting, to the Vice President of Academic Affairs. The Vice President of Academic Affairs may, upon a recommendation by the ICC or upon the VPAA's direct approval, request approval of the intention letter from the university council.
   6. Upon the university council's approval of the Intention Letter, a complete proposal can be prepared by a subcommittee formed by the college dean.
      The following proposal items are common to all new program proposals:
      1. A copy of the Intention Letter that was approved by the university council.
      2. An Executive Summary of the process used to prepare the new program proposal.
      3. All new ETEC forms with all sections completed, including a new program specification, course specifications, and/or any other relevant standard documentation needed.
      4. Stakeholder surveys and analysis report supporting the establishment and the design of the new program (faculty, employers, and college advisory board).
      5. Benchmarking analysis supporting the establishment and design of the new program with local, regional, and international reputable universities with good standing in international rankings (minimum 2 universities for each), as admissible.
      6. A list of all course textbooks to be used in the new program using the most recent publications in the area of specialization.
      7. A list of all programs educational resources needed (Software, lab equipment, online educational resources, etc.)
      8. Implementation plan detailing the required resources needed and the faculty and staff responsible for supervising and delivering the new program. The implementation plan should also include a preliminary plan for acquiring any new resources needed.
      9. External review of the proposal by at least 2 external reviewers.
   7. New degree program proposals must meet the same expectations mentioned in 5.4 for ICC approval.
   8. The proposal is then reviewed by the ICC, University Council, and Board of Trustees as in 4.7 to 4.11 mentioned above.
2. Additional Controls for the development of new interdisciplinary degree programs:

   Any two or more academic departments within the university can propose a new Interdisciplinary program provided that the following will be satisfied:

   1. Approval of the department councils involved in its implementation and the college councils of the involved colleges to which those departments are affiliated.
   2. The interdisciplinary program shall be localized in the academic department that contributes the largest number of new courses.
   3. The program is administered by a joint committee from the departments participating in the interdisciplinary program and is responsible for its evaluation and quality before the dean of the college responsible for the department supervising the program.
   4. A chairperson is appointed for the committee by a decision of the Vice President of Academic Affairs. The committee is directly linked to the Dean of the college to which the program is affiliated.
3. Additional Controls for the development of double/minor degree programs:
   1. Double and minor program proposals do not require intention letter approval from the university council.
   2. The duration of the double major program results in only one additional academic year with the same average load to obtain a second degree (reasonable graduation time requirement for ranking and accreditation).
   3. The duration of the minor program results in only one additional academic semester with the same average load to obtain a secondary degree.
   4. Other design considerations are detailed in PSU Curriculum Development Manual.