Standing Committees

REPORTS TO VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Academic Appeals Committee

The Academic Appeals Committee is responsible for reviewing student appeals regarding probation, suspension, or readmission after suspension. The committee submits a recommendation to the Vice President of Academic Affairs, who then makes the final decision.

Academic Council

The Academic Council is responsible for all academic elements of the university, both graduate and undergraduate. The Academic Council is responsible for initiating, regulating, and maintaining the standards of teaching, research, extension and examinations in the university. The Academic Council is responsible for recommending the academic policies in regard to maintenance and improvement of standards of teaching, research, and collaboration in academic matters and evaluation of work-load of the instructors. Academic Council makes decisions regarding all education matters. It assists the university Vice President of Academic Affairs by developing and recommending necessary rules, regulations, policies, and guidelines that govern academic programs leading to degrees. The Academic Council reviews, endorses, or recommends the rejection of proposed changes in the undergraduate curriculum and thoroughly reviews all proposals for additions, modifications, and/or deletions of courses, majors, minors, and certificate programs verifying compliance with university policies.

Commencement Committee

The Commencement Committee plans and implements commencement exercises and ceremonies annually. This includes but is not limited to reviewing past and present commencement procedures and making recommendations for future commencement ceremonies, examining budgetary implications of suggestions for planning commencement, brainstorming ways to make commencement more meaningful for graduates and their families, assuring arrangements have been made to inform all stakeholders, assisting in training marshals, and lining up platform party guests and faculty.

Diversity and International Development Committee

In alignment with the university's mission, the Diversity and International Development Committee is charged with bringing members of the univesity community together who are engaged in diversity outreach initiatives. The committee creates and communicates collaborations in ongoing and upcoming initiatives and events that support the goal of enhancing the environment of worldview development. This committee also seeks to expand various means to grow the institutional support for international students and global learning opportunities.

General Education Committee

The General Education Committee supervises the general education program by establishing the criteria that governs the inclusion of courses. This committee is also responsible for reviewing course and program assessments related to general education and recommend changes based on this data to ensure the program outcomes are met.

Institutional Review Board and Assessment Committee

A subcommittee of the Academic Council, the Institutional Review Board (IRB) has overall responsibility for ensuring that research conducted with human participants, regardless of whether the research is sponsored by SCU faculty, students, or administrators or is conducted at SCU. SCU complies with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 45, Part 46. The university Assessment Committee provides leadership and assistance in developing and overseeing a program of evaluation and feedback to enhance institutional effectiveness. Responsibilities include monitoring the university assessment plan, providing program assessment support, and coordinating all assessment activities.

University Archives and Special Collections Committee

The University Archives and Special Collections Committee studies library needs in light of academic programs and advises the Vice President of Academic Affairs on matters of policy, development of resources, and optimal ways of integrating library programs with the university's academic activities. The committee serves as liaison between the faculty and Director of Library Services, advising the administration regarding library needs. This committee also recommends policy relating to institutional archives, which includes the gathering, preservation, and provision of access to SCU documentation in paper and electronic formats.

University Technology Committee

The Technology Committee promotes the use of technology to increase efficiency of university operations and to support teaching and enhance student learning. Responsibilities include developing and updating a university technology plan; assessing student, faculty, and administrative needs in regard to technology; providing guidance and information to administration for long range planning and budget considerations.

Teacher Education Committee

The Teacher Education Committee is the existing body which ensures adherence to standards of state, regional and national accrediting agencies. Therefore, it assumes the responsibility to facilitate and coordinate program evaluation efforts related to teacher education across all teaching licensure areas. The committee believes that a formal, systematic and continuous evaluation process of teacher education and licensure is critical to maintaining excellence in the preparation of teachers. All teacher preparation programs adhere to the policies and procedures outlined by the Teacher Education Committee. The Teacher Education Committee develops, recommends, and implements curriculum policies and general administrative decisions involving the preparation of teachers.

REPORTS TO VICE PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS AND FINANCE

Financial Aid and Scholarship Committee

The Financial Aid and Scholarship Committee sets parameters and recommend policy decisions surrounding the delivery of student aid.  This committee ensures that financial aid is included in alignment with the mission and goals of the institution and aid is used to support enrollment goals.  Furthermore this committee is responsible for the creation and oversight of financial aid goals and action plan to ensure student default rates remain well below federal standards.  Additionally, this committee reviews policies and determines whether new resources are necessary to address student default rates and ensure the university maintains responsibility for successful student loan repayment rates.

REPORTS TO VICE PRESIDENT OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS

Athletic Committee

The Athletic Committee provides leadership in the development and administration of the varsity athletic programs. The Athletic Committee is to advise the President of SCU on matters relating to the development and supervision of intercollegiate athletic programs. Review and make recommendations to the President on any matters pertaining to the enforcement of and compliance with rules and regulations established by any athletic conference or national association in which the university holds membership. Review and make recommendations to the President on any pertinent matters related to the university's intercollegiate athletic program.

REPORTS TO VICE PRESIDENT OF STUDENT LIFE

Admissions Committee

The Admissions Committee reviews both traditional and non-traditional admissions data and practice, including matters related to widening access and participation and the funds associated with such activities.  This committee is responsible for creating marketing campaigns for admissions as well as developing actions plans to meet enrollment goals across all program modalities.  The committee also reviews undergraduate student numbers, makes recommendations accordingly to the university administration, and promotes fairness and consistency in university admissions policies.

Disciplinary Committee

The university Disciplinary Committee is responsible for the administration of the stated rules and regulations governing undergraduate conduct, for assessing reported violations, and, when necessary, for assigning and recommending appropriate penalties.  Evidence relating to student handbook violations is collected and presented by the Vice-President of Student Life (VPSL) to the disciplinary committee that is chaired by another member of the committee.  Given the dual role, the VPSL presents evidence during a trial but abstains from voting. The committee’s responsibilities include hearing 1) alleged conduct code violations, and 2) appeals requested following an informal hearing. The hearing is not a formal process such as a civil or criminal trial but an educational endeavor, which deals with alleged disruptive behavior. Discipline in a university, by the very nature of the institution is educational, for that reason, formal rules of evidence shall not apply in disciplinary hearings.

First Year Experience Committee

The First-Year Experience Committee is charged with coordination and enhancement of the experience of the first year for initial university students and transfer students. Responsibilities include a plan for the projected growth of the First Year Experience at SCU with specific outcomes; development of an assessment plan for all first year activities and cohorts; and recommendations to the administration on ways to enhance and improve the student’s initial university experience.

Homecoming/Vision4Education

The Homecoming Committee plans and coordinates the all-university Homecoming activities including the Vision4Eduction banquet. The committee works in conjunction with the Alumni Association to ensure successful events that involve students, faculty/staff, alumni, and the entire SCU community.

Persistence and Completion Committee

The Persistence and Completion Committee reviews data relating to program retention to pinpoint “at risk” student populations.  This committee also analyzes student surveys and other markers to determine internal factors and strategies that impact student retention. The Committee reviews systemic issues and related policies and procedures that may impact student persistence and engagement. In addition, the committee maintains a record of all such retention activities and facilitates new strategies to accomplish retention goals.

Spiritual Life Committee

The Spiritual Life Committee exists to facilitate opportunities for students to experience Christ and to encourage one another in developing their relationship with God in the context of the SCU community. This committee organizes chapel, initiates activities/projects designed to facilitate spiritual growth, and approves alternate chapel opportunities. In coordination with the Assessment Committee, this committee oversees the assessment of the university’s core value, Spirit.

Student Life Committee

The Student Life Committee contributes to the improvement of student learning and the quality of the SCU educational experience as related to co-curricular programs and student support services. The committee will help monitor the effectiveness of, and serve as the final locus of, dialogue in the formulation and recommendation of major policies and program initiatives that affect student life and that contribute to the satisfaction and success of SCU students.