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A faculty member academically qualified in the field will be assigned to each degree, certificate program, and department. These individuals will be referred to as Program Coordinators, Program Heads, or Department Chairs, respectively. In some instances, the Program Coordinator, Program Head, and Department Chair may be the same faculty member. These positions may include release time.

Definitions:

  • Program Coordinator: A faculty member qualified in the field whose primary responsibilities are to implement policy, facilitate communication among stakeholders, and develop and review the curriculum.
  • Program Head: A faculty member qualified in the field whose primary responsibilities are to implement policy, facilitate communication among stakeholders, develop and review curriculum, and ensure the program meets the requirements of the relevant outside accrediting agency.
  • Department Chair: A faculty member qualified in the field whose primary responsibility is to ensure quality instruction within the discipline.

The duties for Program Coordinators, Program Heads, and Department Chairs are outlined in the following chart: 

General Duties

  • The Program Head oversees the program budget, supervise staff, and screen applicants and select students for the program.
  • The Program Coordinators, Program Heads, and Department Chairs assist in hiring adjuncts.
  • The Program Coordinators, Program Heads, and Department Chairs assist in creating semester schedules.
  • The Program Coordinators, Program Heads, and Department Chairs manage other duties as assigned.

Program Coordination Duties

  • The Program Coordinators, Program Heads, and Department Chairs serve as liaison between adjuncts and the college community.
  • The Program Coordinators, Program Heads, and Department Chairs work with faculty to support course consistency in accordance with the departmental course outline.
  • The Program Coordinators and Program Heads recommend program needs to the Associate Vice President of the division.
  • The Program Heads, and Department Chairs recommend department needs to the Associate Vice President of the division.
  • The Program Coordinators and Program Heads assure effective program operations.
  • The Program Coordinators, Program Heads, and Department Chairs serve on faculty search committees as appropriate.
  • The Program Coordinators, Program Heads, and Department Chairs participate in Curriculum Advisory Committees and serve as a liaison to program faculty (for all technical and occupational programs).
  • The Program Coordinators, Program Heads, and Department Chairs assist in developing and implementing program recruitment and retention initiatives.

Curriculum Development and Review Duties

  • The Program Coordinators and Program Heads coordinate the development, review, and recommendation of plans for the academic program.
  • The Program Coordinators and Program Heads coordinate and design the revision of program curriculum.
  • The Program Coordinators, Program Heads, and Department Chairs coordinate and design the revision of course curriculum.
  • The Program Coordinators, Program Heads, and Department Chairs coordinate the review of department syllabi, textbook adoptions, and instructional materials.

Assessment Duties

  • The Program Coordinators, Program Heads, and Department Chairs oversee ongoing program assessment or General Education assessments in accordance with college accreditation needs.
  • The Program Coordinators, Program Heads, and Department Chairs analyze and share student learning outcome data to foster continuous program involvement.
  • The Program Coordinators, Program Heads, and Department Chairs periodically evaluate the assessment plan to ensure continuous program improvement.

 

Policy #: CVCC0123
Last Reviewed/Revised: 01/07/2026
Responsible Dept.: Academic and Student Affairs
Other Policy References: NA