North Carolina Administrative Code Title 23 - COMMUNITY COLLEGES
North Carolina Administrative Code (NCAC) Title 23 pertains to Community Colleges in North Carolina. This title provides the regulations governing the operations, programs, and policies of community colleges across the state. It covers a wide range of topics, including admissions, curriculum standards, accreditation, faculty qualifications, and student services.
Title 23 ensures that North Carolina community colleges meet certain statewide standards while offering accessible and quality education to students. It aims to support the state's workforce development by providing affordable, flexible educational opportunities.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of NCAC Title 23 - Community Colleges:
Overview of Title 23 – Community Colleges
Title 23 outlines the regulatory framework for community colleges in North Carolina, ensuring that they maintain academic standards, meet state funding criteria, and operate efficiently. It covers topics related to program offerings, faculty requirements, student services, administrative structures, and more.
Key Areas Covered in Title 23
General Purpose and Authority
Purpose of Community Colleges: Title 23 establishes that community colleges in North Carolina aim to provide accessible higher education, workforce training, and skill development. They play a crucial role in meeting the educational and vocational needs of local communities.
State Funding: Community colleges receive state funding based on enrollment, program offerings, and performance in key areas such as graduation rates and workforce placement.
Board of Trustees and Governance
Governance Structure: Each community college has a Board of Trustees that is responsible for overseeing the administration and operations of the college. The Board works closely with the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) to ensure compliance with state regulations and goals.
Responsibilities of the Trustees: The Board of Trustees makes decisions on matters such as budgeting, academic policies, student affairs, and faculty appointments.
Selection of College President: The Board of Trustees is responsible for hiring the president or chief executive officer of the community college, who manages the day-to-day operations.
Admission and Enrollment Policies
Eligibility for Admission: Title 23 sets the criteria for admissions, which may vary based on the program. Generally, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, though non-traditional students or those seeking continuing education programs may have different requirements.
Special Admission Programs: The regulations include provisions for dual enrollment for high school students, early college programs, and special admissions for non-degree-seeking students.
Residency Requirements: In-state and out-of-state residency status are also defined in Title 23, which affects tuition rates and eligibility for financial aid.
Academic Programs and Curriculum Standards
Curriculum Framework: Community colleges are required to follow the North Carolina Community College System curriculum standards for all degree, diploma, and certificate programs. These standards ensure that programs are aligned with state educational goals and workforce needs.
Program Approval: The creation of new programs must be approved by the State Board of Community Colleges. The Board reviews programs for academic rigor, alignment with workforce needs, and financial feasibility.
General Education Requirements: Title 23 includes standards for general education courses, ensuring that community colleges offer foundational courses in English, mathematics, social sciences, science, and other core disciplines.
Faculty and Staff Qualifications
Faculty Requirements: Title 23 sets the standards for faculty qualifications, including the required educational background, professional experience, and certifications necessary for teaching at community colleges. Full-time faculty are generally required to hold at least a master’s degree in their subject area, while part-time instructors may be required to have relevant professional experience.
Faculty Evaluation: Community colleges are required to have evaluation systems in place to assess the performance of faculty members. These evaluations consider factors such as teaching effectiveness, professional development, and student outcomes.
Staff and Administration: In addition to faculty, community colleges employ a range of staff in administrative, student services, and support roles. Title 23 outlines the standards for staffing and hiring practices to ensure that colleges operate smoothly and serve students effectively.
Student Services and Support
Advising and Counseling: Community colleges must offer academic advising, career counseling, and personal support services to help students succeed. These services include guidance on course selection, career pathways, and personal development.
Financial Aid: Title 23 establishes the procedures for administering financial aid, including federal, state, and institutional aid programs. Colleges are required to assist students in applying for scholarships, grants, and student loans.
Disability Services: Community colleges must provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities to ensure equal access to educational opportunities.
Student Conduct and Discipline
Code of Conduct: Community colleges are required to have a student code of conduct that outlines acceptable behavior and academic integrity standards. Violations of the code, such as plagiarism, cheating, or disruptive behavior, may result in disciplinary action.
Due Process: Students have the right to due process when facing disciplinary action, including the right to a hearing and the ability to appeal decisions.
Title IX Compliance: Title 23 ensures that community colleges comply with Title IX regulations, which prohibit discrimination based on gender, including in the areas of athletics, admissions, and sexual harassment.
Accreditation and Quality Assurance
Accreditation Standards: Community colleges must adhere to the accreditation standards set by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) or other accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Program Assessment: Colleges are required to conduct regular program assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of their educational offerings. This includes collecting student feedback, tracking graduation rates, and measuring job placement success.
Continuous Improvement: Title 23 emphasizes a commitment to continuous improvement, requiring community colleges to implement changes based on assessment data and feedback to improve the quality of education and student outcomes.
Workforce Development and Continuing Education
Workforce Development Programs: Community colleges play a key role in workforce development, offering programs that provide students with the skills needed to succeed in the labor market. These programs are designed to meet the needs of local employers and industries, including certifications in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology.
Continuing Education: Title 23 also includes provisions for continuing education programs aimed at adult learners, including those who are retraining or seeking personal enrichment. These programs may be offered in flexible formats, such as evening classes, online courses, and short-term workshops.
Governance and Administration
Administrative Procedures: Title 23 specifies the administrative procedures for the operation of community colleges, including how policies are developed, funds are allocated, and goals are set.
State Board of Community Colleges: The State Board of Community Colleges oversees the implementation of policies across all community colleges in North Carolina. This board ensures that colleges operate in alignment with statewide priorities, such as educational access, equity, and economic development.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition Rates: Title 23 establishes the tuition rates for both in-state and out-of-state students. The rates are set by the North Carolina General Assembly but may vary by institution. The regulations ensure that tuition is affordable while covering the operational costs of the colleges.
Fee Structures: In addition to tuition, community colleges may charge fees for specific services, such as laboratory use, parking, student activities, and technology access. These fees are regulated by Title 23 to ensure transparency.
Importance of Title 23 – Community Colleges
Quality Education: Title 23 ensures that community colleges provide high-quality education aligned with state standards, meeting the needs of students and employers alike.
Workforce Development: By focusing on workforce development and continuing education, Title 23 helps community colleges play a critical role in developing a skilled workforce that supports North Carolina’s economy.
Equity and Access: The regulations under Title 23 emphasize equity in access to education, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have the opportunity to pursue higher education and career training.
Accountability and Improvement: Title 23 holds community colleges accountable through regular accreditation, program assessments, and feedback mechanisms, ensuring that educational offerings meet the changing needs of the state.
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