The institution offers degree programs that embody a coherent course of study that is compatible with its stated purpose and is based upon fields of study appropriate to higher education. ( Program Content )

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Narrative: In keeping with its stated purpose, Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College (OCtech) offers coherent courses of study consistent with its mission to provide quality and affordable comprehensive education programs that will have a positive social and economic impact on the lives of the citizens of Orangeburg and Calhoun counties. All degree programs conform to the standard program format and curriculum models established by the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education (SBTCE). (See Compliance Report Narrative 2.7.3 for approved OCtech models.) Each degree program offers a course of study designed to sequentially develop skills and competencies appropriate to the workforce. Additionally, the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science programs develop the broad general education competencies that prepare students for successful transfer to senior institutions.

Degree programs are compatible with OCtech’s purpose as stated in the Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College Catalog, 2004. This includes providing workforce programs leading directly to employment, plus freshman and sophomore university parallel courses. All programs that have accrediting agencies conform to their respective external licensing and accrediting agency minimum standards. SBTCE program guidelines ensure that degrees are designed to embody a coherent course of study based upon fields of study appropriate to higher education and ensure the appropriate transfer of credit toward baccalaureate degree completion and the portability of credit into the workforce.

The formal Orangeburg-Calhoun Area Technical Education Commission program approval process, as well as the required SBTCE and the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) program approval process, require evaluation of each degree program relative to the mission and purpose of the College. All degree programs at OCtech are reviewed by the Curriculum Committee during the development and approval process. Curricular proposals and modifications originate within the academic department and are received by the program coordinator and the academic dean to determine if they are appropriate in content for the degree awarded. If successfully approved, the proposal is forwarded to the Curriculum Committee. Upon approval, the proposal is sent to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and then on to the Area Commission. In accordance with State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education Policy 3-1-101: Structure of Associate Degree, Diploma, and Certificate Programs and with State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education Procedure 3-1-101.1: Structure of Associate Degree, Diploma, and Certificate Programs, all associate degree programs must be approved by the SBTCE and the CHE and must conform to specified criteria. These criteria are outlined in the SBTCE Program Development Guidelines Manual for New Associate Degree and Diploma Proposals. The CHE, as part of its principal role in program approval, also reviews the following after receiving initial approval from the SBTCE:

• Objectives of the proposed program
• Need for the program in the state
• Compatibility of the program with the college's mission, role, and scope of the institution
• Cost of implementing the program
• Ability of the College to conduct a high-quality program using additional personnel, library holdings, and essentials as a measure

Evidence of Support: