The Curriculum Committee at Sinte Gleska University is a faculty-led governing body responsible for maintaining academic standards and institutional integrity. It reviews all proposals for new courses, degree programs, and modifications to existing curricula to ensure they align with the university's mission and Lakota cultural values. By evaluating academic rigor and resource requirements, the committee serves as a vital gatekeeper before recommendations are sent to the administration and Board of Regents for final approval.
Key Responsibilities
Core Purpose
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The primary role of the Curriculum Committee is to review and provide recommendations on all academic matters related to the university's courses and programs. This includes:
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New Course Proposals: Evaluating and approving the addition of new classes to the catalog.
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Degree Programs: Reviewing proposals for entirely new degree programs or concentrations.
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Curricular Changes: Approving modifications to existing courses, such as changes to course descriptions, credit hours, or prerequisites.
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Alignment: Ensuring that curriculum changes align with the university’s mission to provide indigenous models of teaching and cultural relevance to the Sicangu Lakota Oyate.
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Approval Process
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The committee serves as a critical step in the institutional approval chain. Generally, the process follows these stages:
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Departmental Level: Proposals often originate within specific academic departments (e.g., Lakota Studies, Human Services, or Education).
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Curriculum Committee Review: The committee evaluates the proposal for academic rigor and institutional fit.
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Final Approval: Once the committee makes a positive recommendation, new programs typically require final approval from the University President and the Board of Regents.
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Relationship to Faculty Governance
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The Curriculum Committee operates in coordination with the Faculty Council, which assists in planning and managing major university functions. While department chairpersons are responsible for the daily coordination and supervision of academic programs, they work in collaboration with the committee to implement broad curricular developments.