EDUCATION certificate

In this course, students will evaluate how higher education institutions operate within a regulatory framework created by local, state and federal statutory law, case law, policies created by governmental agencies as well as various accrediting bodies. Major topics include systems of higher education governance, faculty, administrator and staff employment issues, student rights and conduct, technology, intellectual property and risk management. The impact of social and political constructs and stakeholder perspectives will be evaluated as it relates to the creation of a comprehensive ethical and legal approach to problem solving and policy development. Competency A: Examine United States local, state, and federal laws and regulations for their effect on higher education. Competency B: Examine strategies and resources for the prevention and resolution of legal issues in higher education. Competency C: Analyze the legal rights, policies, and procedures for students and faculty and other internal and external stakeholders in higher education. Competency D: Analyze the relationship between the law and the implementation of institutional policy, such as codes of conduct, to promote an effective, efficient, and safe educational environment. Competency E: Examine case laws, legal strategies, and current issues for their application to decision making by higher education administration.

This course introduces and examines the major features of the financial operations and functions, and decision making within various types of higher education institutions. Strategic financial planning and global market influences, in the context of higher education institutions will be addressed. Competency A: Evaluate the interrelationships among laws, regulations, politics, institutional policies, costs, benefits, and investments in individuals and society in higher education. Competency B: Describe the contributions and ramifications of various sources of funding including Federal and State governments, student tuition and fees, philanthropy, special interest groups, and private enterprise in financing higher education. Competency C: Analyze the roles and functions of the office of budget and management and the responsibilities of the chief financial officer. Competency D: Apply budget philosophies, processes, allocations, and accountability to institutional financial strategic planning. Competency E: Evaluate the influences of global market forces, global funding of higher education, and comparative funding models in developed and developing nations on higher education policy. Competency F: Examine shifts in funding processes for ethical issues and emerging concepts.

In this course, students will explore contemporary curriculum issues including creating appropriate learning outcomes, developing high-impact educational practices, and striking a balance between general education and major courses. The course will also focus on using evidence-based decision making in program/course curriculum development and change processes. Program evaluation models and methods and accreditation processes utilized in higher education will be explored. Competency A: Develop comprehensive curricular planning, assessment strategies and evaluation processes for higher education programs. Competency B: Determine appropriate assessment, evaluation and continuous improvement methods that align with the mission, goals and objectives of higher education programs. Competency C: Apply key concepts, research and techniques for assessing the effectiveness of higher education programs. Competency D: Analyze opportunities and challenges associated with planning, assessment and evaluation of higher education programs. Competency E: Analyze current trends and best practices associated with curriculum development, assessment and program evaluation.

In this course, major functions housed in the academic division of colleges and universities will be analyzed. Major functions of student affairs administration will also be analyzed. Emerging issues in the academic and student affairs profession will be evaluated as they relate to the achievement of the institutional mission. Competency A: Examine leadership- and relationship-building practices critical to academic affairs administration. Competency B: Analyze academic affairs components and functions including ethical and legal structures. Competency C: Examine leadership- and community-building practices to improve student affairs administration. Competency D: Analyze student affairs components and functions including ethical and legal structures. Competency E: Evaluate emerging issues affecting academic and student affairs administration.

This course will provide an understanding of traditional, non-traditional and diverse students in higher education through an examination of the psychosocial, cultural, cognitive-structural, and identity theories related to student development. Competency A: Synthesize various student development, adult education, and student diversity theories to enhance the understanding of students in higher education. Competency B: Evaluate theories and practices in college student development, adult education and student diversity in higher education environments. Competency C: Evaluate the interplay between student development theories and student diversity in higher education. Competency D: Analyze legal and ethical considerations for working with students of various abilities, needs, and cultures.