Baccalaureate Degree Accreditation
Bakersfield College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The ACCJC is one of the six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. In 2014 the Accrediting Commission adopted revised Eligibility Requirements and Accreditation Standards (pdf) with specific annotations addressing baccalaureate degrees and published a Policy of Accreditation of Baccalaureate Degrees in July 2016.
Industrial Automation
Accreditation Documents
- Bakersfield College Special Report Baccalaureate Degree (pdf)
- 2015 Bakersfield College Substantive Change Proposal (pdf)
Related College Committee Websites
- Accreditation and Institutional Quality
- Assessment Committee
- Curriculum Committee
- Program Review Committee
Accreditation Evidence
1. Authority:The institution is authorized or licensed to operate as a post-secondary educational institution and to award degrees by an appropriate governmental organization or agency as required by each of the jurisdictions or regions in which it operates.
Private institutions, if required by the appropriate statutory regulatory body, must submit evidence of authorization, licensure, or approval by that body. If incorporated, the institution shall submit a copy of its articles of incorporation.
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- Authority requires that an institution be authorized or licensed as a post-secondary institution to award degrees. An institution wishing to gain approval for a baccalaureate degree will have to provide evidence of the institution's authorization to offer the degree, as required by each of the jurisdictions or regions in which it operates.
Evidence
BC-1 Bakersfield College 2012 Self Evaluation Report (pdf)
BC-2 Notification Letter from Brice Harris, California Community College Chancellor (pdf)
BC-3 California Community College Board of Governors March 2015 Minutes
BC-4 California Community College Chancellor's Office Press Release
BC-5 SB850 Bill Authorizing the Baccalaureate Degree Pilot Program
Standard I.A.1
The mission describes the institution's broad educational purposes, its intended student population, the types of degrees and other credentials it offers, and its commitment to student learning and student achievement. (ER 6)
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- Baccalaureate degrees generally extend beyond previously identified credentials, service areas, and intended student populations. Member institutions may need to make changes within the institutional mission to reflect these differences.
- The baccalaureate degree program must align with the Institutional mission.
- Student demand for the baccalaureate degree should demonstrate its correlation with the institutional mission.
Evidence
BC-6 Bakersfield College Midterm Report 2015 (pdf)
BC-7 Bakersfield College Mission Statement
BC-8 Bakersfield College 2016-2017 Catalog (pdf)
BC-9 Bakersfield College 2016-2017 Catalog Baccalaureate Degree Addendum (pdf)
BC-10 Electronics Technology Program Review Data (pdf)
BC-11 2015 Bakersfield College Substantive Change Proposal (pdf)
BC-12 Baccalaureate Degree Learning Outcome Mapping Excel Workbook (xlsx
Standard I.A.2:
The institution uses data to determine how effectively it is accomplishing its mission, and whether the mission directs institutional priorities in meeting the educational needs of students.
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- The assessment of data, in addition to measuring institution effectiveness, must also demonstrate the effectiveness and success of the baccalaureate program.
Evidence
BC-13 Renegade Scorecard
BC-14 Strategic Directions Document
BC-15 Electronics Technology Program Review 2015
Additional Evidence
Industrial Automation Program Information
Standard I.A.3:
The institution's programs and services are aligned with its mission. The mission guides institutional decision-making, planning, and resource allocation and informs institutional goals for student learning and achievement.
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- The baccalaureate program is clearly aligned with the institutional mission.
- The institution has included the baccalaureate degree in its decision making and planning processes, and in setting its goals for student learning and achievement.
Evidence
BC-8 Bakersfield College 2016-2017 Catalog
BC-9 Bakersfield College 2016-2017 Catalog Baccalaureate Degree Addendum
BC-12 Baccalaureate Degree Learning Outcome Mapping Excel Workbook (download link)
BC-16 Baccalaureate Degree Program Review 2015
BC-17 Baccalaureate Degree Program Review 2016
BC-18 Baccalaureate Degree Program Assumptions
Standard I.B.2:
The institution defines and assesses student learning outcomes for all instructional programs and student and learning support services. (ER 11)
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- Student learning outcomes for upper division baccalaureate courses reflect higher levels of depth and rigor generally expected in higher education.
- Assessment must be accurate and distinguish the baccalaureate degree outcomes from those of other programs.
Evidence
BC-8 Bakersfield College 2016-2017 Catalog
BC-12 Baccalaureate Degree Learning Outcome Mapping Excel Workbook
BC-19 Baccalaureate Degree Assessment Plan
BC-20 Bakersfield College CurricUNET Database for Lower Division Courses
BC-21 Assessment Committee
BC-29 Baccalaureate Degree Program Course Outline of Record
Standard I.B.3:
The institution establishes institution-set standards for student achievement, appropriate to its mission, assesses how well it is achieving them in pursuit of continuous improvement, and publishes this information. (ER 11)
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- The Institution has institution-set standards for the baccalaureate program and assesses performance related to those standards. It uses this assessment to improve the quality of the baccalaureate program.
- Student Achievement standards are separately identified and assessed for baccalaureate programs to distinguish them from associate degree programs.
Evidence
BC-13 Renegade Scorecard
BC-14 Strategic Directions Document
BC-16 Baccalaureate Degree Program Review 2015
BC-17 Baccalaureate Degree Program Review 2016
BC-18 Baccalaureate Degree Program Assumptions
BC-31 CCC Pilot Baccalaureate Degree Program - Occupational LMI (download link)
Additional Evidence
Industrial Automation Program Information
Standard I.B.7:
The institution regularly evaluates its policies and practices across all areas of the institution, including instructional programs, student and learning support services, resource management, and governance processes to assure their effectiveness in supporting academic quality and accomplishment of mission.
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- The institutional evaluation policies and practices recognize the unique aspects and requirements of the baccalaureate program in relation to learning and student support services and resource allocation and management.
Evidence
BC-6 Bakersfield College Midterm Report 2015
BC-16 Baccalaureate Degree Program Review 2015
BC-17 Baccalaureate Degree Program Review 2016
BC-23 Closing the Loop April, 2016
Standard I.C.1:
The institution assures the clarity, accuracy, and integrity of information provided to students and prospective students, personnel, and all persons or organizations related to its mission statement, learning outcomes, educational programs, and student support services. The institution gives accurate information to students and the public about its accreditation status with all of its accreditors. (ER 20)
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- Information related to baccalaureate programs are clear and accurate in all aspects of this Standard, especially in regard to learning outcomes, program requirements, and student support services.
Evidence
BC-9 Bakersfield College 2016-2017 Catalog Baccalaureate Degree Addendum
BC-24 Bachelor of Science Degree Industrial Automation Application Guidelines
BC-25 Bachelor of Science Degree Industrial Automation Quick Facts Sheet
BC-26 Baccalaureate Degree Program Student Newsletters
Standard I.C.3:
The institution uses documented assessment of student learning and evaluation of student achievement to communicate matters of academic quality to appropriate constituencies, including current and prospective students and the public. (ER 19)
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- The assessment results of student learning and student achievement in the baccalaureate programs are used in the communication of academic quality.
Evidence
BC-10 Electronics Technology Program Review Data
BC-13 Renegade Scorecard
BC-21 Assessment Committee
BC-22 KCCD Institutional Research Program Review Data
BC-27 Sample Learning Outcome Mapping for Electronics
BC-28 Sample Assessment for Electronics
Additional Evidence
Industrial Automation Program Information
Standard I.C.4:
The institution describes its certificates and degrees in terms of their purpose, content, course requirements, and expected learning outcomes.
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- The purpose, content, course requirements and learning outcomes of the baccalaureate programs are clearly described.
Evidence
BC-8 Bakersfield College 2016-2017 Catalog
BC-9 Bakersfield College 2016-2017 Catalog Baccalaureate Degree Addendum
BC-29 Baccalaureate Degree Program Course Outlines of Record
Standard II.A.1:
All instructional programs, regardless of location or means of delivery, including distance education and correspondence education, are offered in fields of study consistent with the institution's mission, are appropriate to higher education, and culminate in student attainment of identified student learning outcomes, and achievement of degrees, certificates, employment, or transfer to other higher education programs. (ER 9 and ER 11)
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- The baccalaureate degree field of study aligns with the institutional mission.
- Student demand for the baccalaureate degree program demonstrates its correlation with the institutional mission.
Evidence
BC-10 Electronics Technology Program Review Data
BC-13 Renegade Scorecard
BC-29 Baccalaureate Degree Program Course Outline of Record
BC-31 CCC Pilot Baccalaureate Degree Program - Occupational LMI (download link)
Standard II.A.3:
The institution identifies and regularly assesses learning outcomes for courses, programs, certificates and degrees using established institutional procedures. The institution has officially approved and current course outlines that include student learning outcomes. In every class section students receive a course syllabus that includes learning outcomes from the institution's officially approved course outline.
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- Learning outcomes for baccalaureate courses, programs, and degrees are identified and assessed consistent with institutional processes.
Evidence
BC-19 Baccalaureate Degree Assessment Plan
BC-21 Assessment Committee
BC-29 Baccalaureate Degree Program Course Outline of Record
Standard II.A.5:
The institution's degrees and programs follow practices common to American higher education, including appropriate length, breadth, depth, rigor, course sequencing, time to completion, and synthesis of learning. The institution ensures that minimum degree requirements are 60 semester credits or equivalent at the associate level, and 120 credits or equivalent at the baccalaureate level. (ER 12)
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- A Minimum of 40 semester credits or equivalent of total upper division coursework including the major and general education is required.
- The academic credit awarded for upper division courses within baccalaureate programs is clearly distinguished from that of lower division courses.
- The instructional level and curriculum of the upper division courses in the baccalaureate degree are comparable to those commonly accepted among like degrees in higher education and reflect the higher levels of knowledge and intellectual inquiry expected at the baccalaureate level.
- Student expectations, including learning outcomes, assignments and examinations of the upper division courses demonstrate the rigor commonly accepted among like degrees in higher education.
- The program length and delivery mode of instruction are appropriate for the expected level of rigor.
Evidence
BC-6 Bakersfield College Midterm Report 2015
BC-30 Baccalaureate Degree Program Outline
Standard II.A.6:
The institution schedules courses in a manner that allows students to complete certificate and degree programs within a period of time consistent with established expectations in higher education.1 (ER 9)
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- Baccalaureate courses are scheduled to ensure that students will complete those programs in a reasonable period of time.
Evidence
BC-1 Bakersfield College 2012 Self Evaluation Report
BC-20 Bakersfield College CurricUNET Database for Lower Division Courses
BC-30 Baccalaureate Degree Program Outline
BC-32 Bakersfield College Online Schedule - Banner Web Search
Standard II.A.9:
The institution awards course credit, degrees and certificates based on student attainment of learning outcomes. Units of credit awarded are consistent with institutional policies that reflect generally accepted norms or equivalencies in higher education. If the institution offers courses based on clock hours, it follows Federal standards for clock-to-credit-hour conversions. (ER 10)
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- Baccalaureate Degrees and the course credit in those programs are based on student learning outcomes. These outcomes are consistent with generally accepted norms and equivalencies in higher education, especially in relation to upper division courses.
Evidence
BC-1 Bakersfield College 2012 Self Evaluation Report
BC-6 Bakersfield College Midterm Report 2015
BC-8 Bakersfield College 2016-2017 Catalog
BC-29 Baccalaureate Degree Program Course Outlines of Record
BC-30 Baccalaureate Degree Program Outline
Standard II.A.10:
The institution makes available to its students clearly stated transfer-of-credit policies in order to facilitate the mobility of students without penalty. In accepting transfer credits to fulfill degree requirements, the institution certifies that the expected learning outcomes for transferred courses are comparable to the learning outcomes of its own courses. Where patterns of student enrollment between institutions are identified, the institution develops articulation agreements as appropriate to its mission. (ER 10)
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- Policies for student transfer into the baccalaureate program ensure that all program requirements are fulfilled, including completion of the minimum required semester units, prerequisites, experiential activities, and general education.
Evidence
BC-1 Bakersfield College 2012 Self Evaluation Report
BC-33 Baccalaureate Degree Program Counselor Checklist
Standard II.A.11:
The institution includes in all of its programs, student learning outcomes, appropriate to the program level, in communication competency, information competency, quantitative competency, analytic inquiry skills, ethical reasoning, the ability to engage diverse perspectives, and other program-specific learning outcomes.
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- Student learning outcomes in baccalaureate programs are consistent with generally accepted norms in higher education and reflect the higher levels expected at the baccalaureate level.
Evidence
BC-6 Bakersfield College Midterm Report 2015
BC-29 Baccalaureate Degree Program Course Outlines of Record
Standard II.A.12:
The institution requires of all of its degree programs a component of general education based on a carefully considered philosophy for both associate and baccalaureate degrees that is clearly stated in its catalog. The institution, relying on faculty expertise, determines the appropriateness of each course for inclusion in the general education curriculum, based upon student learning outcomes and competencies appropriate to the degree level. The learning outcomes include a student's preparation for and acceptance of responsible participation in civil society, skills for lifelong learning and application of learning, and a broad comprehension of the development of knowledge, practice, and interpretive approaches in the arts and humanities, the sciences, mathematics, and social sciences. (ER 12)
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- At least 36 semester units or equivalent of lower and upper division general education is required, including at least 9 semester units or equivalent of upper division general education coursework.
- At least 9 semester units or equivalent of upper division general education coursework is required.
- The general education requirements are integrated and distributed to both lower division and upper division courses.
- The general education requirements are distributed across the major subject areas for general education; the distribution appropriately captures the baccalaureate level student learning outcomes and competencies.
Evidence
BC-6 Bakersfield College Midterm Report 2015
BC-8 Bakersfield College 2016-2017 Catalog
BC-29 Baccalaureate Degree Program Course Outlines of Record
Standard II.A.13:
All degree programs include focused study in at least one area of inquiry or in an established interdisciplinary core. The identification of specialized courses in an area of inquiry or interdisciplinary core is based upon student learning outcomes and competencies, and include mastery, at the appropriate degree level, of key theories and practices within the field of study.
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- The baccalaureate degree programs include a focused study on one area of inquiry or discipline at the baccalaureate level and include key theories and practices appropriate to the baccalaureate degree level.
Evidence
BC-8 Bakersfield College 2016-2017 Catalog
BC-29 Baccalaureate Degree Program Course Outlines of Record
Standard II.A.14:
Graduates completing career-technical certificates and degrees demonstrate technical and professional competencies that meet employment standards and other applicable standards and preparation for external licensure and certification.
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- The CTE baccalaureate degree ensures students will be able to meet employment standards and licensure or certification as required in the field of study.
Evidence
BC-1 Bakersfield College 2012 Self Evaluation Report
BC-34 Bachelor of Science Industrial Automation Advisory Committee
BC-35 Bakersfield College Industrial Automation Advisory Committee By-Laws - DRAFT
Standard II.B.1:
The institution supports student learning and achievement by providing library and other learning support services to students and to personnel responsible for student learning and support. These services are sufficient in quantity, currency, depth, and variety to support educational programs, regardless of location or means of delivery, including distance education and correspondence education. Learning support services include, but are not limited to, library collections, tutoring, learning centers, computer laboratories, learning technology, and ongoing instruction for users of library and other learning support services.
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- Learning support services to support the baccalaureate program are sufficient to support the quality, currency, rigor and depth of the baccalaureate degree and reflect the unique needs of this program.
- Resource collections are sufficient in regard to the rigor, currency, and depth expected of baccalaureate programs.
Evidence
BC-36 Library - Applied Science EBSCO Usage
Standard II.C.6
The institution has adopted and adheres to admission policies consistent with its mission that specify the qualifications of students appropriate for its programs. The institution defines and advises students on clear pathways (2) to complete degrees, certificate and transfer goals. (ER 16)
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- The prerequisites and other qualifications for the baccalaureate are appropriately communicated and applied to students.
- The advising of students related to the baccalaureate degree appropriately identifies course sequencing and pathways.
Evidence
BC-8 Bakersfield College 2016-2017 Catalog
BC-24 Bachelor of Science Degree Industrial Automation Application Guidelines
Standard III.A.1
The institution assures the integrity and quality of its programs and services by employing administrators, faculty and staff who are qualified by appropriate education, training, and experience to provide and support these programs and services. Criteria, qualifications, and procedures for selection of personnel are clearly and publicly stated and address the needs of the institution in serving its student population. Job descriptions are directly related to institutional mission and goals and accurately reflect position duties, responsibilities, and authority.
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- The job descriptions for faculty members teaching in the baccalaureate degree accurately reflect the duties and responsibilities associated with the position.
Evidence
BC-38 Sample Electronics Faculty Job Announcement
BC-39 Sample Engineering Faculty Job Announcement
Standard III.A.2
The institution assures the integrity and quality of its programs and services by employing administrators, faculty and staff who are qualified by appropriate education, training, and experience to provide and support these programs and services. Criteria, qualifications, and procedures for selection of personnel are clearly and publicly stated and address the needs of the institution in serving its student population. Job descriptions are directly related to institutional mission and goals and accurately reflect position duties, responsibilities, and authority.
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- The qualifications for faculty teaching upper division courses in the baccalaureate degree include the requirement for a master's degree (or academic credentials at least one level higher than the baccalaureate degree) or doctoral degree, in an appropriate discipline.
- In cases where no Master's degree is available for the field of study, the qualifications for faculty teaching upper division courses in the baccalaureate degree include a bachelor's degree in the discipline or closely related discipline, and a Master's degree in any discipline, and demonstrated industry work experience in the field for a minimum of six years, and commonly required industry-recognized certification or professional licensure.
- The Commission may require some faculty in non-career technical education baccalaureate programs to have the recognized terminal degree in the field of study.
Evidence
BC-40 Community College Association (CCA) Contract 2014-17
Additional Evidence
Baccalaureate Degree Program Organizational Chart
Standard III.A.7
The institution maintains a sufficient number of qualified faculty, which includes full-time faculty and may include part-time and adjunct faculty, to assure the fulfillment of faculty responsibilities essential to the quality of educational programs and services to achieve institutional mission and purposes.
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- There is at least one full-time faculty member assigned to the baccalaureate program.
Evidence
BC-1 Bakersfield College 2012 Self Evaluation Report
Additional Evidence
Baccalaureate Degree Program Organizational Chart
Standard III.B.3
To assure the feasibility and effectiveness of physical resources in supporting institutional programs and services, the institution plans and evaluates its facilities and equipment on a regular basis, taking utilization and other relevant data into account.
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- The facilities and other physical resources utilized by the baccalaureate program are evaluated for feasibility and effectiveness for the program on a regular basis.
Evidence
BC-1 Bakersfield College 2012 Self Evaluation Report
BC-6 Bakersfield College Midterm Report 2015
BC-16 Baccalaureate Degree Program Review 2015
BC-17 Baccalaureate Degree Program Review 2016
Standard III.C.1
Technology services, professional support, facilities, hardware, and software are appropriate and adequate to support the institution's management and operational functions, academic programs, teaching and learning, and support services.
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- Technology services, support, facilities, hardware and software utilized by the baccalaureate program are appropriate and adequate for the program.
Evidence
BC-6 Bakersfield College Midterm Report 2015
BC-16 Baccalaureate Degree Program Review 2015
BC-17 Baccalaureate Degree Program Review 2016
Additional Evidence
Baccalaureate Degree Program Review Technology
Request Bakersfield College Technology Plan 2014
Standard III.D.1
Financial resources are sufficient to support and sustain student learning programs and services and improve institutional effectiveness. The distribution of resources supports the development, maintenance, allocation and reallocation, and enhancement of programs and services. The institution plans and manages its financial affairs with integrity and in a manner that ensures financial stability. (ER 18)
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- The financial resources allocated to the baccalaureate program are sufficient to support and sustain program student learning and effectiveness.
- Financial resources allocated to the baccalaureate program ensure the financial stability of the program.
Evidence
BC-6 Bakersfield College Midterm Report 2015
BC-43 Bakersfield College Baccalaureate Degree Proposal
Additional Evidence
Baccalaureate Degree Expenses Report
Standard IV.A.1
Faculty and academic administrators, through policy and procedures, and through well-defined structures, have responsibility for recommendations about curriculum and student learning programs and services.
Specified Baccalaureate Degree Program Evaluation Criteria:
- The faculty and academic administrators assigned to the baccalaureate program have responsibility for making recommendations to appropriate governance and decision-making bodies about the curriculum, student learning programs, and services for the program.
Evidence
BC-1 Bakersfield College 2012 Self Evaluation Report
BC-41 Industrial Automation Advisory Committee Agenda - May 20 2016
BC-42 Curriculum Committee