| Faculty colleagues,
As UNF continues to mature, we naturally seek to add new courses and degree programs to our offerings. The APC process is the faculty governance mechanism by which we do this. The APC forms ask that faculty/departments specify additional resources needed to offer these new courses and programs. However, I would like to remind faculty that there are often resources needed to offer courses in addition to the obvious ones of instructors, laboratory equipment and space. UNF's Information Technology Services reports an increasing demand for hardware and software associated with distance learning courses. Such demand could become a problem without appropriate planning and budgeting. The Library reports they cannot supply the books and serials necessary for new courses and programs unless faculty/departments consult with them and help them plan accordingly. Unfortunately, current budget cuts make such planning difficult and requests more challenging to meet. The APC process is a way in which we can communicate our programmatic needs.
I suggest that when preparing APC forms, that Deans, Directors, Chairs, and Faculty preparing APC forms specify all types of resources we might need in order to offer a viable program to our students. To be clear, as the APC 3 form states: "The APC approval process does not depend on the status of resources. Approval for resources is independent of the APC process.” That is, the APC committee does not base its decisions on what resources a program or course needs, nor does it have the authority to grant or deny such resources. The APC 3 form goes on to state that one should “Contact Academic Affairs or other appropriate funding sources for procedures." However, it is in all our best interests to accurately describe the resource requirements for courses and programs. The Faculty Association Executive Committee and the Academic Programs Committee have agreed the latter will check if adequate documentation regarding resource requests is provided.
Thank you,
Chip Klostermeyer
President, UNF Faculty Association
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