Working Committee Terms of Reference

I. Tasks of a Working Committee

A Working Committee:

1. reviews college course outlines at the respective levels;
2. comes to a consensus on learning outcomes derived from existing courses at each level of the framework;
3. if appropriate, reviews related curriculum which may impact upon articulation, i.e., Ministry of Education;
4. articulates college courses with the described learning outcomes and produces a provincial course transfer guide;
5. makes recommendations through the chairperson to the Steering Committee about such things as curriculum development, course development;
6. understands that course articulation (Advanced & Provincial Levels) with the universities and institutes is ultimately the responsibility of each college;
7. understands that the process of articulation is primarily one of the exchange of information and setting of learning outcomes, and not one of prescription of length of course, instructional methodology or materials;
8. establishes and maintains links with other articulation committees in the same discipline whenever feasible on issues related to university transfer, career/ technical/ vocational areas, K-12, and Continuing Education ABE.

II. Tasks of a Chairperson

A. Procedure

A Working Committee Chairperson:

1. is elected from within the Working Committee;
2. serves a two-year (renewable) term;
3. becomes a member of the Steering Committee and the Executive of the Steering Committee;
4. calls annual meetings in the Lower Mainland at least two months prior to the annual Steering Committee meeting;
5. discusses a proposed agenda with the Steering Committee chairperson prior to mail-out;
6. sends a copy of an agenda one month in advance of the meeting to the Working Committee members, the Steering Committees, the Ministry, and to all College principals;
7. encourages every college and institution to send or designate a representative who will act as a spokesperson for the institution;
8. writes an annual report which includes a goal statement, a list of generic topics, a course transfer guide, and the recommendations of the Working Committee to the Steering Committee that may include any curriculum proposals;
9. brings the annual report for distribution and presentation to the annual meeting of the ABE Steering Committee;
10. reports in person to the Steering Committee;
11. provides updated material to the Ministry for the Articulation Handbook (transfer guide, committee lists, course changes, etc.).

B. Responsibilities

A Working Committee Chairperson:

1. represents an institution;
2. orients new members of the Working Committee;
3. notifies Steering Committee members when colleges are not represented on Working Committees;
4. ensures there is a recorder for the Working Committee to summarize the results of the meetings, including items for action;
5. seeks the advice of the System Liaison Person, BCCAT, or the Ministry as and when appropriate, and invites such non-voting representatives to a meeting when necessary;
6. keeps updated course outlines at all levels for each college;
7. ensures the Working Committee stays on task.

List of Working Committees

Currently, there are eight working committees. They are:

• Computer Studies
• Education and Career Planning
• English
• Adult Literacy Fundamental Level
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Science
• First Peoples ABE