UNIV--116 Policy on Cooperative Academic Arrangements
University Policy on Cooperative Academic Arrangements
Document Number: UNIV--116
Revision #: 1.0
Document Owner: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Date Last Updated: 11/13/2025
Primary Author: Dean Jason Grindstaff
Date Originally Created: 11/03/2025
1. Purpose
Cumberland University is committed to maintaining high academic standards and ensuring that all coursework or credits transcribed under its name meet the same level of quality and integrity as courses delivered directly by the university. Formal cooperative academic agreements must be established and maintained between the university and all partner organizations. These agreements are subject to regular review and evaluation. This policy ensures the quality and integrity of academic credit transcribed by the university for courses or programs offered through cooperative academic arrangements. It establishes the standards and procedures that govern such arrangements, including approval, oversight, and evaluation processes.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all cooperative academic arrangements in which the university transcribes credit for coursework or programs delivered by a partner organization but recorded as its own. These include, but are not limited to, partnerships with other higher education institutions, third-party organizations, consortia, or corporate training providers.
3. Policy Statement
Cumberland University may enter into cooperative academic arrangements with other entities as a means of diversifying the courses and programs offered at the institution. A cooperative academic arrangement is a formal, articulated agreement between Cumberland University and a partner organization/entity, whereby that partner organization/entity is responsible for the delivery of the coursework and the transcribing of credit is its own. This policy outlines the roles and responsibilities of Cumberland University and the partner organization/entity.
4. Responsibilities
4.1. The Academic Institution (Cumberland)
Cumberland is responsible for:
- Approval of Cooperative Academic Agreements:
All cooperative academic agreements must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate academic leadership and maintained in the Office of the Provost.
- Curriculum Evaluation:
Cumberland evaluates the curriculum provided by the partner organization to ensure alignment with university standards, accreditation requirements, and program-level learning outcomes.
- Faculty Qualifications Verification:
Cumberland verifies that faculty assigned by the partner organization meet the institution's qualifications and credentialing standards.
- Ongoing Assessment and Oversight:
The university regularly assesses the effectiveness of each agreement, including a review of course quality, learning outcomes, student engagement, and instructional delivery.
- Recordkeeping:
A copy of each signed cooperative academic agreement must be maintained in the Office of the Provost for the duration of the agreement and in accordance with university record retention policies.
4.2. The Partner Organization
The partner organization is responsible for:
- Course and Program Delivery:
Delivering the course(s) or program(s) as described in the approved cooperative academic agreement and curriculum.
- Faculty Credentials and Evidence:
Providing documentation that faculty assigned to teach are qualified in accordance with university and accreditation standards.
- Access to Curriculum and Assessment Data:
Granting the university timely access to curriculum materials, syllabi, assessment tools, and data necessary to evaluate course and program learning outcomes.
- Monitoring Student Engagement:
Sharing evidence of student participation, engagement, and attendance to ensure regular and substantive interaction as required by the university and accrediting bodies.
5. Evaluation and Review
All cooperative academic agreements must be reviewed by the university on a periodic basis, at minimum every two years, or more frequently if required by accrediting agencies or institutional policy. The review process shall include assessment of academic quality, compliance with agreement terms, and achievement of student learning outcomes.
6. Compliance
Non-compliance with this policy or failure to meet academic standards may result in the suspension or termination of the cooperative academic agreement. The university reserves the right to withhold transcription of academic credit if quality or compliance issues are identified.
7. Related Policies and References
For questions regarding this policy, please contact the Office of the Provost.