Steering Committee Overview

As a member of the steering committee, your four main tasks are listed below. The definitions and characteristics described below are not written in stone. This information is meant to serve as a foundational guide as you get started in this work. The path ahead remains fluid based on your findings and dialogue as a committee. You will have constant support from UNO's Competencies, Skills, and Workforce Development team as well as from the Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN) consultants.

1 | Ensuring Alignment with Institutional Goals

Definition: The Steering Committee ensures that all workgroups and their efforts align with the broader institutional goals of the university, particularly in implementing Competency-Based Education (CBE).

Characteristics:

Strategic Oversight: The committee regularly reviews the progress of each workgroup to ensure their goals are in line with the university’s mission and long-term objectives.
Goal Integration: The Steering Committee helps integrate the work of each group into the overall institutional plan, ensuring consistency and cohesion.
Long-Term Vision: Focuses on ensuring that all actions taken by the workgroups support not only the immediate goals but also the long-term vision of the institution.

Benefits:

Ensures that the entire CBE initiative is purpose-driven and supports the university’s strategic goals.
Provides a clear path for all workgroups, preventing misalignment and ensuring focused progress.

2 | Coordination Across All Working Groups

Definition: The Steering Committee is responsible for ensuring that all workgroups collaborate effectively, preventing silos and facilitating communication to align their efforts in implementing CBE.

Characteristics:

Cross-Group Communication: Acts as a central hub for communication, ensuring that all workgroups are aware of each other's progress, challenges, and contributions.
Collaborative Decision-Making: No decision is made in isolation; the Steering Committee ensures that input from all relevant groups is considered before any key decision is made.
Facilitating Synergy: Helps create synergy between groups, ensuring that the efforts of one group complement and support those of another, enhancing overall program success.

Benefits:

Promotes a collaborative environment where all workgroups work toward shared goals.
Prevents duplication of effort and ensures coordinated actions that lead to smoother implementation.

3 | Policy and Compliance Review

Definition: The Steering Committee ensures that all policies developed by workgroups meet institutional and regulatory requirements, maintaining compliance while advancing the goals of CBE.

Characteristics:

Policy Standardization: Reviews and approves policies across all workgroups to ensure they are consistent with university standards and the principles of CBE.
Compliance Monitoring: Ensures that all policies adhere to state, federal, and accreditation regulations, providing a safeguard against non-compliance.
Collaborative Policy Creation: Works with workgroups to develop policies that are both functional for CBE and compliant with broader institutional and legal standards.

Benefits:

Ensures that all policies are legally compliant and aligned with institutional values.
Creates a unified policy framework that supports the smooth implementation of CBE.

4 | External Accreditation and Regulatory Alignment

Definition: The Steering Committee ensures that the university’s CBE efforts are aligned with external accreditation requirements and regulatory bodies, maintaining the institution’s standing and ensuring program legitimacy.

Characteristics:

Accreditation Oversight: Reviews workgroup efforts to ensure they meet the standards required by accrediting bodies, fostering program credibility.
Regulatory Coordination: Ensures all workgroups consider regulatory standards in their planning and execution, preventing compliance issues.
Intermediary Role: The Steering Committee acts as an intermediary between workgroups and external regulatory bodies, helping groups understand and meet external requirements.

Benefits:

Protects the university’s accreditation status and ensures compliance with necessary regulations.
Maintains the integrity and legitimacy of the CBE program, ensuring its success and recognition.