SHP Handbook: Administration

Article 1: Administration Table of Contents

Article 1.1 Mission

Article 1.2 Accreditation

Article 1.3 Organizational Structure

Article 1.3.1 Dean

Article 1.3.2 Assistant Dean

Article 1.3.3 Program Directors

Article 1.1 Mission - The School of Health Professions administers exemplary educational programs driven by continuous quality improvement to deliver an exceptionally prepared healthcare workforce grounded in evidence-based care and competent interprofessional practice.

Vision: The BCM School of Health Professions will be the leader in developing a diverse workforce that will transform healthcare through science, scholarship, and innovation. To promote the well-being of the people of Texas and beyond by educating outstanding health professionals, providing quality health care services, and contributing to research to improve health professions education and health care delivery

Article 1.2 Accreditation – The SHP is accredited as a division of BCM by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The SHP Nurse Anesthesia Program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. The Physician Assistant Program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education of the Physician Assistant. The Orthotics and Prosthetics Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The Genetic Counseling Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling.

Baylor College of Medicine is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award masters and doctorate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Baylor College of Medicine may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Article 1.3 Organizational Structure – The SHP is an administrative component of the Office of the President. The SHP is the academic home for health professions faculty, educational programs, and students.

The academic units in the SHP are programs. Each program is dedicated to the SHP mission of conducting outstanding programs to prepare health professionals, contributing to the knowledge base of health professions education and health promotion through research and scholarship, and augmenting patient care services provided by the College and its affiliated healthcare institutions.

Article 1.3.1 Dean – The Dean is the chief administrative officer of the SHP. The Dean is appointed by the President with concurrence of the Academic Council and the BCM Board of Trustees. The Dean:

Reports directly to the President.
Represents the SHP as a member of the College’s Academic Council.
Presides at meetings of the Health Professions Education Executive Committee.

  • Appoints Health Professions Admissions, Curriculum, Student Promotions, and Faculty Appointments and Promotions Committees.
  • Recommends new Health Professions programs or significant changes in existing programs through the President to the Academic Council for consideration.
  • Nominates individuals for faculty appointments and promotions to the College’s Faculty Appointments and Promotions Committee.
  • Works with the Office of Public Affairs to promote Health Professions programs internally and externally.
  • Works with the Office of Development in obtaining financial support from public and private sources for the SHP and its programs.
  • Manages space allocated to the SHP.
  • Implements the policies of the College and the Health Professions Education Executive Committee.
  • Develops and administers budgets and pursues other extramural grants and contracts in support of the mission of the SHP.
  • Coordinates and supervises educational programs as approved by the Academic Council and Board of Trustees.
  • Participates in academic administration activities.
  • Serves as liaison between the SHP and other health professions programs within the Texas Medical Center, the State, and the United States.

Article 1.3.2 Assistant Dean – The Assistant Dean is an administrative officer of the SHP. The Assistant Dean is appointed by the Dean with concurrence of the President and the Academic Council. The Assistant Dean:

Provides administrative support for program directors and faculty in preparing accreditation documents and other materials required to ensure ongoing viability and operation of academic programs.
Assists the Dean and program directors in preparing and justifying budgets for the School, for academic program, and projects and other activities of the School as appropriate.

Prepares, as directed by the Dean, reports on School performance as required by the College and other organizations that may have responsibility for oversight of program components or project activities.

Serves as production coordinator and writer in preparing planning documents and forecast materials for the School and academic programs.

Works with the Dean to identify and initiate new Health Professions programs and/or projects that have potential to address work force needs of the College and community and that enhance revenue generation for the School and the College.

Leads or supports faculty efforts to develop manuscripts for submission to journals, abstracts to scientific organizations, and other academic materials for publication and/or dissemination.
Identifies extramural funding opportunities to support health professions programs and projects and to generate revenue for the School and the College.

Guides faculty and staff in preparing applications for submission to funding sources and managing post-award tasks related to account establishment, IRB, and related activities.
Performs other administrative duties as assigned, including supervision of administrative or support staff as determined by the Dean.

Article 1.3.3 Program Directors – The administrative head of each Health Professions program in the SHP is the Program Director. The Program Director is a full-time BCM faculty member who is appointed by the Dean. The Program Director:

Reports directly to and through the Dean, on academic activities.
Serves as a member of the Health Professions Education Executive Committee.

Nominates individuals for faculty appointments and promotions to the Dean.

Implements relevant policies of the College and the SHP.
Develops and administers budgets and other instructional resources in support of Health Professions programs.

Coordinates and supervises an accredited educational program as approved by the Academic Council and Board of Trustees:

  • pursues funding from internal and external sources to operate academic programs,
  • employs, develops, and supervises faculty for teaching programs,
  • recruits qualified students to academic programs,
  • oversees curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation,
  • coordinates self studies and site visits by accrediting agencies, and
  • promotes Health Professions programs, internally and externally.

Participates in academic administration activities:

  • serves on standing committees, as assigned,
  • serves on ad hoc committees and task forces, as assigned, and
  • performs other administrative duties, as required.

Serves as a representative/liaison between the SHP and other health professions programs within the Texas Medical Center, the State, and the United States.