Purpose and core functions
An academic catalogue is the authoritative public record of an institution's academic offerings, admission requirements, program structures, academic policies, fees and student services. It serves prospective students, enrolled students, faculty, regulators and quality-assurance reviewers by providing a single, citable source for how the institution operates academically.
Essential catalogue elements
- Institutional identity: legal name, campus locations, contact pathways and governance summary.
- Academic offerings: programmes and awards (with credit/clock-hour definitions, learning outcomes, duration and mode of delivery).
- Admissions: entry requirements, equivalencies, recognition of prior learning and application process.
- Academic policies: grading, progression, assessment, appeals, academic integrity and award conferral rules.
- Fees and financial information: tuition, mandatory fees, refund and withdrawal policies.
- Student support: disability support, counselling, supervision and complaint processes.
- Regulatory statements: clear statement of the institution's legal and accreditation status, and any jurisdictional limitations on awarding qualifications.
Drafting, governance and evidence
Assign a small editorial team including academic leadership, registrar, finance officer and legal or compliance advisor. Draft catalogue entries from official policy documents and programme specifications. For each academic claim include an evidence reference (policy, minutes, or approved programme document) and a publication date.
Establish an approval workflow: editorial draft → academic board review → executive sign-off → publication. Retain versioned records and minutes demonstrating approval dates and authorised signatories.
Legal and regulatory checks
Ensure all catalogue content complies with applicable national, regional and local laws concerning operating an educational institution, consumer protection, advertising and award issuance. Institutions remain responsible for holding any licences, registrations or statutory permissions required in their jurisdiction before offering or conferring qualifications.
Do not present independent theological accreditation as governmental recognition or statutory authority.
Clarity on qualifications and awarding powers
Explicitly state which body awards each qualification. If the institution awards its own diplomas or certificates, confirm that this practice is authorised within the institution’s legal jurisdiction. Where an institution is accredited by an independent theological accreditation body, describe what that accreditation signifies and what it does not (for example, it does not grant statutory degree-awarding powers).
Accessibility, publication and maintenance
Publish the catalogue in an accessible HTML format and offer a downloadable PDF. Include an effective date and a revision history. Keep the online catalogue current: update within a defined period after any approved policy or programme change and archive superseded versions with clear dates.
Practical checklist before publishing
- Confirm legal authority to deliver and award listed qualifications.
- Verify programme learning outcomes and credit/clock-hour calculations.
- Ensure tuition and fee schedules are accurate and consumer-friendly.
- Check accessibility and alternative formats are available.
- Record approvals and store signed minutes.
- Publish revision history and a clear contact route for verification.
Frequently asked questions
Must the catalogue be the only source of truth?
The catalogue should be the primary public reference for academic matters, but supporting policies and programme handbooks are complementary and should be linked or cited.
Can accreditation be listed as equivalent to government recognition?
No. Independent theological accreditation must not be presented as governmental recognition or statutory award powers.
The catalogue can state that accreditation equals government recognition.
Independent theological accreditation should never be described as governmental recognition or statutory authority; institutions must separately confirm any legal award powers.
Once published, the catalogue never needs revision.
Catalogues must be maintained and updated promptly after approved changes; archived versions should remain available for reference.
ITAA’s Role
The International Theological Accreditation Association (ITAA) provides independent theological accreditation and guidance designed to promote transparent, high-quality theological education. ITAA is a non-governmental accreditation body and does not grant statutory degree-awarding powers or governmental recognition. Institutions are solely responsible for compliance with all applicable laws and for holding any licences, registrations or authorisations required in their jurisdiction. For full legal and accreditation information see Important Accreditation Information.