Getting Started
The proposal stage is a complex and comprehensive process which can be lengthy for units. On average, a new program takes approximately 18 months from idea to implementation. Often, approval and compliance with regulations of state, federal, university and specialized accreditors are required which can lengthen this process.
Each step in the process is intentionally designed to collect the information needed for institutional stakeholders to thoroughly evaluate a proposed program’s alignment with the university’s mission, strategic goals and long-term sustainability. The workflow – developed in collaboration with participating units – ensure that only essential information is requested at each stage, supports compliance, and promotes transparency from initial concept through catalog publication. This workflow is automated in the university’s Curriculum Inventory Management (CIM) system.
To assist units with navigating this work, each unit has an assigned CIM representative to serve as their local expert and main point of contact. CIM representatives are trained annually to assist units in guiding proposals through the system smoothly. Members of the Academic Life Cycle team also provide support to units in navigating the process.
Program Workflow Summary
Estimated 2-3 months.
This phase begins after an substantive inquiry is submitted into the CIM system. The Dean does a deep dive into the proposal, in collaboration with the Department Chair, reviewing the program for student and workforce demand, unit mission alignment, and curriculum strength. With initial support from the Dean, the program is then reviewed for strategic analysis and alignment with University mission. A final decision to move forward with the proposal is made in collaboration with the Dean and Strategic Alignment Team.
Estimated 4-5 months.
The full curriculum for the proposed program is built out in the CIM system. This includes proposing new subjects or courses if necessary. Once the proposal is complete, it is reviewed by the Academic Program Coordinating Committee (APCC). APCC is looking at the curriculum, federal compliance with Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI), and potential collaboration amongst units. Once a feedback is made from APCC, programs go to their College/School governance.
Online programs go through an initial Quality Matters review and Jayhawk Global partnership agreement before going through school governance.
Estimated 3-4 months.
Once all curriculum reviews are completed, programs are reviewed for policy alignment, admissions requirements (as necessary), and catalog formatting conformity. The initially proposed CIP code is confirmed now that the full curricular build out has occurred.
Estimated 3-4 months.
New degrees/majors, stand-alone minors, and name changes need approval from the Kansas Board of Regents. Generally these programs get one or two reviews by the Council for Chief Academic Officers (COCAO), the Council of Presidents (COPs), the Board Academic Affairs Standing Committee (BAASC), and the full Board.
Estimated 3-4 weeks.
HLC is notified when new programs are created. Depending on the program, HLC may require additional information before approving a program. Once approved, Academic Affairs notifies the department and units that have supporting work that needs to be done. Once final approval is received, the Registrar's Office will create the appropriate codes and build out catalog pages to get the program started. This completes the program approval process and the program is ready for build out.
New Academic Programs
Degrees
| Program Name | School/Department | First Semester Effective |
|---|---|---|
| BGS/BA in Health and Society | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Sociology | Fall 2025 |
| BS in Data Science | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Psychology | Fall 2026 |
| BS in Nutrition | School of Professional Studies Professional Studies | Fall 2026 |
| MS in Human & Organization Performance Effectiveness | School of Professional Studies Professional Studies | Fall 2025 |
| MS in Computational Biology | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Molecular Biosciences | Fall 206 |
| PSM in Environmental Geology | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Geology | Spring 2025 |
Graduate Certificates
| Program Name | School/Department | First Semester Effective |
|---|---|---|
| Augmentative & Alternative Communication | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Speech, Language & Hearing | Fall 2026 |
| District Leadership License Certificate | Education & Human Sciences Educational Leadership and Policy Studies | Fall 2024 |
| Indigenous Educational Leadership | Education & Human Sciences Educational Leadership and Policy Studies | Summer 2025 |
| Low Incidence Disabilities for Paraprofessionals | Education & Human Sciences Special Education | Fall 2024 |
Undergraduate Certificates
| Program Name | School/Department | First Semester Effective |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting for Strategic Decision Making | Business Accounting | Fall 2025 |
| Health Education & Promotion | Education & Human Sciences Health Sport & Exercise Science | Fall 2025 |
| Personal Finance | Business | Fall 2026 |
We are here to help!
The Program Lifecycle team is here to help you navigate your program development, whether you are at the initial idea stage, ready to propose the program in CIM, or are already working through the process and have questions. Please get started with our team by reaching out to the manager supporting your school!
