Approval Levels for Academic Program Proposals

The several types of academic programming proposals require various levels of vetting and approval. For example, new degree programs require approval of the Provost, the Council of Chief Academic Officers, the Council of Presidents, and the Board of Regents. New graduate degrees follow a different path to approval than do new undergraduate degrees. And some academic program proposals, such as a new track in an existing degree program, require only the approval of the Provost.

Proposals which require approval by the Provost, COCAO, COPS, and the Board of Regents:

1. New schools, departments, and those institutes and centers requiring new state funding.
2. New degree programs.
3. Extension of an approved degree program to a higher degree level, e.g., Associate degree to Bachelor’s degree.
4. New major under an existing degree name.

Proposals which require approval by the Provost, COCAO, and the President/CEO of the Board of Regents:

1. Concentrations (“minors”) when the concentration (“minor”) is in an area of study without a previously Board-approved degree program.
2. New joint degree programs (Combined curriculum program offering 2 existing degrees)
3. Changing the name of an existing unit or degree title.
4. Consolidating two or more units or degrees in one unit or degree.
5. Splitting a unit or program into two or more units or programs.

Proposals which require approval by the Provost:

1. Concentration (“minor”) in an area of study with a previously Board-approved degree program.
2. New Certificate Programs.
3. New degree tracks, options, and emphases.