Academic Affairs

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Program Proposal Process

Program Revisions (or Catalog changes)

Any change in program requirements or catalog language should be submitted to VCAA in memo format, with collegiate signature, or in electronic format by email from the Dean or Associate Dean. The suggested method is to copy current program text from the online catalog, paste the copy to a Word document, and use Track Changes to make proposed revisions.  This clearly shows deletions and additions in a clear manner. 

Changes to programs become effective in the next fall semester.  All proposals, both undergraduate and graduate programs for a new catalog year must be submitted to VCAA by the first day of spring semester.  This includes changes to current programs as well as new program proposals. 

VCAA reserves the right to modify language for catalog consistency. 

New Programs

Complete the New Undergraduate Program Proposal  or New Graduate Program Proposal form completely and submit to VCAA with collegiate signature.  Please submit both an electronic copy and paper copy. 

System Academic Program Approval Policy:

• Academic programs should be aligned with the missions, strategic plans, and compacts of the home unit/department and with the University's institutional goals and strategic directions. 
• Proposals for academic programs should reflect common criteria: quality; centrality; comparative advantage; need (including accreditation or competitive requirements as well as Minnesota workforce needs); efficiency and effectiveness; potential for growth and leveraging of resources.
• Decisions to offer, change, or drop academic programs, when they have the potential to affect other units within the University, require consultation early in the program development stage.  Such consultation must be described in the New Program Proposal.
• Formal approval by the Board of Regents or its designee is required before new and changed programs may be publicized or initiated.

If the program being proposed involves online delivery of program and/or courses, questions related to online program criteria must be addressed in the proposal.