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To be used for any new proposal that will require investment of resources (money, consultants, loading) 

STAGE 1

Investigative Statement:

A one-page description of an idea for a new program.  This description includes reasons for a new program, proposed student audience, a brief listing of competitors offering something similar.  This stage can include anecdotal information but should also have enough detail to pique interest and generate further questions for investigation.

To be reviewed by:  

The dean, then Provost Council (may be distributed by email, with email responses only).  Dean and Council will respond with questions to be investigated

Provost Council will determine whether or not the proposal represents a substantial change. The Provost Council will also coordinate with the university’s SACSCOC liaison to determine if the proposal represents a substantive change with regard to institutional and/or program-specific accreditation.  If so, the proposal will continue to Stage 2. 

STAGE 2

Preliminary Proposal:

 A 3-5 page document that responds to questions generated by the Investigative Statement, plus a thorough market demand analysis.  This could include the use of Emsi, or a similar resource, to uncover market data. This document should conclude with a proposed timeline for developing a full proposal.

To be reviewed by: 

The appropriate dean, meeting with an ad hoc admin/faculty innovation review group. Group membership should include UG and Graduate faculty (especially experienced new program designers), marketing representative, enrollment representative.  This group will review the market analysis and responses to determine the likelihood that this idea could be successful. The group may ask proposer for more detail. If accepted by the dean, a planning grant of up to $1,000 may be awarded.

If approved by the dean to proceed:

  •  Preliminary notification to Board of Trustees, if appropriate
  •  Present to Undergraduate and/or Graduate Council for discussion.  Comments and recommendations are sent to Dean.

STAGE 3

Full Proposal:

The planning grant funds are used to conduct research (often focus groups or surveys) to develop program details.  The proposal includes

  • a working program title and a location for the program (for example, which department/program/school will be responsible for operating the program)
  • a marketing plan
  • a detailed description of the program including a list of courses
  • a section on faculty loading and any new faculty needed
  • a section on non-faculty resources needed that includes current resources (development funds, grant funding, equipment, etc.) and any resources that need to be acquired (this includes library resources, space needs, equipment, technology, etc.),
  • statements of collaboration from other programs or external partners if applicable.  
  • information about accreditation requirements and timeline (SACS, SHEV, professional accreditation bodies)
  • a multi- year budget that indicates a break-even point, plus a year beyond that shows margin
  • an evaluation plan
  • a timeline for implementation
  • a timeline for external approval if necessary (and a statement regarding which approvals are needed)

To be reviewed by:

  • The full proposal should be reviewed by the Business Office, Financial Aid Office, Marketing & Communications and the Registrar and their concerns addressed.  Results of these reviews are sent to the Dean
  • The full proposal should be reviewed by the appropriate academic program(s) with request for comments and faculty endorsement.  Comments and endorsement sent to the Dean

Next, the proposal is sent to the Review Committee, and with their recommendation sent with the Proposal to Cabinet. The committee will also recommend specific financial benchmarks and a reporting schedule for evaluation of the program.  If appropriate, the proposal is reviewed by the Board of Trustees for approval. If approved, a start-up funds up to $5,000 may be awarded for program development, marketing and other expenses. 

When final Cabinet/Board approval is given:

  • Document is created stating the name and description of the new program, the date of various approvals, the start date and the primary contact person.  This document is kept in the Provost office
  • Notification of the new program and timeline is shared with administrative offices:  Registrar, Business, Financial Aid, Library, International Student Services, SACSCOC Liaison, Institutional Research, Undergraduate and/or Graduate Councils

STAGE 4

Implementation

The dean will monitor the spending of grants and the evaluation reporting schedule on-going.  At the suggested time for evaluation, a report on the bench marks will be made to Cabinet, who will decide to continue the program with or without further benchmark requirements, or to close the program.  The Board of Trustees will be given a status report at this time.

Approved by Provost Council, October 2019

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