Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to clarify expectations for notifying the provost when program changes are proposed by academic units.

Policy Statement

The provost must be notified whenever a program change is being considered so that the provost can review accreditation, state, federal and institutional requirements and ensure compliance. Program changes include the following:

Developing new or revised majors, minors, tracks, concentrations, certificates or other credit-bearing designations
Closing of any of the above
Entering into or revising contractual or consortial educational agreements with other organizations
Initiating or increasing distance learning
Significantly altering the length of a program
Opening, closing or relocating a site

For each of the above, the provost will review the proposed change with the appropriate administrator(s), including the university's SACSCOC accreditation liaison, any specialized accreditation contacts, and the director of financial assistance, and decide what approvals are needed and the timetable for processing. The provost is responsible to ensure that all approvals are secured and documented in record archives.

Resources

See the following attachments for forms/templates relevant to the program/curriculum change process.

Responsible Party

Responsibility for this policy lies with the Provost.

Policy Review

This policy is to be reviewed every five years.

Distribution

Faculty/Staff Handbook

Approved by President’s Cabinet, August 5, 2008

Revised and approved by President’s Cabinet, April 10, 2013

Academic Program Change Policy