Procedures for Proposal of New Graduate Programs

M33T

This section refers to the proposal of graduate programs that result in a new degree, previously not offered by the University that require significant financial resources, and/or that require a substantive change prospectus for Southern Association for Colleges and Schools. Units unsure of whether the curricular process below applies to their proposal should consult with the Provost/Executive Vice President who will make this determination.

Graduate program proposals must be consistent with the Graduate Mission of the University and the graduate program vision.

Graduate program proposals should originate from department-wide action or from administration in consultation with school/college and departmental leadership.

New graduate program proposals should include:

• A feasibility study demonstrating the viability of the proposed program addressing enrollment demands and market area, staffing, facilities, library and other resources, budget projections, and impact on undergraduate programs
• A statement justifying the program as related to the graduate mission statement
• A listing of the degree(s) offered and an outline of degree requirements

Proposals for new graduate programs should be submitted to the following groups for approval in the order listed below:

• Curriculum Committee (School or Division-Based)
• Graduate Council
• Curriculum Committee (University)
• The faculty

The proposal, if approved, should then be submitted to the President for consideration by the Board of Trustees.

If the Board approves the new graduate program, then a complete curriculum prospectus should be developed. This includes:

• A listing of the degree(s) offered and the associated degree requirements
• A syllabus for each course that includes catalog number, title, description and semester hours credit
• A statement regarding anticipated sequencing of course offerings for the program and staffing implications

The curriculum prospectus should then be submitted to the same groups as in Phase 1 for approval in the order listed below:

• Curriculum Committee (School or Division-Based)
• Graduate Council
• Curriculum Committee (University)
• The faculty

If approved, the prospectus should then be submitted to the President for consideration by the Board of Trustees.