Policy 110.11 For the Consideration of New and Existing Academic Programs

Owner:  Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer

1. Introduction

   1. In accordance with the Board of Regents (BOR) Policy III–7.00 Policy on Degree and Curricular Requirements, approved on April 26, 1990, BOR Policy III–7.01 Policy on the Review and Approval of New Academic Programs that do not Require New Resources, approved on April 7, 2000, and BOR Policy III–7.02 Policy on the Review and Abolition of Existing Academic Programs, approved on October 27, 2000, this policy has been prepared to consider the following:

      1. The need to maintain academic quality.

      2. The need to operate in a cost–effective manner.

      3. The need to assure full review by all pertinent constituencies of UMGC, the University System of Maryland (USM) and the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC).

   2. All existing UMGC programs are subject to periodic program reviews. The schedule and process of periodic program reviews are reported to the USM headquarters.

   3. The abolishment of any academic program must be reported to the Board of Regents as outlined in BOR Policy III–7.02 Policy on the Review and Abolition of Existing Academic Programs.

2. Undergraduate Approval Process

   1. New or Modified Program Proposal Process

      1. The initiator submits the program proposal for the new activity to the appropriate Associate Dean, for distribution to the Undergraduate Programs Advisory Council, then the Curriculum Committee for review. If the program requires development, the initiator also prepares a proposal. Each proposal includes the following:

         1. Objectives

         2. A curriculum outline

         3. Justification for development

         4. Similarity with other courses or programs, particularly in Maryland

         5. Student interest

         6. Cost and necessary resources

         7. Accreditation and admission issues

      2. The Undergraduate Programs Advisory Council and Curriculum Committee may recommend approval, reject the proposal, or suggest that the initiator resubmit the proposal with changes.

      3. If the Undergraduate Programs Advisory Council and Curriculum Committee recommend approval, the proposal is sent to the Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer (SVP/CAO). The SVP/CAO receives any comments and makes a decision on the proposal.

      4. Upon approval by the SVP/CAO, the program proposal is forwarded to USM and MHEC, following USM procedures (BOR III 7.01) and MHEC procedures (COMAR 13B) for notification or approval.

   2. New–Course Approval Process

      1. All new or revised course proposals must be submitted to the appropriate Associate Dean for distribution to the Curriculum Committee. The Committee may recommend approval, reject the proposal, or suggest that the initiator resubmit the proposal with changes.

      2. If the Curriculum Committee recommends approval, the course is added to the curriculum and the SVP/CAO is informed of the addition.

3. Graduate Approval Process

   1. New or Modified Program Proposal Process

      1. The initiator collaborates with the appropriate department chair, Associate Dean, and Dean to investigate the need for the program. This process may include reviewing similar courses or programs at UMGC or at other institutions, consultation with relevant faculty and administrators, and consultation with subject–matter experts.

      2. The initiator then develops a program proposal in consultation with the appropriate department chair and Associate Dean. The proposal is forwarded to the appropriate Dean for review. If the proposal is approved, it is then forwarded to the SVP/CAO.

      3. Upon approval by the SVP/CAO, the program proposal is forwarded to USM and MHEC, following USM procedures (BOR III 7.01) and MHEC procedures (COMAR 13B) for notification or approval.

   2. New–Course Approval Process

      1. The initiator collaborates with the appropriate department chair, Associate Dean, and Dean to investigate the need for the course. This process may include review of similar courses or programs at UMGC or at other institutions, consultation with relevant faculty and administrators, and consultation with subject–matter experts.

      2. The initiator then develops a syllabus in consultation with the appropriate Associate Dean. The syllabus is then forwarded to the appropriate Dean for review. If the proposal is approved, the SVP/CAO is informed, and the course is added to the curriculum.