Academic Program Proposal and Approval Process

Spring 2005

1. New program is proposed to appropriate dean and the VPAA by faculty member(s), department chair(s), dean(s), VPAA or other members of the university
2. VPAA informs EMC of pending program
3. Appropriate dean, New Program Coordinator (NPC; Associate VPAA for undergraduate programs or Associate Dean of College of Graduate Studies for graduate programs) review for academic feasibility,
4. NPC (with or without help from external consultant and in consultation with appropriate USP personnel such as the Director of Enrollment Communications for undergraduate programs, and the VP for Marketing and Public Affairs) reviews for overall feasibility
1. Needs assessment
1. Prospective student interest and commitment
2. Likely employers
3. Expected career growth and other factors affecting employability of graduates
2. Competitive analysis of similar programs—local, regional, global as appropriate; Commonwealth of PA analysis required for state approval
3. Analysis of marketability and potential marketing strategies
4. Input from faculty members in appropriate department(s) on academic feasibility and appeal
5. Communication to, consultation with other affected groups including library, registrar, admissions, service departments, bookstore, etc.
6. Resource assessment report developed by program proposer and NPC in consultation with affected individuals and offices
1. Personnel, including consultants for program development
2. Start-up funds for new faculty, if applicable
3. Space
4. S&E
5. Financial aid
6. Library resources
7. Infrastructure and capital equipment
8. Marketing (in consultation with appropriate USP personnel such as the Director of Enrollment Communications for undergraduate programs, and the Senior Director for Strategic Marketing Communications)
7. Projected full- and part-time enrollment for first 3 years developed by proposer and NPC
8. Potential for other sources of revenue such as grants, contracts, short courses
9. Three year business plan developed by proposer and NPC, in consultation with USP personnel such as Controller, Director of Enrollment Communications, deans, and the Senior Director for Strategic Marketing Communications, as appropriate
10. NPC, with or without proposer, presents to EMC for approval to develop program; New Program Prospectus template (MS Word Doc) used for presentation
11. Report to Academic Affairs Committee of Board of Trustees
12. Curriculum development by faculty and/or consultant(s) working with other affected groups as noted in #5
13. Preproposal submitted by Associate VPAA to Pennsylvania Department of Education if state approval required
14. Curriculum finalized with course syllabi and detailed outcomes assessment plan
15. Approval of curriculum by Faculty Council and/or subcouncil, as required
16. Outcomes assessment plan approved by appropriate dean and director of assessment
17. Submission by Associate VPAA of final proposal to Pennsylvania Department of Education or notification of new program if state approval not required
18. Notification or submission to MSCHE
19. Notification or submission to specialized accreditors, if required
20. Program director appointed by dean, if appropriate
21. Approval received from agencies in #17-19, above; if no approval, program cannot move forward; if approved, continue as below
22. VPAA and/or NPC and/or program proposer communicate approvals to department, college, EMC, marketing, registrar, library, and other affected constituents
23. Advisory Board assembled by program director, if appropriate
24. Marketing plan finalized at least six months before launch
25. Fulfillment materials on hand and program web pages finalized prior to starting marketing and promotional activities
26. First students enrolled and assessment plan implemented

Program Prospectus Template (MS Word Doc)