From the desk of the VPAA: New Program Proposal Process

Last month, Dr. Lib Pruden developed a revision of the New Program Protocol review process to be in alignment with the Strategic Plan. The new model simplifies and streamlines the steps for proposing academic programs, as well as continued education and certification programs here at Union.

The main issue that the New Program Protocol addresses is the number of different committees working simultaneously on the evaluation of a proposal—often with different evaluation standards in mind. The New Program Protocol eliminates much of the cross-purpose confusion and clarifies the proper approval path of new recommendations.

The flowchart located below indicates the streamlined changes to the evaluation process.

A “proposal” can include ideas for a Degree Program, a Certificate Program, or a Non-Degree Program (e.g., professional development or some form of a continuing education curriculum). This process would also be followed for changes to existing programs, i.e., changing a program from low residency to online.  

The chart below illustrates how a new idea needs a sponsor from an academic program—a dean in this case where the program involves academic credit. Once a sponsor for a new program idea has been found, the originator must create a preliminary two-page abstract with appendices as needed.

The originator then submits the abstract to the Vice President of Academic Affairs for a provisional approval.

Once the VPAA has approved it, the originator prepares a full, detailed proposal with necessary projection information and impact predictions.

Only after that full proposal has been drafted and initially approved by the VPAA do the appropriate committees begin evaluating the proposal: department-level committees, the BS ARC, the BA EIC, or the Graduate Review Committee. Once the committee approves a proposal, they recommend the proposal back to the VPAA who consults with the deans to ensure that no more information is necessary.

If the proposal is satisfactory, the VPAA presents the proposal to the President, to the trustees, and to any external agencies as necessary, e.g., the Ohio Board of Regents, the Higher Learning Commission, etc.