For a chart of the curriculum process for program proposals, see Figure 2. Contact the Associate Provost for Academic Success or the Dean of the Graduate School before initiating new program proposals. All new program proposals follow the process outlined below. Internally, Curriculum Form U3 or G3 is used for new program proposals, including new options within existing programs; new programs by “reconfiguration”; new undergraduate, graduate, or post-master’s certificate programs; and new minors. Curriculum Form U2-A or G2-A is used for a program name change (check the “Other” category). Curriculum Form U3-D or G3-D is used for deletion of a program.
- For new degree programs, use ADHE Form P-1: Program Proposal template and the P-1: Program Proposal Instructions document.
- For a new program by “reconfiguration” of an existing program, use ADHE Attachment K: Reconfiguration of Existing Degree Programs.
- For a new option within an existing degree program or for an undergraduate minor program, use ADHE Attachment I1: New Concentration in Existing Degree Program or ADHE Attachment I2: New Undergraduate Minor Program.
- For a new undergraduate certificate program, use ADHE Attachment G1: New Undergraduate Certificate of Proficiency (CP) or ADHE Attachment G2: New Undergraduate Technical Certificate (TC).
- For a new graduate certificate or post-master’s certificate program, use ADHE Attachment H: New Graduate Certificate Program (GC or PMC).
- For changing the name of a program, use ADHE Attachment A: Title Change.
- For a program deletion, use the appropriate variant of ADHE Attachment E (four versions are provided; your choice will depend on what you are deleting).
If in doubt about which form(s) and/or attachments to use, email the Associate Provost.
Level 1
A program proposal is prepared, typically by one or more faculty members, and brought before the department. The proposer(s) request an assessment planning consultation with the Assistant Provost for Academic Assessment and General Education. Following that consultation and completion of Curriculum Attachment D, the department curriculum committee reviews the proposal.
If recommended by the department committee and the department chair, the proposal is forwarded to the dean of the college who distributes it to the college curriculum and assessment committee. If not recommended, it is returned to the proposer.
Level 2
The college curriculum and assessment committee reviews the proposal. If recommended by the college committee, the proposal is forwarded to the dean of the college. If not recommended by the college committee, it is returned to the proposer.
The dean reviews the proposal. If the dean does not recommend the proposal, it is returned to the proposer. If the dean recommends the proposal and it affects the teacher education program, the dean forwards it to the Professional Education Council (PEC); if the recommended proposal does not affect the teacher education program, it is forwarded to either the Undergraduate or Graduate Council.
Level 3
During the academic year, submit the proposal to the appropriate university council at least one month before the meeting at which action is desired. Summer submissions may not be considered until the fall term.
If the proposal affects the teacher education program, the PEC reviews the proposal. If the PEC recommends the proposal, it is forwarded to either the Undergraduate or Graduate Council as appropriate. In most cases, the proposal will also be forwarded at this point to the Arkansas Department of Education’s Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for initial review. If the PEC does not recommend the proposal, it is returned to the proposer.
The Undergraduate or Graduate Council reviews the proposal. If recommended, it is forwarded to the Council of Deans. If not recommended, it is returned to the proposer.
Level 4
If the proposal is recommended by the Council of Deans and approved by the Provost, it is forwarded to the President, the Board of Trustees, and the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) for consideration by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB). If not recommended, it is returned to the proposer.
Level 5
Once the proposal is approved by the President and (as required) the Board of Trustees and the AHECB, internal notifications are made. These typically include notification of approval to the relevant department chair(s) and dean(s), the Director of Institutional Research, the Director of Student Financial Aid, the Dean of the Graduate School, the Registrar, and the Director of the Academic Advising Center. Expected effective dates and codes are communicated in these notifications.
The program is created in Banner and added to the Undergraduate Bulletin or Graduate Bulletin. New courses are incorporated into the Banner Catalog, and the program’s requirements and curriculum are added to Degree Works.
Figure 2: Program Proposal Process