New Programs, Program Changes, Other Academic Initiatives

The process for academic program approvals, program changes and other academic affairs changes can take up to two years or more, depending upon the notifications or approvals required.

In order to meet a desired implementation date, the dates below are suggested dates for review by the Academic Affairs Programs and Initiatives (AAPI) subcommittee.

Notification and approvals may include any combination of the following and may need to clear one notification or approval before moving to the next:  

• ACHE Notification or Approval
• Alabama State Department of Education
• Assessment Planning
• Board of Trustees
• Budget Requests
• Courseleaf
• Financial Aid
• Graduate or Undergraduate Catalog
• Graduate or Undergraduate Curriculum Committees
• President's Cabinet
• Programmatic Accreditor Approval
• SACSCOC Notification or Approval
• SACSCOC Substantive Change Review 

When determining the types of items that are included in this process, please refer to the list in the drop down menu below. Although not a comprehensive list, it captures the most common types of changes. If you have questions regarding a change that is not included in the menu, please contact someone on the subcommittee, which is listed at the bottom of this page.  

The process for all program changes and initiatives includes an informal and a formal phase as outlined below.  The process is general in nature but includes guidance by the AAPI subcommittee during the formal phase.  The role of the subcommittee is to provide information specific to the proposed change as well as continued support to department heads throughout the various stages of notifications and approvals.  The subcommittee does not approve new programs or changes.

Informal phase

This part of the process will include discussion among faculty, with the department head, dean, the provost and possibly others.  

Formal Phase

The following steps should be taken when a decision is made to move the new program, program change or other academic affairs change forward. 

• Department Head fills out and submits form to dean (see below)
• Dean discusses proposed change at Extended Dean’s Council meeting
• Department Head attends AAPI subcommittee meeting
• Subcommittee members and department head discuss timeline and necessary process and forms specific to the proposed change

Academic Affairs Program and Initiatives Subcommittee Members

• New Program/Program Change Form HERE
• New Center or Institute Form HERE