Developing New Programs, Majors, or Certificates

Introduction

Welcome to the new degree program, major, or certificate proposal section of the Provost’s website. The information on this site and the related links are provided to assist departments and programs through a series of steps of determining the feasibility of launching and sustaining a new degree program, major or certificate and to provide guidance for making a strong academic case and a business case for a program that shows promise of success. 

We have recently revised the process to better assist you in writing a successful proposal. The proposal expectations are now aligned with Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (commonly known as the HLC ). With the increasing national focus on accountability in higher education, faculty are encouraged to pursue the development of innovative programs and use the framework in these procedures to present convincing arguments for introducing the new programs. We hope that the new program proposal template will clarify the proposal-writing process and help you to establish a strong academic case for your program and demonstrate that the program is economically sustainable. Any questions related to the process may be directed to the Office of the Provost.

Policy

All new majors, certificates, and degrees shall:

1. Have a fall start date.
2. New program information will be included in the next published catalog for that academic year.
3. Have a clear set of learning objectives for assessment
4. Be approved no later than the end of the spring semester prior to the fall start date.
5. Follow the steps in the Procedural Guidelines.  A flowchart of the procedures accompanies these guidelines. The same procedures apply to new majors, programs, or certificates.
6. Following the approval of the new program, major, or certificate an annual report, Section IV Annual Progress Report, shall be completed for the first three years of the program.

Procedures

Proposals for new majors or programs should be submitted through RU Access.  Please check back for detailed instructions.  

Proposals for New Majors or Programs

• Proposals should be submitted through RU Access.  Please check back for detailed instructions.
• Academic Business Plan Guidelines

Proposals for New Certificates

• Proposals should be submitted through RU Access. Please check back for detailed instructions.

Proposals for New Minors

Programs seeking to develop a new minor must contact the Associate Director for Institutional Research and Assessment who will assist the program in reporting the minor to the Illinois Board of Higher Education. 

Annual Progress Report Guidelines

• Section IV: Annual Progress Report

Updated: 05-25-2012 Office of the Provost & EVP