The Curriculum Guide lists and describes all of the categories of curricular change. It should be consulted to learn the forms to use and the rules that govern the particular change.
The procedures for gaining approval of new curriculum programs are described on the website of the Office of Undergraduate Studies. In addition, all curriculum forms are available on that site as downloadable and fillable pdf's. The forms are applicable to both graduate and undergraduate courses and programs. For convenience, links to the procedures and individual forms sare provided below.
Procedures for Proposing New Degree Programs
Procedures for Submitting Proposals for New Options, Concentrations, Special Emphases, and Minors
Proposals for new curriculum degree programs (majors and concentrations) are submitted to the Graduate Studies & Research (GS&R) Committee via the Office of Graduate Studies & Research. Electronic submission is preferred, although dropoffs at ADM 223A are also accepted. The proposals are reviewed in succession by the GS&R Committee, the University Curriculum & Research (C&R) Committee, the Provost, the President, and finally the Chancellor's Office. The entire process generally requires a minimum of one year and may require two years. To minimize the time and make smoother the process, it is recommended that proposers consult first with the Associate Dean of GS&R before committee submission so that issues can be addressed quickly before encountering a lengthier debate in committee.
Note that formal processes for certificate program approval have not yet been formulated. However, the university welcomes useful certificate program development. The same initial processing steps must be taken with certificate progam proposals as above. Until specific templates and forms are created for certificate program submission and review, proposals will be evaluated by criteria similar to those used to evaluate new degree programs. Proposals should be designed along the same lines in that the procedures used for new degree programs should be followed.
The appropriate forms for course changes should be submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Studies, which will route them to the AVP of GS&R for approval. Any change in units within a course or program must be accompanied by a new catalog template (see below) that shows the change in unit subtotals and totals.
Catalog Listing Template ("New Degree Template") (pdf)
New Permanent or Experimental Course Proposal ("New Course Proposal") (pdf)
Request to Cross-List Undergraduate/Graduate-Level Courses ("Cross-List Course Proposal") (pdf)
Minor Curriculum Change: Graduate Course Change ("Minor Curriculum Course Change") (pdf)
These guidelines are suggestions from the Office of Graduate Studies & Research and the GS&R Committee that are offered in lieu of formal policy. Policy is being considered and drafted at this time by the University Curriculum & Research Committee for presentation before the University Academic Senate. Until Senate approval is acquired, these guidelines will serve to guide the proposers of certificate programs in framing the proposals and the GS&R Committee in its evaluation of the proposals.
1. Description and formal name of program.
2. Student justification for the program. What will the students learn and what will they be able to accomplish with the certificate?
3. Community justification (societal needs). What need is there and how will these students fulfill that need? Supporting documentation would include surveys, phone inquiries, newspaper articles, website analyses, and so forth.
4. Student demand. Formal or informal surveys, if available.
5. (optional) Existence of similar programs in area, state, and nation: similarities and differences that would make this program desirable.
6. Course list. Include course frequency, prerequisites, electives, and units. Generally, 12 units are required for a certificate. Indicate new courses. Include enrollment status, such as whether courses are generally open or full. Note that all courses would have to be passed with a minimum of C grades by university standards; any higher standards (recommended) would need to be specified.
7. Overlap and Cost. Are any of the courses part of normal master’s degree programs and thus on a student’s candidacy form? In other words, would the students be earning credit for both the master’s and certificate by the same course load? Whether this will be allowed or not has not yet been determined. Are those programs taught in regular session or special session? Would this certificate program be in regular or special session? Can it be taken by individuals from the community without qualifications via Open University? What is the delivery method for the courses, e.g., e-learning?
8. Resources. How will teaching of the program affect the undergraduate and master’s program, i.e., how can the program be run with existing faculty resources? Are there any other costs associated with it? If so, who will be responsible for them?
9. Chair/Director and Dean’s approval.
10. Certification process. Present example of paper certificate that will be issued (GS&R can provide examples).
11. Catalog copy: how will the program appear in the university catalog and on your website?
12. Semester to be implemented.
13. A statement should be included that clarifies transfer units allowed, so that students do not think that all units could be transferred into a master’s program if they should wish to pursue one during or after the certificate.
print
email