Proposals on New and Revised Degree Programs, Options, and Off-Site Offering of Existing Degrees
The Board of Trustees and the administration of Winthrop University require internal review and approval of new academic programs. This policy outlines the format, the calendar and the approval requirements for new program proposals, in addition to program modifications and offering programs at off-campus locations.
This policy applies to faculty and administrators.
| Policy Number: | 2.1.23 |
| Effective Date: | 12/01/2020 |
| Date Reviewed: | 11/16/2020 |
| Last Review Date: | Sep 1 2013 12:00AM; 04/15/2021 |
| Responsible Official: | Chief Academic Officer |
| Responsible Office: | Office of the Provost |
| Contact Information: |
Academic Affairs 115 Tillman Hall Rock Hill, SC 29733 803/323-2220 provostsoffice@winthrop.edu |
1.0 Specific meanings of bold terms seen throughout this policy can be found within the University's policy definition glossary by following the link below.
The Board of Trustees and the administration of Winthrop University require internal review and approval of new academic programs. This policy outlines the format, the calendar and the approval requirements for new program proposals, in addition to program modifications and offering programs at off-campus locations.
The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) approves new programs for all public institutions of higher education in South Carolina. CHE requires submission of a New Program Proposal for any new academic program (degree or major). The final proposal must be approved by CHE Advisory Committee on Academic Programs (ACAP), the CHE Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing (CAAL), then the full commission. (All Winthrop University programs must go through the Liaison to CHE/SACS through the Office of Academic Affairs.)
CHE requires submission of a Program Modification proposal for Program modifications that constitute changes of more than 18 hours for baccalaureate programs or 12 hours for graduate programs, the addition of new concentrations to a program, the reconfiguration of existing related degree programs into a single degree program, and the offering of any approved program to a new in-state delivery site. Program modifications are reviewed and approved by the CHE ACAP and CHE staff.
Program changes that require notification to CHE include offering new certificate programs, off-site delivery of existing programs delivered entirely in electronic format, changes in program title without a change in CIP code, substantive changes in curriculum of 18 hours or less for baccalaureate programs or 12 hours or less for graduate programs, program terminations, and consolidation of concentrations in an existing program.
New academic programs and program modifications that constitute a significant departure from existing offerings, and programs at a new degree level, require the submission of a Substantive Change prospectus to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Notification to and approval from the SACSCOC must be received to offer degree programs at new off-campus locations or to offer degree programs at a different level than what is currently approved. (See the SACSCOC substantive change policy)
Deans should notify the Office of the Provost of the college and department’s intention to develop a new academic program well in advance of initiating the faculty governance review and approval.
It is the responsibility of the department chair in the area where the new program will reside to develop a Program Proposal. The initial draft covers the following elements: cover page, classification, justification, enrollment projections, curriculum, faculty, physical plant, equipment, library resources, accreditation, and estimated costs. The CHE requires a specific format for a Program Proposal; see the CHE Academic Programs website.
https://www.che.sc.gov/InstitutionsEducators/AcademicPolicies,Programs/AcademicPrograms.aspx
Chairs developing proposals should review them with their dean prior to beginning the internal review and approval process. The dean should also contact the CHE/SACS Liaison in the Office of the Provost for information on the CHE process and possible examples of proposals from across campus and from other institutions in South Carolina. The CHE liaison may send the proposals for informal review by the CHE staff. Appropriate assistance will require a minimum of 8 weeks prior to the submission of the documents to CHE.
Each department participating in the proposed program should review and approve the proposal.
The dean of the college where a proposal resides should review and approve the proposal.
Once the faculty review process has been completed, review by and approval of the Provost, the President and the Board of Trustees are required. This must be accomplished before documents may be forwarded to the CHE. (CHE will allow Board of Trustee approval after submission of the proposal as long as the program is approved by the Board prior to the meeting of the CHE Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing.)
Winthrop University Substantive Change Policy: https://apps.winthrop.edu/policyrepository/Policy/FullPolicy?PID=269
SC Commission on Higher Education Policies on Academic Programs: https://www.che.sc.gov/InstitutionsEducators/AcademicPolicies,Programs/AcademicPrograms.aspx
Winthrop University Procedures for Academic Program Approval
https://www.winthrop.edu/recandreg/academic-program-approval-procedures.aspx
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