Program and Organizational Unit Proposals
Guidelines
Board policy dictates that the creation of degrees, majors, programs, or structural organizations must be approved by the Board of Regents. Flexibility is given to the institutions to implement minor changes without Board approval.
In cases where there is an absence of significant programmatic change, minimal impact to other NSHE institutions and clear adherence to approved institutional missions, institutions may seek approval through the Academic Affairs Council. Furthermore, Board policy establishes an accountability system whereby institutions are directed to provide periodic follow-up information on cost estimates and enrollment projections provided through the program proposal process.
Certificates of at least 30 credit hours except for post baccalaureate certificates
Certificates of fewer than 30 credit hours that provide preparation necessary to take state, national and/or industry recognized certification or licensing examinations or are endorsed by employers or industry associations;
Study abroad programs
Name change to a degree, major or primary field of study that is cosmetic in nature and does not result in a change in curriculum
Reactivation of a previously approved degree, major or primary field of study that was placed on hold (or deactivated) by the institution for less than five years since the effective date of the deactivation. The institution must provide appropriate written notice to the Board indicating the reactivation of the program. A deactivated program will be considered formally eliminated five years after the effective date of the deactivation.
The following items must be approved by the Academic Affairs Council prior to being presented to the Board for approval:
Degree, major or primary field of study for baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral level programs (BA, BS, MA, MS, Ph.D, and named degrees)
Emphases, major or primary field of study within the bachelor of applied science (BAS)
Primary field of study within an associates of arts, an associate of science, and an associate of business (AA, AS, and AB)
Primary field of study within an associate of applied science (AAS)
Emphases, concentration, or options that are converted into a major
School or college
Organization unit, center, or institute
Name change to a degree, major or primary field of study accompanied by a significant change in curriculum
Degree-type change to a major or primary field of study (e.g., a BAS to a BA)
Name change to a school or college that is the result of a significant reorganization of existing units, consolidation, or change in mission
Name change to an organizational unit, center, or institute that is the result of a significant reorganization of existing units, consolidation, or change in mission
Deletion of any degree, major, primary field of study, school or college, center, institute or other structural organization
Deactivation of a previously approved degree, major or primary field of study that an institution wishes to place on hold