Academic Curricula Review and Approval (A-4)
Original Implementation: October 17, 1978
Last Revision:August 26, 2008
Section I
A. Introduction
It is the responsibility of each academic unit of the university to maintain a current curriculum for the disciplines it offers. Academic units must engage in continuous review of its curricula. To reach this goal, academic units will verify this objective by conducting a formal review of curricula every three to five years. A schedule proposed by the dean and department/school (hereafter referred to as department) chairs/directors (hereafter referred to as chair) within each college and approved by the provost will set time lines for the process.
B. Curriculum Modification Procedures
When proposing changes to the curriculum, the originating department will submit its proposal (with the appropriate approval forms) according to the steps outlined in Section II of this policy. Curricular modifications that must follow the approval process include:
- New Courses
- Modified courses
- New programs (degrees, endorsements, certificates)
- Modified programs (degrees, endorsements, certificates)
- Deletion of courses and/or programs (degrees, endorsements, certificates)
- Changes in mode of delivery such as off-campus face to face, online instruction, and other distance delivery methods
Forms for this purpose are available on the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs web site.
C. Substantive Change
Any curricular changes that involve “substantive change” as defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges must be communicated to the appropriate entity and, if necessary under the rules of the entity, be approved before implementation. For further information see university Policy A-70, Substantive Change.
Section II: Processes & Procedures For Curriculum Reviews, Modifications, & Approvals
NEW,1 MODIFIED, and DELETED Undergraduate and Graduate Programs (degrees, endorsements, certificates) and CHANGES in mode of delivery
- Recommended approval by Department Curriculum Committee2
- Recommended approval by Department Chair
- Recommended approval by appropriate Councils or Committees in the College
- Recommended approval by appropriate College Dean
- Recommended approval by University Undergraduate Council or Graduate Council
- Recommended approval by Council of Deans
- Approved by Provost/VPAA
- Approved by University President
- Approved by Board of Regents
- Approved by and/or appropriate notifications to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas Education Agency, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools or other appropriate outside agencies and organizations.
- Inserted into the General Bulletin or Graduate Bulletin after complete approval by and/or notifications to all above entities
NEW,1 MODIFIED and DELETED Undergraduate and Graduate Minors, Second Majors and Concentrations
- Recommended approval by Department Curriculum Committee2
- Recommended approval by Department Chair
- Recommended approval by appropriate Councils or Committees in the College
- Recommended approval by appropriate College Dean
- Recommended approval by University Graduate or Undergraduate Council
- Recommended approval by Council of Deans
- Accepted by Provost/VPAA
- Inserted into General Bulletin or Graduate Bulletin after complete approval by and/or notification to all above entities
NEW,1 MODIFIED and DELETED Undergraduate and Graduate Courses
- Recommended approval by Department Curriculum Committee
- Recommended approval by Department Chair
- Recommended approval by appropriate Councils or Committees in the College
- Recommended approval by appropriate College Dean
- Recommended approval by University Undergraduate Council or Graduate Council
- Approved by Provost/VPAA
- Approved by the University President
- Approved by Board of Regents in the case of new courses
- Approved by Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas Education Agency State Board for Educator Certificate, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools or other appropriate outside agencies
- Inserted into General Bulletin or Graduate Bulletinafter complete approval by and/or notifications to all above entities
1All NEW undergraduate and graduate degree programs must follow the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Policies and Procedures Manual and be submitted on either the Format for Non-substantive or Substantive Degree Program Requests (http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/UHRI/polprod/dp.htm)
2The Steen Library needs to know at a minimum the nature of the new program and the content of any new courses to be offered. So, the contact needs to be made after much of the proposal text has been developed but well enough in advance of presentation to the campus-wide reviewing body, at a minimum, about 60 days.
Cross Reference: THECB Instructions and CIP Codes; Policy A-69, Certificate Programs; Policy A-12.1, Course Incidental Fees; Policy A-24 Laboratory Fees; and Policy A-70, Substantive Change
Responsible for Implementation: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Contact for Revision: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Forms: Course Proposal Forms and Laboratory/course fee request are available on the Academic Affairs website.