Step 1: Notify campus EVCAA and UAP of plans for academic proposal development
The head of an academic unit typically initiates proposals for new academic programs. As a first step, a Department Chair, or the Dean of a school, notifies the Executive Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs for the campus about their intentions to proceed with development of a proposal. (See particular campus process for further details.)
When proposing a new program, academic administrators should assess whether a new degree is necessary, or whether a new major within an existing degree is a viable option. While majors are approved within Indiana University, degrees require additional approval at the state level. New degrees (on-campus and online) require more documentation and are subject to more levels of approval. All proposals must be submitted with the appropriate documentation (see table of required documentation) as approved by the Academic Leadership Council (ALC).
Step 1a: Academic programs that will be offered by multiple campuses
Academic program proposals that are to be offered by multiple campuses or university-wide must be coordinated with affected campuses. Such collaborations require the development of Memoranda of Agreements (MoA) between participating campuses. The MOA must be included as part of the proposal before continuing with the process. Academic administrators from VPRCOE are available to facilitate such collaborations. This may take place in parallel with the campus process, but must be done before the proposal goes to the ALC.
Learn more about the approval process for collaborative programsStep 1b: Graduate-level academic programs within University Graduate School
Review by the Graduate School is required for all graduate certificate and degree programs represented by disciplines within the University Graduate School. (When in doubt, be inclusive and assume Graduate School approval is needed.) The campus originating a proposal is responsible for soliciting campus-level reviews and Graduate School approval (when needed) before proposals are presented to the ALC.
Note that professional degrees (e.g., nursing, social work, etc.) do NOT require Graduate School approval.
Please also note that Graduate Affairs Committees exist on each campus, and these committees will also be required to approve graduate-level academic proposals.
Step 1c: Academic programs that will be delivered online (new or converted from existing on-campus programs)
IU Online must review and approve all academic programs offered online or via distance education.
Learn more about the approval process for online programsContact us at approval@iu.edu or 317-274-8354 if you have any questions.
Step 1d: Academic programs that will be delivered in a hybrid format (new or converted from existing on-campus programs)
IU Online and University Academic Programs must review all academic programs to be offered in a hybrid format.
Learn more about the approval process for hybrid programsContact us at approval@iu.edu or 317-274-8354 if you have any questions.