WCSU Faculty Handbook : Curriculum and Academic Standards

Procedure for Planning of the Undergraduate or Graduate Curriculum

  1. Planning

    1. This procedure is to be used for: a) programs (options, ) or courses with additional equipment and/or staff required, b) programs (options, etc.) where no CIP number exists, and c) programs (options, etc.) with additional equipment and/or staff not required and program CIP number exists.
    2. The department prepares and approves a proposal for planning approval of not more than two (2) pages. The proposal should include answers to the following:
      1. What are the educational equipment needs?
      2. What are the staffing needs? (over a 4-year period)
      3. What is the rationale for the proposal?
      4. Are there any special room or facility needs (e.g., computer time, etc.)?
      5. When would degrees be granted?
      6. How does the program (course, etc.) meet the University strategic planning assumptions?
      7. How much library material is already available on the campus/how much more library material is needed?
      8. What is the implementation schedule?
    3. The proposal is sent to the chairperson of the University Planning & Budgeting Committee to determine whether the proposal fits into the strategic planning of the institution and what the possibilities are for staff, equipment, facilities, etc.
    4. The University Planning & Budgeting Committee recommendation, either approval for planning or disapproval with reasons, comments or recommendations is sent to the University President for administrative review. A copy of the committee’s recommendation is also sent simultaneously to the department chairperson.
    5. The University President will review the proposal and send his/her approval for planning or disapproval with reasons, comments or recommendations to the department chairperson and the chairperson of the University Planning & Budgeting Committee simultaneously. If approved, the chairperson of the Committee on Undergraduate Curriculum and Academic Standards or the Graduate Council should also be notified.
    6. If the proposal is approved, the department may proceed with PHASE II.

  2. Curriculum Development

    1. The department prepares and approves the full proposal for the new program, course, etc., including the original proposal with administrative planning approval. The proposal should include the course designation (lecture, lab, studio), level, title, description, prerequisite(s), level, outline and any other information required by the Committee on Undergraduate Curriculum and Academic Standards or the Graduate Council. Departmental approval indicates that all other affected departments have been notified.
    2. Undergraduate and graduate course material or undergraduate program proposals will be routed to the chairperson of the school curriculum committee. If the school curriculum committee approves, the proposal is sent to the chairperson of the Committee on Undergraduate Curriculum and Academic Standards or the Graduate Council. The school curriculum committee is responsible for the complete contents of the proposal when it is sent for review. If the school curriculum committee disapproves, the proposal, with reasons, comments or recommendations, is rejected in the CPP and the department chairperson is notified.
    3. Graduate program proposals are sent, via the CPP, to the chairperson of the school curriculum committee. If the school curriculum committee approves, the proposal is forwarded to the chairperson of the Graduate Council. The Graduate Council reviews the proposal. If approved, the proposal is sent to the Provost/V.P. for Academic Affairs. If disapproved, the proposal with reasons, comments, or recommendations, is rejected and returned to the department chairperson.
    4. The Committee on Undergraduate Curriculum and Academic Standards reviews undergraduate proposals. If approved, the proposal is sent for administrative review. If disapproved, the proposal, with reasons, comments or recommendations, is rejected in the CPP and comments are sent back to the chairperson of the school curriculum committee and the department chairperson. The Committee on Undergraduate Curriculum and Academic Standards may consult with the department and/or school curriculum committee for clarification throughout the process.
    5. The chairperson of the Committee on Undergraduate Curriculum and Academic Standards, the department chairperson and the appropriate Dean are notified simultaneously of the administrative approval or disapproval with reasons, comments or recommendations.
    6. The office of Academic Affairs is responsible for initiating and overseeing the off-campus approval process required for licensure of new programs after they have been approved on campus. The off-campus process may include the BOR, CTDOE, and NECHE. Inquiries about this process should be directed to the office of Academic Affairs.

 

The steps above offer guidance on the planning and approval of new curriculum.  It is also recommended that you look at the templates required by the CT Board of Regents before you begin.  The questions posed there are helpful for campus-based planning and will be required for all new degrees, options, certificates, or centers and institutes, as well as significant revisions to existing programs. The templates can be found here.

September 2019