Developing a new academic program
A page within Academic Affairs
Interested in developing a new academic program at UWL?
There are three steps - overview and detail is below.
STEP 1: Consult with the Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Sandy Grunwald.
STEP 2: Submit a "New Program Development Plan" for review. To be considered, a proposal must be submitted to the Provost Office by the Wednesday preceding the first Tuesday of the month.
STEP 3: Develop a program proposal and guide it through UWL's governance process within the CIM system.
3-A: New major/authorization(requires UWL, UW System and Board of Regents approval)
3-B: New minor, concentration, emphasis, certificate or microcredential (requires approval at the campus level)
| Step | Overview | Comment | Resource documents |
| STEP 1: Consult with the Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs (AVC), Sandy Grunwald. | The AVC will help guide the process by discussing the additional steps and deadlines as well as the types of questions proposers can expect. | We recommend you discuss the fact that you are exploring a new program idea with your chair and dean. | NA |
| STEP 2: Submit a "New Program Development Plan" for review. To be considered a proposal must be submitted to the Provost Office by the Wednesday preceding the first Tuesday of the month. |
The purpose of Step 2 is for proposers to think about and receive feedback on the following criteria: |
New program development has resource implications and requires an investment of time and energy by the proposers - we want the process to start with some of the bigger questions regarding the potential role of the program at UWL. |
New Program Development Plan - UWL (Information) New Program Development Plan Proposal (download to complete and submit to provost@uwlax.edu) |
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STEP 3: Develop a proposal following APC guidelines and guide it through UWL's governance process. (Department and college approvals are a component of APC procedures.) |
All new programs are reviewed by the Faculty Senate Academic Planning Committee (APC) | APC only meets during the academic year. | Academic Planning Committee (APC) Procedures and Guidelines Link to APC membership and charge |
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3A: New major/authorization |
All new majors or degrees require a "notice of intent" and several levels of review. Please note: Some select new programs may be eligible for the Fast Track process. Please consult with the AVC as to if your new program may be eligible for this process. | We estimate that it takes ~one year for a new major or degree to receive all the requisite layers of approval. If UWL and UW System approve the notice of intent, a complete authorization document is developed and eventually proposed to the Board of Regents. | Notice of Intent Proposal Template -UWL and System UW System - Program Authorization - format and guidelines. |
| 3-B: New minor, concentration, emphasis, program modality, certificate, or microcredential | Programs that are not a new major or degree are less intensive but still require several levels of review. | We estimate that it takes ~2-3 months to receive all the requisite layers of approval. |
New Minor, Concentration, Emphasis, Program Modality, or Certificate for Degree-Seeking Students Proposal Template - UWL |
UWL Academic Program Planning and Approval Guide
- This document provides an overview of the types of review level needed for each type of new program.
