Create New Degree Program
The following describes the approval process for creating a new academic degree program (e.g., a new major).
Request Provost Approval to Commence Planning
The originating academic unit should submit to the Provost a request to commence development of the new program. The request memorandum should use the hyperlinked templates to include the following:
The Provost reviews requests throughout the year.
Input the Proposal for Faculty Review and Approval
Upon Provost approval, the originating academic unit should input the proposal and the approved request memorandum into the Curriculum Inventory Management System for review and approval by appropriate unit, college and university committees. A CIM training guide is available for assistance.
University committees (graduate and undergraduate) meet once a month and usually review all proposals received by the first of that month. The undergraduate committee does not meet in the summer months.
Request Provost and Board Approval
Upon university committee approval, the originating academic unit should submit to the Provost a request for Provost and Board approval. The program memorandum should use the hyperlinked templates to include the following:
The Provost reviews proposals throughout the year. However, the Board of Trustees meets only five times per year. The approved program memorandum should be attached to the CIM proposal.
Request Alabama Commission on Higher Education Approval
Upon Board approval, the originating unit should use the hyperlinked templates to prepare two items for the Alabama Commission on Higher Education:
The university’s Commission coordinator will submit the two items on behalf of the unit, starting with the NISP. After the NISP is outstanding for two months (three months for graduate programs), the program proposal may be submitted. The Commission reviews program proposals only four times a year.
Input the Program into University Systems
Once Commission approval is received, the Provost Office and the Registrar will ensure that the new degree program is entered into university systems so that it is operable. Programs that complete the full approval process prior to May will appear in the fall semester Auburn University Bulletin.
These steps are summarized below:
| Responsible Unit | Action |
| Originating Unit | Submit request memorandum and financial projection to Provost |
| Provost | Review and approve |
| Originating Unit | Input proposed program into CIM (and attach approved request memo) |
| Department | Review and approve |
| College | Review and approve |
| University Committee | Review and approve |
| Originating Unit/College | Attach proposal memorandum into CIM |
| Provost | Review and approve |
| Board of Trustees | Review and approve |
| Originating Unit/College | Attach NISP and full proposal into CIM |
| ACHE Coordinator | Transmit NISP and proposal to ACHE for review and approval |
| Provost/Registrar | Input approved program into AU Bulletin |
- It can be helpful for a representative from the originating unit or college to attend the meeting of the university committee in case the members have questions.
- If the proposed program includes a course or courses from another college, the originating unit should provide evidence that the other college supports inclusion of its course. Normally, an email from the other college will be sufficient.