The following describes the approval process for creating the ability to offer an existing degree program online. Proposals for an online program that does not already exist on campus should follow the procedures for creating a new academic degree program.
The originating academic unit should submit to the Provost a request to commence development of the online version of the existing program. The request should include a memorandum through the Department Chair and Dean justifying the online version and a three- to five-year financial projection. Templates are available for the request memorandum and the financial projection. The Provost reviews requests throughout the year.
Upon Provost approval, the originating academic unit should input the online version into the university’s Curriculum Inventory Management (CIM) system and attach the approved request memorandum. The CIM system will route the proposal through all unit and college reviews established by the college. These reviews occur at the college’s discretion. A CIM training guide is available for assistance.
Upon college approval, the CIM system will route the proposal to the appropriate university curriculum committee (undergraduate or graduate). These committees review proposals once a month during the academic year. Usually, proposals received by the first of the month are reviewed that month.
Upon university committee approval, the originating academic unit should submit a request for Provost approval and Board review. The request should include a proposal memorandum, an updated financial projection, and the approved curriculum model. The request should be attached to the CIM proposal. Although Provost review can occur throughout the year, the Board of Trustees meets only five times per year.
Upon Provost approval and Board review, the university’s Commission coordinator will notify the Alabama Commission of Higher Education of the new online version.
Once the Commission is notified, the Provost and the Registrar will ensure that the online version is entered into university systems so that it is operable. Online versions that complete the full approval process prior to May will appear in the fall semester Auburn University Bulletin.
| Responsible Unit | Action |
| Originating Unit | Submit request memorandum 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 |
| College | Attach proposal memorandum into CIM |
| Provost | Review and approve |
| Board of Trustees | Review |
| ACHE Coordinator | Notify ACHE |
| Provost | 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.