Create New Option in Existing Degree Program
The following describes the approval process for creating a new option in an existing degree program (e.g., a Child Life option in the Human Development and Family Studies major).
- The originating academic unit should submit to the Provost a request to commence development of the new option. The request should include a memorandum through the Department Chair and Dean justifying the option 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 option 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 and Board approval. 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 and Board of Trustee approval, the originating unit will prepare for the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (Commission) a Proposal Form for the Addition of an Option, Track, Specialization, or Concentration. The form should be attached to the proposal in the CIM system. The university’s Commission coordinator will submit the form on behalf of the unit. The Commission receives these forms throughout the year; however, it reviews program proposals only four times a year.
- Once Commission approval is received, the Provost Office and the Registrar will ensure that the program is entered into university systems so that it is operable. Options 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 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 |
| College | Attach proposal memorandum into CIM |
| Provost | Review and approve |
| Board of Trustees | Review and approve |
| College | Attach NISP and full proposal into CIM |
| ACHE Coordinator | Transmit Proposal Form to ACHE for review and approval |
| Provost | Input approved program into AU Bulletin |
Tips:
- 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.
Last updated: September 20, 2019