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).

1. Request Provost Approval to Commence Planning

   The originating academic unit should submit to the Provost a request to commence planning for the new option using the following two templates:

   1. Planning Request Memorandum

   2. Financial Projection (Pro Forma Budget Guidelines)

   The Provost reviews request memorandums throughout the year.

2. Submit for Faculty Reviews and Approvals

   Upon Provost approval, the originating academic unit should input the proposed option into the Curriculum Inventory Management System (CIM) for review and approval by appropriate unit, college and university committees. A CIM training guide is available for assistance. Please attach the approved planning request memorandum to the CIM form.

   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.

3. Request Provost and Board Approval

   Upon university committee approval, the originating academic unit should submit to the Provost the following three items to request Provost and Board approval:

   1. Planning Request Memorandum

   2. Financial Projection (Pro Forma Budget Guidelines)

   3. Approved Curriculum Model

   The Provost reviews approval requests throughout the year. However, the Board of Trustees meets only five times per year. The approved request memorandum should be attached to the CIM proposal.

4. Request Alabama Commission on Higher Education Approval

   Upon Provost and Board of Trustee approval, the originating unit should prepare the following form for the Alabama Commission on Higher Education:

   1. Proposal Form for the Addition of an Option, Track, Specialization, or Concentration

   The university’s 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.

5. Input into University Systems

   Once Commission approval is received, the Provost Office and the Registrar will ensure that the new option 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.