The following describes the approval process for creating a new academic degree program (e.g., a new 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 program using the following two templates:

   1. Planning Request Memorandum

   2. Financial Projection (Pro Forma Budget Guidelines)

   The Provost reviews planning requests throughout the year.

2. Submit for Faculty Reviewsand Approvals

   Upon Provost approval, the originating academic unit should input the proposed program 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. Approval 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 Board approval, the originating unit should prepare two items for the Alabama Commission on Higher Education:

   1. Notice of Intent to Submit a Proposal (NISP)

   2. Program Proposal

   The university’s will submit the two items on behalf of the unit, starting with the NISP. After the NISP is outstanding for two months, the program proposal may be submitted. The Commission reviews program proposals only four times a year.

   Note: To ensure program viability, the Commission requires a Post-Implementation Report seven years after initial implementation. You should review the report as you prepare your NISP and Program Proposal.

5. Input 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.