State-Level Requirements for Approval of Various Academic Program Actions At Public Institutions.

This process chart was developed by SCHEV staff as a reference guide for public institutions seeking state action on academic programs. Yellow shaded actions require preparation of program proposals. Non-shaded actions require submission of designated forms and narrative statements. SCHEV's "Policies and Procedures for Program Approvals and Changes" contains definitions of these terms, specific policy statements, detailed instructions, and links to all requisite forms.

Academic Program Action Sought by Institution	Council Approval	SCHEV Staff Approval	Action Reported to SCHEV	No Action Required at State Level
New Degree Program¹	X
Spin-Off Degree Program		X
First Professional Degree¹	X
Health Program^1,2	X
Major, Concentration, Option, Emphasis, Focus or Track				X
Certificate			X³
C.A.G.S. or Ed.S.¹	X
Program Merger		X^4,6
Degree Designation Change¹		X⁵
Program Title Change		X⁵
CIP Code Change		X⁵
Program Discontinuance			X⁶

Policies and Procedures for Program Approvals and Changes (FULL PRINT VERSION)

¹ If a proposed academic program will elevate a public institution to a new degree level, then the institution must also seek approval to change its degree-level authority through the appropriate state procedures.
² §23-9.10:1 The State Council of Higher Education is hereby designated the planning and coordinating agency for all post-secondary educational programs for all health professions and occupations.

³ Certificate programs must be reported using the "Program Proposal Cover Sheet."

⁴ Submit the "Format for Merging Academic Programs" cover sheet and requisite narrative statement.

⁵ Submit the "Format for Revising Academic Programs" cover sheet and requisite narrative statement.

⁶ Submit the "Intent to Discontinue an Academic Program" cover sheet and requisite narrative.