Developing a new academic program
Interested in developing a new academic program at UWL?
There are three steps - overview and detail is below.
STEP 1: Consult with the Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Sandy Grunwald.
STEP 2: Submit a "New Program Development Plan" for review by one of three deadlines:
October 1: February 1: or May 20.
STEP 3: Develop a "notice of intent" and guide it through UWL's governance process.
3-A: New major or degree (requires approval through UW System and the Board of Regents)
3-B: New minor, concentration, or emphasis or certificate (requires approval at the campus level)
| Step | Overview | Comment | Resource documents |
| STEP 1: Consult with the Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs (AVC), Sandy Grunwald. | The AVC will help guide the process by discussing the additional steps and deadlines as well as the types of questions proposers can expect. | We recommend you discuss the fact that you are exploring a new program idea with with your chair, dean, and graduate studies director. | NA |
| STEP 2: Submit a "New Program Development Plan" for review by one of three deadlines: October 1: February 1: or May 20. |
The purpose of Step 2 is for proposers to think about and receive feedback on the following criteria: |
New program development has resource implications and requires an investment of time and energy by the proposers - we want the process to start with some of the bigger questions regarding the potential role of the program at UWL. |
New Program Development Plan - UWL (Information) New Program Development Plan Proposal (download to complete and submit to provost@uwlax.edu) |
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STEP 3: Develop a proposal following APC guidelines and guide it through UWL's governance process. (Department and college approvals are a component of APC procedures.) |
All new programs are reviewed by the Faculty Senate Academic Planning Committee (APC) | APC only meets during the academic year. | Academic Planning Committee (APC) Procedures and Guidelines Link to APC membership and charge |
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3A: New major or degree |
All new majors or degrees require a "notice of intent" and several levels of review. | We estimate that it takes ~one year for a new major or degree to receive all the requisite layers of approval. If UWL and UW System approve the notice of intent, a complete authorization document is developed and eventually proposed to the Board of Regents. | Notice of Intent Proposal Template -UWL and System UW System - Program Authorization - format and guidelines. |
| 3-B: New minor, concentration, or emphasis or certificate | Programs that are not a new major or degree are less intensive but still require several levels of review. | We estimate that it takes ~4-6 months to receive all the requisite layers of approval. | New Minor, Concentration, Emphasis, and Certificate for Degree-Seeking Students Proposal Template - UWL New Certificate Program Proposal for Non-Degree Seeking Students Proposal Template - UWL |
UWL Academic Program Planning and Approval Guide
- This document provides an overview of the types of review level needed for each type of new program.