Guidelines for New Program Development

1. Intent Phase

Proposals for new programs (i.e., undergraduate majors or minors, graduate programs, certificate programs) must first complete the Intent phase. Here, the faculty and relevant Dean(s) confer about the possibility of a new academic program. The Dean must approve of the idea moving forward before the faculty member initiates an Intent proposal. The Intent proposal includes a subset of questions that are required in a full proposal for a new program. The Intent proposal requires a preliminary market analysis for all program types except undergraduate minors.[1] If the Intent proposal is approved, then the faculty member and relevant Dean(s) may proceed to submit a proposal for a new program. Proposals for new programs address the content areas listed below. Exact questions appear in the CIM Program form.

2. Program Details

1. Name of College/School/Institute submitting the proposal
2. Title of the proposed program
3. Degree(s) or credential to be offered.
4. Proposed CIP code for the program

It is important for the proposer to select all academic units that will be affected by the proposal. For example, if the proposed program borrows a course from another academic unit, that academic unit must have the opportunity to review the proposal and comment. If all relevant academic units are not selected in the workflow, the proposal will be rolled back to the point of origin, which will delay the review process. The proposer should consider providing advance notification to colleagues who will be asked to review the document.

[1] Accelerated bachelor’s to master’s degree programs are considered admissions pathways to the master’s program and do not require an Intent form. Initiate a new accelerated admissions pathway by editing the existing Program form for the relevant master’s degree program.

3. Rationale

1. 1. Rationale or justification for the proposed program.
   2. List related programs and describe how the proposed program is distinct.
   3. Address the potential student demand for the program, using the Gray DI data and market analysis conducted through Enrollment Systems Research and Reporting/ Enrollment Management.

4. Strategic Contributions

1. 1. Alignment with the University’s Strategic Plan.
   2. Alignment with the academic unit’s strategic plan.
   3. Describe how this program supports diversity, equity, and inclusion.
   4. If relevant, describe community partnerships and how this program allow Loyola to provide additional value to our city and neighborhoods.

5. Curriculum

1. 1. Total credit hours for the degree program. Note: The Higher Learning Commission requires a minimum of 60 semester credits for associate’s degrees, 120 semester credits for bachelor’s degrees, and 30 semester credits beyond the bachelor’s for master’s degrees.
   2. Program learning outcomes clearly defined
   3. Expected time to degree (in semesters)
   4. Overview of Curriculum
      1. For new courses, please provide a model syllabus.
      2. Provide a suggested sequence of courses.
   5. Describe how students will be guided and supported throughout the program:
      1. Describe how students encounter the central values of Jesuit education.
      2. Outline the advising plan for the program.
      3. Describe how students will develop research skills and methods appropriate to this program.
      4. If relevant, describe the capstone experience (e.g., internship, practicum, capstone seminar, thesis)
      5. For undergraduate programs, describe the relationship of this curriculum to the University Core If requesting Core waivers requested connect with the Core Director.
   6. Preliminary Assessment Plan. The Associate Provost for Accreditation, Assessment, and Regulatory Compliance is available to help establish basic metrics that allow the program to track student progress toward program learning outcomes. The preliminary assessment plan includes the following:
      1. Plans for how to measure the program learning outcomes (e.g., tools, rubrics)
      2. A brief description of how the program will annually review student progress toward program learning outcomes
      3. A statement of how assessment results will inform curricular review and improvement, including the reformulation of learning outcomes.
   7. Admission requirements for program (e.g., GPA, letters of recommendation)
   8. Contact your School/College/Institute’s Budget Administrator for assistance preparing a 3-5 year revenue and expense summary using the New Program Budget Template
      1. Describe resources needed to support this program (e.g., faculty, staff, facilities, laboratory space, equipment, software, library holdings). Separate existing resources and new resources as well as permanent source versus temporary source
      2. Include enrollment projections for the first five years. 
      3. State tuition pricing analysis and projections

7. New Program[1] Review. Following the completion of Year 3[2] of a new program, a review must be undertaken by the academic unit to determine if the program should continue or be discontinued (sunset). The academic unit will submit a report to the Provost. This must include, among other criteria as defined by the school,[3] a review of enrollment milestones and student enrollment, revenue generated, and expenses incurred. If enrollment milestones have not been met, but other indicators are positive, a two-year extension may be granted by the provost before a final decision is made about program continuance. At the end of the two-year extension (Year 5) the program will be reviewed again. Final approval for discontinuance is at the level of the Provost.

[1] Undergraduate degrees and certificates; graduate and professional degrees and certificates.

[2] Year 1 begins Fall of the first student enrollments.

[3] For example, information about student outcomes, faculty research productivity.

Each program and College/School/Institute in the University has, or should have, established its own internal protocols for the development and review of proposals for new programs. Protocols internal to a unit are assumed to ensure appropriate faculty and student consultation and input.

BUS and GSCB generally meet monthly during the 9-month academic year to review program proposals. Committee meetings and review deadlines are posted online. Documents for review should be submitted via CIM.  Program proposals must be received in time to allow for the review process to unfold, and allow the necessary resources (human, capital, fiscal, etc.) to be in place at the start of the program. All proposals must reach the final stage of review in the CIM workflow by March 31 of a given year to be effective in the next year’s academic catalog.