Substantially Redirect an Academic Program

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Policy Number:
UW-1013
Responsible Office:
Data, Academic Planning & Institutional Research

University Policy

Rationale/​Purpose:

Most academic programs at UW-Madison are structured such that students complete curricular requirements in courses offered in the fall and spring terms. Some highly structured, sequential programs require students to begin their studies in a specific term and follow requirements within a cohort.

The addition of a required summer term, the modification of a required start term, and/or the modification to more than 50% of the curriculum are significant and require school/college and university approval as these changes impact faculty and students, academic planning, admission, and financial aid.

Definitions:
Academic Program
An area of study that leads to a degree/major, certificate, minor or named option.
Academic Unit
The academic and administrative home for an academic program or subject listing, also known as an academic department, housed within an academic division (school/college). The academic unit originates all program and curricular changes through academic governance; ensures the curriculum is appropriate and that courses are offered regularly; provides student support services such as advising; prepares all content for the Guide and assures the program and subject listing is represented accurately at all times; oversees the course evaluation process; coordinates assessment and program review; and receives allocation for program enrollment, degrees, certificates and credits in the information systems.
Cohort
For purposes of this policy, a group of students who begin an academic program at the same time and are required to follow the same requirements that lead to a degree/certificate.
Scope:

All academic units that offer academic programs.

Policy:
  1. Addition of Required Summer Term and/or Modification of Required Start Term

    The following entities must approve the addition of a required summer term and/or modification of a required start term for academic programs:

    • Academic Unit that offers the program
    • Dean and School/College Academic Planning Council 
    • Graduate Faculty Executive Committee (for Graduate School programs only)
    • University Academic Planning Council

    The University Academic Planning Council offers automatic consent for graduate programs seeking to add a required summer term or modify a required start term once approved by GFEC. In all cases, proposals must be submitted via Lumen Programs.

  2. Curricular Modifications Greater Than 50%

    The following entities must approve changes to an academic program’s curriculum when the changes equate to more than 50% of the curriculum, e.g., more than half of the program’s required courses change:

    • Academic Unit that offers the program
    • Dean and School/College Academic Planning Council
    • Graduate Faculty Executive Committee (for Graduate School programs only)
    • University Academic Planning Council
    • UW System Approval

    In all cases, proposals must be submitted via Lumen Programs.

Related UW–Madison Documents, Web Pages, or Other Resources:
External References:

Policy Administration

Approval Authority:
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Policy Manager:
Vice Provost for Data, Academic Planning & Institutional Research
Contact:
Associate Director, Data, Academic Planning & Institutional Research -- Michelle Young, MEYOUNG@WISC.EDU, (608) 262-2143
Effective Date:
01-01-2017
Revised Dates:

04-21-2023

Retrieved:
04-25-2024 00:26:32