New Program Review Procedure

Review procedure for new programs

Prior to proposing a new program, faculty must consult with the Associate Vice Provost for Academic Innovation (AVPAI), who will work with faculty to determine need, demand, and conduct a market analysis.  Prior to proposing program revisions, faculty must consult with the AVPAI to determine the appropriate approval channels, which will at least include a program change notification to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (DHEWD).  Program revisions may also require reporting to the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 

Each academic unit follows the established curriculum review process for its particular unit alongside the campus-level review.  Program proposals and revisions, including new courses, must be approved by the dean level of the unit review by December 1 of each year to be eligible for publication in the next catalog.  New courses for new programs must also be approved by the unit by December 1. 

New programs may take more time to be reviewed, published, and made available for admission based on University of Missouri System, DHEWD, and Higher Learning Commission (HLC) review.  In cases where such levels of review are required, final approval must be received by March 1 for any program publication the following Fall.  New programs may not be advertised or listed on departmental websites until the AVPAI notifies the department of DHEWD and HLC approval.

Campus-level review includes review and approval by the Academic Innovation Council, the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee (undergraduate programs only), or the Graduate Council (graduate and professional programs only).  The AVPAI will also inform the Provost prior to each level of campus review and before submission to System to ensure that the campus can still support the program if approved.  Because the faculty ultimately owns the curriculum (CRR 300.020:  Faculty Bylaws of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Section D.3.b), faculty from the originating unit are expected to remain involved in preparing System approval paperwork, participating in calls with System personnel, and incorporating feedback into proposal drafts.  Units must identify at least one point person for the proposal. 

New programs represent a significant investment of resources.  For this reason, nominated programs will be prioritized in consultation with the Provost and Chancellor. Review does not guarantee program approval. .  The AVPAI will communicate regularly with the unit as to the likelihood of approval and provide feedback as appropriate.  New program proposals will be reviewed according to a number of criteria, including: 

Spring: Initial review for university-level priority (not in hierarchical order)

  • Statement of support from unit dean’s office
  • Curricular overview
  • Workforce demand
  • State-licensure/certification (if applicable)
  • Fit with UMKC Mission and Strategic Plan
  • Potential for collaboration across departments, units, or University of Missouri System campuses
  • Specialized accreditation impact (if applicable)
  • Currently offered programs in CIP Code
  • Modality
  • Plans for consolidation or discontinuation of related current programs
  • Expenses in relation to return on investment (ex:  new hires, classroom modifications, etc.) [NOTE:  At this stage unit faculty should work with University Finance on creating a pro forma worksheet of financial projections that includes expenses and sources of revenue.]

For programs being nominated to Missouri Online, also include:

  • A course rotation showing that all required courses may be completed 100% online in a two-year period
  • All course delivery modes (OA, OS, OC, HighFlex) – for explanations of course delivery modes, see Instruction Mode Definitions
  • Any additional program requirements that must be completed in person

May: Provost review and determination

        Missouri Online review, if appropriate

September 1: Academic Innovation –  full proposal development and review components (not in hierarchical order)

  • Proposed catalog information
  • Program modality – current and planned options
  • Curriculum
  • Admissions requirements for new and transfer students
  • Major map (undergraduate programs only)
  • Student learning outcomes with curriculum map (all programs)
  • Faculty support and qualifications (including online teaching certification)
  • Student demand
  • Enrollment projections
  • Marketing support and costs
  • Plans for assessment
  • Plans for program evaluation
  • Four-year course rotation (including modality details to ensure classroom capacity and to reserve seats for online students)

October 1: University-wide curriculum review process (UCC or Graduate Council)

         UM System pre-proposal, if appropriate

November 1: UM System/Board of Curators review, if appropriate DHEWD review

        If appropriate:

       HLC review

       Department of Education

State authorization review

April 1: Academic year catalog publication

Financial aid eligibility verification

Admission for the following year