Stages of Proposal Development and New Program Activation
The Rackham Executive Board reviews and approves new programs. Proposals may be received at any time. Successful development of a new program requires several steps for review and approval. This process usually takes at least several months and, depending on the complexity of the proposal, may require up to a year. A new program cannot be advertised or admit students until all six steps have been completed and final approval obtained.
Development of the Draft Proposal
Faculty consult with Rackham before preparing a proposal draft. See Content of Proposals for New Programs for a discussion of elements required for all degree and certificate proposals.
Unit Review and Approval
The Dean(s) of the academic unit(s) where the program will be located provide formal written endorsements and approval of the draft proposal. The directors or chairs of other programs that may be involved in the new program also review and approve the draft.
Preliminary Submission to Rackham
Rackham staff and deans review the draft proposal and provide comments and questions to help refine the proposal for submission to the Executive Board.
Rackham Executive Board Review
The Rackham Executive Board reviews the final proposal. The Board may have questions or comments that require additional information and revision before final approval. In some cases the faculty may be asked to discuss the proposal at a meeting of the Executive Board.
Michigan Presidents’ Council
With the exception of certificates and dual degree programs, a new degree program approved by the Rackham Executive Board is submitted to the Michigan Presidents’ Council of State Universities of Michigan. The Presidents’ Council meets four times a year.
Activation
With approval by the Presidents’ Council, the Registrar assigns a new program code and the program is activated. Final approval must be received from the Presidents Council and the program activated before it can be advertised or students apply or be admitted.
Contact Assistant Dean John Godfrey for examples of successful proposals for new degree programs.