Category I: Proposing new academic programs

Category I proposals represent new academic program offerings by a school/college or department. Prior to offering a new academic program, sponsoring faculty must draft and successfully advance the proposal through the OHSU review process. This process may take up to 18 months to complete and includes approvals at the school and university level, as well as state and regional accreditation approvals.  

According to the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), the regional accrediting agency for OHSU, Operational Policy A-2:  

If an institution implements a substantive change without prior written notice or if it proceeds to implement a substantive change denied by the Commission, the Commission may consider issuance of an order for the institution to show cause why its accreditation or candidate status should not be terminated. 

Before sponsoring faculty can begin the process of proposing a new academic program they must notify the Office of the Provost-Academic Affairs of planning intent. Once the Office of the Provost-Academic Affairs has been notified, the request will be distributed to OHSU stakeholders for comment. At the end of the comment period, programs will be notified of the decision, and if successful, granted permission to develop a full proposal. 

IMPORTANT: A department may not advertise or recruit students for a program until it has successfully passed through all of the required internal and external review and approval processes. (Reference Policy 02-50-020, Marketing Proposed Academic Programs under Academic programs and assessment) 

Category I: Forms

• Category I New Program  
• Category I New Location 
• Category I Curriculum Format 
• Category I Faculty Data 
• Category I Budget Outline 
• HECC External Review Requirements for Graduate Programs 

Category I: New program approval process

Each school has a process for reviewing proposed new academic programs. Following the school level process, the proposal is submitted to the Office of the Provost-Academic Affairs. The addition of new academic degrees and certificates is the purview of the OHSU Faculty Senate, and the Office of the Provost-Academic Affairs forwards all proposals for their review and approval. The proposal must receive the full endorsement of the Faculty Senate before it is advanced to the state-level process.   

Following Faculty Senate approval, all new programs must undergo an External Review to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the proposed offering. Once the External Review has been conducted, the Provost or designee notifies the Statewide Provost's Council of the intention to forward a proposal for a new academic program. Upon the endorsement of the Statewide Provost's Council, the proposal is submitted to NWCCU for notification and final approval.  

NOTE: Occasionally, substantive change to an existing program may require an external review and/or notification to the Statewide Provost's Council and NWCCU. For more information see the Approval Process Flowchart

Category II: Substantive change to an existing program

Category II proposals are comprised of program changes that do not meet the accreditation threshold for a major or substantive change. Upon school level approval, changes require university-level approval and may require state or regional accreditation approval. 

• Category II Proposal 
• Curriculum Side by Side  
• New Course Form
• Program Suspension and Closure Form 

Category III: Minor change to an existing program

Category III proposals are comprised of minor program changes such as a new required or elective course, minor changes to prerequisites, course sequencing, changes to graduation requirements, etc. Upon school level approval, changes are administratively reviewed and operationalized through the Office of the Provost-Academic Affairs and the Registrar's Office.

• Category III Proposal
• New Course Form