University-Wide Undergraduate Curriculum Handbook
Return to Table of Contents

New Minor Programs

All minor programs must be reviewed by the State System of Higher Education. The nature of the review, however, depends upon the type of minor proposed. SSHE distinguishes between two minor proposals: minor programs where no major exists and minor programs within approved major programs.

New Minor Program Where No Major Exists

The Office of the Chancellor in the SSHE must be notified of a proposer’s intent to develop a new minor program where no major exists. The proposer is directed to contact the dean of the involved college and discuss an appropriate format for such notification. Often, the proposer is asked to develop an overview or abstract of the minor program and forward that to the SSHE office through the college dean and provost. Once the SSHE office has reviewed the overview and granted permission to the plan, the proposer develops the full proposal including all information requested in section B of the SSHE Administrative Procedures for Board of Governors’ Policy 1985-01: Requirements for Initiation or Change of Credit-Based Academic Programs found in this handbook on page 79. Note that after the program has been approved by the Senate, President, and Council of Trustees, the proposal is presented to the Chancellor’s Office for final approval.

New Minor Program Where a Major Exists

A new minor program that is developed where an approved major already exists is channeled through the university approval process; and after final approval through the level of the Council of Trustees, the Chancellor’s Office is notified as a matter of information.
 

Format for Requesting a New Minor Where Major Does Not Exist

Part I. Curriculum Proposal Cover Sheet

Part II. Description of Curriculum Change

l. A complete catalog description for the minor. This includes both the description about the minor and the list of courses and credits for the new minor.

2. A rationale/justification for the new program. Include responses to Section B of the SSHE Administrative Procedures for Board of Governors’ Policy 1985-01: Requirements for Initiation or Change of Credit-Based Academic Programs, page 79. (Other information can be found on the SSHE Guidance for New Academic Programs web page, http://www.passhe.edu/content/?/office/academic/guidance)

3. A summary of the program including a list of courses, requirements and restrictions.

4. A course sequence which illustrates a recommended schedule for students in the new program.

Part III. Course Proposals

Proposals for any new courses included in the new minor.

Part IV. Letters of Support or Acknowledgement

l. Attach letters from interested or affected departments. (See page 3 for guidelines.)

2. SSHE Approval. A letter from the Chancellor's Office stating that the program has been reviewed.

Please Number All Pages

Procedures for Approval of New Minor
Where Major Program Does Not Exist

		Department Approval (Curriculum Committee Chair and Department Chair)
	College Curriculum Committee Approval		SSHE Review
	College Dean Approval
	Provost Approval
		UWUCC Approval
		Senate Approval
		Provost Approval, on behalf of the President, and Council of Trustees Approval
		Final SSHE Approval
		Catalog Change Implemented by Catalog Editor

Format for New Minor Program Where Approved Major Exists

Part I. Curriculum Proposal Cover Sheet

Part II. Description of Curriculum Change

1. Complete catalog description for minor. This includes both the description about the minor and the list of courses and credits for the new minor.

2. A detailed description for the minor including a rationale/justification, credit requirements, sequencing and restrictions.

Part III. Implementation. Provide answers to the following questions:

1. Are faculty resources adequate? If you are not requesting or have not been authorized to hire additional faculty, demonstrate how this course will fit into the schedule(s) of current faculty. What will be taught less frequently or in fewer sections to make this possible?

2. Are other resources adequate? (Space, equipment, supplies, travel funds)

3. Do you expect an increase or decrease in the number of students as a result of these revisions? If so, how will be the department adjust?

4. Intended implementation date (semester and year).

Part IV. Periodic Assessment

Departments are responsible for an on-going review of curriculum. Include information about the department’s plan for program evaluation:

1. Describe the evaluation plan. Include evaluation criteria. Specify how student input will be incorporated into the evaluation process.

2. Specify the frequency of the evaluations.

3. Identify the evaluating entity.

Part V. Course Proposals

Proposals for any new courses included in the new minor.

Part VI. Letters of Support or Acknowledgement

Attach letters from interested or affected departments. (See page 3 for guidelines.)

Please Number All Pages

Procedures for Approval of New Minor
Where Approved Major Exists

		Department Approval (Curriculum Committee Chair and Department Chair)
		College Curriculum Committee Approval
		College Dean Approval
		Provost Approval
		UWUCC Approval
		Senate Approval
	Provost Approval, on behalf of the President, and Council of Trustees Approval		Change Implemented by Catalog Editor
	SSHE Informed of Minor

Next:  New Degree (Major) Programs