Guidelines for Discontinuing Programs

From: Robin S. Wilson, President

Subject: Guidelines for Discontinuing Programs

The Guidelines for Discontinuing Programs has been modified to include the Graduate Council in the review process for graduate programs. The format of the document has been revised to follow the general format used for all program addition, modification, and review guidelines. Provost Stairs and Senate Chair Catt have reviewed and approved the inclusion and the format. I approve the revised document.

GUIDELINES FOR DISCONTINUING PROGRAMS

Discontinuing a program requires approval from the campus community and the Chancellor's Office.

Guidelines

• A proposal to discontinue a program may be initiated within the college or by the Provost's Office through the campus academic master planning process. Appropriate units within the department and college will review the proposal.
• If the results of the review support the proposal to discontinue the program, the results of this review and the proposal will be submitted to the Faculty Senate for their review and recommendation. Graduate programs will be referred to the Graduate Council before being forwarded to the Faculty Senate. Faculty in the affected department(s) will be consulted by the Senate and, in the case of graduate programs, by the Graduate Council.
• The Faculty Senate will submit its recommendation to the Provost who has been designated by the President to render final decision in regard to matters of program continuance.
• The Provost will request approval from the Chancellor's Office for the campus action.
• If a program is discontinued, students who are in the major at that time will be allowed to complete it. Should courses required in the discontinued major be eliminated, appropriate faculty in the program will identify substitute courses and help students to complete the necessary work to obtain the degree.
• Notice that the program has been discontinued will be sent to advisers, units, and agencies involved in advising or providing information regarding programs on this campus.