Graduate Program and Course Development

• How to Review/Approve
• New Course Form

Approved courses and program proposals will appear as appropriate in the University Catalog.

Catalog Deadline for final processing for next Academic Year:

• Existing program changes - April 1
• Existing course changes - 2 weeks prior to the Fall wish list
• New programs - April 1
• New courses can be created after wish list opens

Proposals that have not secured final approval will be held on the agenda of the Graduate Curriculum Subcommittee.

1. Initiator submits proposal via Modern Campus Curriculum^TM workflow.
2. Graduate Program Coordinator reviews and approves.
3. Department Chair reviews and approves.
4. Office of the Dean reviews/preps for College Curriculum Committee.
5. College Curriculum Committee reviews and approves.
6. Dean of College reviews and approves.
7. Proposal is received by the Graduate Studies Office and is reviewed/prepped for University Graduate Curriculum Subcommittee. 
8. University Graduate Curriculum Subcommittee reviews and approves.
9. Proposal is finalized by the Graduate Studies Office (this final step must be completed by April 1 and 3 weeks prior to fall semester wish list for existing coures).

Aditional System-Level Approval Steps

• course designation requests require additional step in committee review.
• new degrees, option elevations, title changes, addition of an option or emphasis, and degree designation changes require review by the Academic Senate.
• course fees and online course requests are not part of the curriculum workflow.

• Requires Chancellor's Office Approval
  • New Programs, Including Projections.
  • Pilot Conversions to Regular Programs.
  • Option/Concentration Elevations to Full Degrees.
  • Conversions of Special Session Programs (Self-Support) to State Support.
  • Adding a Self-Support Counterpart of a Previously Approved State-Support Degree Program.
  • Adding a New Option/Concentration/Emphasis to an Existing Degree Program. 
  • Degree Program Title Changes and/or CIP Code Changes.
  • Degree Designation Changes (e.g. BA to BS, MA to MS).
  • WASC Substantive Changes.
    • Degree Authority.
    • Off-Campus > 25 miles
    • ≥50% Online
• Requires Notification to the Chancellor's Office
  • Pilot Proposals -- notifications are sent prior to implementation.
  • 4 + 1 Degrees -- two programs such as a Bachelor's + Master's Degree may be linked in an Accelerated "Blended" Route to a Graduate Degree.
  • Concurrent Degrees Requiring Unique CSU Degree Codes.
• Requires Notification via the Chancellor's Office Degrees Database
  • Changes in Unit Requirements (if it does not exceed Title 5 Maximum).
  • Degree Program Discontinuance (Fresno State has a Campus Approved Discontinuation Policy and Chancellor's Office Notification/Approval is not required prior to updating the Degrees Database).
  • Degree Program Admission Suspension and/or Reinstatement.
  • Degree Program Change to Obsolete Status -- used when there are no more students in a discontinued program.
  • Reasonable (Minor) Modifications to a Campus Specific Degree Title or Concentration Title.
• Requires Campus Approval Only
  • Certificates: Add, Discontinue, Change.
  • Credentials: Add, Discontinue, Change.
  • Department Name Changes -- this process is separate from a Degree Title Change. 

To begin the process, complete a New Course Proposal request form via Modern Campus Curriculum^TM. T-Course conversions will require the existing T-Course information.

The following attachments will be required

• Course syllabus that follows the syllabus template, is accessible, contains all elements required in APM 241 and adheres to APM 232.
• Memo of support if the proposal affects another department.

Note: a program change request must also be submitted in order for a new course to be reflected in program/graduation requirements.

To begin the process, complete a Course Revision Proposal request form via Modern Campus Curriculum^TM. The curriculum form features a track-changes system and notes the person making the changes.

The following attachments will be required

• Course syllabus that follows the syllabus template, is accessible, contains all elements required in APM 241 and adheres to APM 232 (an old syllabus will also be required for unit value changes). 
• Memo of support if the proposal affects another department.

To deactivate a course, complete the Course Deactivation Proposal request form. A memo of support will be required if the deactivation affects another department.

Note: a program change request must also be submitted if the course revision/deactivation request affects program/graduation requirements.

The following course designation requests are submitted through the Modern Campus Curriculum^TM.

• Service Learning (S Course)

Required information for the above designation is included on the course proposal forms.

Chancellor Office Forms can be found on the CSYou Website > Hover over Division & Organizations > Quick Links > Academic Program Planning, Development and Submission > Develope a New Program or Modify and Existing Program. 

Establishing a New Degree Seeking Program

• Departments, Schools, or Colleges that desire to institute a new degree program must first meet with the Dean of Graduate Studies.
• After, the Department (School or College) will submit a Projected Degree Proposal Form to the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies (due date will be provided).
• The call for projected degrees goes out twice a year - once in the fall, due in December, for review and approval at the March BOT Meeting and again in the spring, due in June, for review and approval at the September BOT Meeting. Approval adds the projeced degree to the Campus' Academic Master Plan.
• Approval does not authorize the new program, but gives the "go-ahead" to pursue the development of a formal proposal.
• After the Projected Degree Proposal has been approved, the department (School or College) will complete and submit a New Program Proposal via Modern Campus Curriculum^TM. This will begin the full system-level review (i.e. Department Chair to Chancellor's Office).

The following will be required as part of the proposal:

• The BOT approval ("go-ahead") date of the Projected Degree Proposal (Chancellor Office Form).
• Checklist -- Faculty Checklist for New Degree Proposal (Chancellor Office Form).
• Template -- New Degree Proposal (Chancellor Office Form).
• SOAPs will need to be inserted in the proposal. Program Assessment Template and Curriculum Matrix Template that are part of the Template should be used (part of the New Degree Proposal).
• Memos of support: Dean of College, Subject Librarian, and any Departments that the proposal might affect.
• Substantive Change Program Screening Form (WASC).
• 2-year Roadmap and 4-year Roadmap.

Steps to Establish a Pilot Program

The proposal requires Chancellor's Office review prior to implementation. The campus may have up to 2 pilot programs (at any level) operating at once. To begin the process follow steps to submit a New Program Proposal via Modern Campus Curriculum^TM.

The following will be required as part of the proposal:

• Review the Guidance for Proposing Pilot Degree Proposals and complete the Pilot Program Proposal Template (link found on the New Degree Proposal Chancellor Office Form).
• Substantive Change Program Screening Form (WASC).
• Memo of support if the proposal affects another department on campus.
• 2-year Roadmap and 4-year Roadmap.

Pilot Program Conversion

A Pilot Program can be offered up to 5 years. To convert to a regular program, the campus must submit a pilot-conversion proposal to the Chancellor's Office. To begin the process, follow steps to submit a New Program Proposal via Modern Campus Curriculum^TM.

The following will be required as part of the proposal:

• Template -- Pilot Program Conversion Proposal (Chancellor Office Form).
• SOAPs will need to be inserted in the proposal. Program Assessment Template and Curriculum Matrix Template that are part of the Template should be used. (part of Proposal)
• Substantive Change Program Screening Form (WASC).
• Memos of support: Dean of College, Subject Librarian, and any Departments that the proposal might affect.
• 2-year Roadmap and 4-year Roadmap.

NOTE: There is no longer a Fast-Track Process.

For additional information or assistance, please contact the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies. 

While the CSU does not have system wide definitions of options, concentrations, emphases in practice, these are considered "subprograms" that are minimal requirements relative to the major core. A new option or emphasis requires Chancellor's Office review prior to implementation. 

To begin the process for a new option or emphasis complete a new program proposal via Modern Campus Curriculum^TM following the Chancellor's Office requirement for adding subprograms.

The following will be required

• Full major layout including core, subprograms requirements and additional requirements if applicable.
• Both a 2-year Roadmap and 4-year Roadmap are required as part of the proposal.
• A brief description of how the assessment of the degree program may be used to evaluate student success in the subprogram(s).
• Major Code and CIP Code; see CSU Degree Program Codes.
• Memo of support if the proposal affects another department on campus.

Reminders:

• The subprogram cannot be more than 49% of the programs unit requirements per EO 1071.
• An option is included in the degree name where an emphasis is a set of courses to follow in a specific area, but is not included in the degree name.

For self-support programs requesting a new subprogram, a detailed cost-recovery budget for self-support subprograms to be offered within state-support major degree programs.

For additional information or assistance, please contact the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies. 

The information required for review and approval of a proposed Certificate of Advanced Study is less detailed than for a full degree major program. Campuses are not required to submit notification to the Office of the Chancellor for certificates. 

To begin the process, submit a new program proposal via Modern Campus Curriculum^TM.

The following will be required as part of the proposal:

• Completed Certificate of Advanced Study proposal following the Certificate of Advanced Study Policy and Procedures.
• Completed Proposal Template for Minor, Pre-Major, Certificates or Credential Programs.
• Memo of support if the proposal affects another department.

For additional information or assistance, please contact the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies. 

Chancellor Office Forms can be found on the CSYou Website > Hover over Division & Organizations > Quick Links > Academic Program Planning, Development and Submission > Develop a New Program or Modify an Existing Program.

Adding a Self-Support Counterpart of a Previously Approved State-Support Degree Program must follow the EO 1099 specification self-support criteria. To begin the process, submit a New Program proposal via Modern Campus Curriculum^TM. In addition to campus approval, the proposal will also be reviewed proposal by Continuing and Global Education Prior to submission to the Chancellor's Office.

The following will be required as part of the proposal:

• Completed proposal following the Self-Support Template (Chancellor Office Form).
• Completed 5-Year Budget Template.
• Memo of support if the proposal affects another department.

Converting a Self-Support Program to State-Support Program

Requests to convert a self-support program to a state support program will not need to duplicate the information submitted in the original self-support proposal.  Though the process is condensed on the CO side, the campus approval process will follow that of a new degree.

To begin the process, submit a New Program proposal via Modern Campus Curriculum^TM.  In addition to campus approval, the proposal will also be reviewed by Continuing and Global Education prior to submission to the Chancellor's Office.

The following will be required as part of the proposal:

• Program description and layout of requirements.
• Rationale for making the change.
• Term and academic year of intended implementation (e.g., fall 2024) including the teach-out plan for
  students enrolled in the self-support version of the program.
• Documentation of resources and faculty support, enrollment, need, and the anticipated
  impact on the community.

For additional information or assistance, please contact the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies. 

This form should be used for program adjustments to master's degree (or Ed.S.), doctorate degree, and advanced certificates due to course changes, revisions of electives, change in additional requirements, rearrangement of required courses, changes in unit requirements, etc.

To begin the process, submit a Program Revision request via Modern Campus Curriculum^TM.

The following will be required as part of the proposal:

• Catalog page edits completed on the Program Revision Request form.
• All applicable justification questions will need to be completed on the form.
• Memo of support if the proposal affects another department.

Note: Substantial changes in an existing program may require WASC Screening and Chancellor's Office review. Depending upon the magnitude of the change, it may by treated as a new program. 

Program Discontinuance Process

Formal request is submitted through a Program Deactivation Proposal via Modern Campus Curriculum^TM.

For additional information or assistance, please contact the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies. 

Chancellor Office Forms can be found on the CSYou Website > Hover over Division & Organizations > Quick Links > Academic Program Planning, Development and Submission > Develop a New Program or Modify an Existing Program.

Establishing a New Degree Seeking Program from an Elevated Option

• Departments/Colleges first meet with the Dean of Undergraduate Studies to discuss the proposed elevation.
• A new program proposal will need to be submitted via Modern Campus Curriculum^TM.  This will begin the full system-level review (i.e. Department Chair to Chancellor’s Office).

The following will be required as part of the proposal:

• Template – Elevating Options, Emphases or Concentrations to a Full Degree Program Template (Chancellor Office Form)
  SOAPs will need to be inserted in the proposal.  Program Assessment Template and Curriculum Matrix Template that are part of the Template should be used.
• Written consultation with the Subject campus librarian
• Substantive Change Program Screening Form (WASC)
• 2-year Roadmap and 4-year Roadmap
• Memos of support from Departments that the proposal might affect.

Note: The existing option will also need a Program Deactivation Proposal submitted via Modern Campus Curriculum^TM.

For additional information or assistance, please contact the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies. 

Campus and Chancellor Office Approval is required for Degree Designation, Title or CIP Code Changes.

To begin the process, submit a Program Revision request form via Modern Campus Curriculum^TM . 

In addition to following the process for a program revision request, the following will be required:

• Degree Designation ; or
• Title Change or Suggesting a New CIP Code

For additional information or assistance, please contact the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies. 

It is the charge of the University Budget Committee to provide an analysis of budgetary impact to the Academic Senate of those proposals submitted for Senate for approval.  Subsequent to implementing the present decentralized budget allocation model, the University Budget Committee now expects the initiating department/program to provide a reasoned estimate of those changes that will result from implementation of their proposal.  The estimate is to be provided in the form of quantitative and narrative descriptions, so as to permit University Budget Committee analysis.  The University Budget Committee also requires evidence that the proposal has received fiscal review at the College/School level.  The University Budget Committee therefore requests that departments/programs use the following guidelines in providing the information required.

1. Projected changes in enrollment (FTES)

     a. What is the recent enrollment history of the program and what effect will the proposed changes have on enrollment?

     b. If FTES is expected to increase, what proportion represents new FTES and what proportion represents shifts from existing programs?

     c. How did you estimate your expected changes in enrollment?

2. Projected changes in existing curriculum

     a. Will there be changes in the cost of delivering the curriculum?  What will those costs be and what is their basis?

     b. For new courses, what is the estimated class size, frequency, and level/classification (“S” or “C” classification) of course delivery?  Please specify.

     c. For courses currently being offered, will there be changes in class size, frequency, level or classification of course delivery?  Please specify.

     d. Will courses be dropped from the existing curriculum?  Please list specific courses.

3. Projected changes in faculty

     a. Will there be a shift in faculty assignments?  If so, what will be the difference between current and proposed assignments?

     b. Will there be shifts in faculty numbers or distribution (T/TT vs FT/PT)?  If so, what will they be?

     c. Will new positions be added/required and what resources will be used to acquire them?

4. Projected changes in budget

     a. What is your current operating budget?

     b. What are your current positions (T, TT, FT, PT, staff)?

     c. Do you anticipate outside revenue to support your program (state funds, grants/contracts, endowments, etc.)?

     d. Will budget requirements change and what will those changes be (e.g. in operating budget, facilities, equipment, technical support, staff, etc.)?  Please specify.

     e. Will there be any increase in administrative roles/responsibilities that require buy-back or release time?

     f. How will the expected changes in budget requirements be met?

     g. Has the budgetary impact of the proposal been reviewed by the College/School Budget Committee and Office of the Dean?

5. Effect on Support Services and programs in other Colleges/Schools

     a. Are support services (e.g. Library, AIC) required for program implementation and function?

     b. Are programs in other Colleges/Schools directly affected by the proposal and in what way?

     c. Who are the representatives in the affected service areas and/or Schools/Colleges that have been contacted?

Course Fee Requests are processed through the Campus Fee Advisory Committee (CFAC) housed in Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.  For information on how to request a course fee and/or change an existing course fee, please see the CFAC Website for more information.

As APM 206 undergoes revisions, Online Course Requests are currently not part of the Modern Campus Curriculum^TM workflow.  For information regarding online/hybrid modality, please see:

Center for Faculty Excellence Office of IDEAS
CSU Online Course Services website
Online/Blended Education Subcommittee