Academic Certificate Proposal Policy & Procedures
Definition and Context
Certificates are undergraduate or graduate academic plans that are typically interdisciplinary in nature. Certificates are formally approved by the 精品SM在线影片 through either the Dean and Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education or the Dean of the Graduate School and Vice Provost for Graduate Education. Undergraduate certificates require a minimum of 12 credits and graduate certificates require a minimum of 9 credits. Certificates are recorded in student records and displayed on transcripts upon completion. At the undergraduate level, the number of discipline-specific credits required for a certificate may not exceed those required for a major. Approved certificates are designated on official diploma-like documents.
A certificate generally signifies either (a) a concentrated study in a narrow sub-discipline not offered by standard academic options or (b) an interdisciplinary focus of study, also not offered by standard academic options.
Procedures
The certificate approval process has several steps and points of review. Similar to degree proposals, certificate proposals follow a process through the Curriculum Inventory Management system (CIM). Links to the forms and information on the process can be found on the academic programs page.
The program intent proposal form allows multiple stakeholders to review the proposed elements of the program at a high level and provide early feedback to utilize in crafting a full proposal. The intent proposal must include an initial draft budget and supporting documentation related to the new program's anticipated student and industry demand, university resources, etc.
Submitted forms are first reviewed and approved by appropriate dean(s), then by the Office of Academic Affairs. If the program intent form is approved, proposers are notified by email and may continue to step 2 when ready.
After the intent stage form for the proposed program is reviewed and deemed viable by the Office of the Provost, the proposer will develop the full proposal using the new program proposal form in CIM. The form will populate information from the intent form. The proposer is responsible for updating department chair(s) and college dean(s) as the full proposal is developed.
Enter information in CIM fields as requested. While many fields are self-explanatory, the information below will help to provide specific information which should be gathered to ensure timely review of a certificate proposal. Please use this information while working through the corresponding fields in the CIM form.
Certificate programs require the approval of the relevant department chair(s), academic Dean(s), the Dean and Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education (for undergraduate certificates) or the Dean of the Graduate School and Vice Provost for Graduate Education (upon recommendation of the Executive Advisory Council for graduate certificates), and the Senior Vice Provost.
Academic certificates, both undergraduate and graduate, are reviewed along with degree programs as part of the Academic Review and Planning Advisory Committee (ARPAC) assessment process. Contact ARPAC administration with any questions.
Contact the Office of Undergraduate Education (for an undergraduate certificate proposal) or the Graduate School (for a graduate certificate) with additional questions.