Graduate Curricular Approval Procedures

Wright State University (WSU)

Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE)

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

New Degree Program

Graduate Curriculum Committee, Faculty Senate, Provost, and Board of Trustees

Yes

Yes, if departing significantly from current programs, acquired from another institution, or falling outside HLC stipulations; otherwise notifiy HLC after ODHE approval

New Educator License or Endorsement and Changes of 50% or more

Graduate Curriculum Committee, Faculty Senate and Provost

Yes, with public comment period and for change of 50% or more of program requirements

Not Required

New Concentration

Graduate Curriculum Committee, Faculty Senate and Provost

Not Required

Not Required

New Certificate

Graduate Curriculum Committee, Faculty Senate and Provost 

Not Required unless 21 credit hours or more

Yes (Formal approval required if Title IV eligible 50% or more courses new or departing significantly from current programs.)

Modification to Program

Graduate Curriculum Committee

Faculty Senate, Provost, and Board of Trustees approval required if change is 50% or more of program, which is considered a new program; Termination requires Faculty Senate and Provost approval

Yes, if program change is 50% or more of degree requirements

Submit ODHE inactivation form if terminating

Notification required for all changes of 25% or more (learning outcomes, curriculum) or for change in mode of delivery.

Teach-out plan approval required for programs at closed/suspended locations if 100% of the program is offered at that site. Otherwise, HLC must be notified of cancellation or suspension with a teach-out plan.

Modification to Concentration or Certificate

Graduate Curriculum Committee

Termination requires Faculty Senate and Provost approval

Not Required

Not required unless closing a location where 100% of a Title IV eligible certificate is offered

Location: New and Existing Programs where 50% or more of requirements are offered

(Also applies to Certificates eligible for Title IV funding.)

See HLC column for closure and suspension requirements.

Graduate Curriculum Committee, Faculty Senate, Provost

Yes, if in Ohio

New locations require public comment.

HLC's acknowledgement of notification is required before teaching at a new location. Approval required if number of credit hours change substantially.  Notification required if program is canceled or suspended for more than one semester. Approval of a teach-out program is required for closure/suspension at a given location if 100% of degree or certificate is offered that location.

50% or more of Degree Program can be completed Online

Graduate Curriculum Committee, Faculty Senate, Provost

Yes

Change request should be submitted at least 3 months prior to planned implementation

Notification if 50% or more of required courses can be taken online (a course is defined as online if 75% or more of instruction and interaction occurs with faculty and students separated)

Name Change

(degree program, concentration, certificate)

Graduate Curriculum, Faculty Senate, Provost

Yes for degree type (i.e., MA to MFA) or degree name/title

No, unless changing degree type (e.g., MA to MFA)

New or Modified Courses (includes change to distance or flexibly-scheduled delivery mode)

Graduate Curriculum Committee

Not Required

Not Required

Course Location: New international or out-of-state

(includes closure/suspension for more than one semester)

Provost

Not Required

Notification if five or more courses/year are offered at the location and fhe degree is being closed or suspended at that location.