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Programs-Degrees-Departments Guidelines

Guidelines for Submission of Proposals for Name Changes in Existing or the Establishment of New Departments, Programs and Degrees *

 I.    For submission of proposals for the establishment of new departments,programs,and degrees, proponents should provide to the Faculty Senate a proposal that includes: 

  • For proposals pertaining to the establishment of a new department, specify the makeup of the initial Consultative Committee for the appointment of a department chair (Faculty Manual section A13.2).
  • A description of the mission (purpose and goals), market analysis/demand, an assessment of library collections and a detailed budget (Do not include individual names on the budget, only titles)
  • A memo from the department chair(s) signifying approval of the faculty of the appropriate department(s)
  • A memo from the dean(s) signifying approval of the faculty of the appropriate School(s)/College(s)
  • A memo from the dean(s) and/or Provost indicating approval of the proposed budget
  • A memo from the Graduate School Dean signifying approval of the Graduate Council (for new graduate programs only)

 II.     For name changes of existing departments, programs, and degrees, proponents  should provide to the Faculty Senate:

  • A memo explaining the reason for the change and indicating that the new title is justified and does not result in undue overlap with titles of other existing programs
  • A memo from the department chair(s) signifying approval by the faculty of the appropriate department(s)
  • A memo from the dean(s) signifying approval of the faculty of the appropriate School(s)/College(s)
  • A memo from the Graduate School Dean signifying approval of the Graduate Council (for new graduate programs only)

 III.  Senate approval process 

  • Submission of the proposal to the General Welfare Committee.  The proposal must be received at least one week in advance of the relevant General Welfare Committee meeting in electronic and paper form.  Visit www.miami.edu/FacultySenate or contact the Senate office at (305)284-3721 for a list of meeting dates.  The proponent should present only a summary of the proposal to the General Welfare Committee assuming that the Committee has already reviewed the document.
  • Upon the recommendation of the General Welfare Committee, the proposal will be placed on the Senate agenda.  A proponent should be present at the Faculty meeting to answer questions and to present a summary of the proposal if requested.  Visit www.miami.edu/FacultySenate or contact the Senate office at (305)284-3721 for a list of meeting dates.  The Senate may require two readings, but has the option of waiving the second reading.
  • Approval of the proposal by the Faculty Senate as Class B legislation will be forwarded to the President by the Faculty Senate Chair.

IV.   Required approvals beyond the Senate

  • Approval of the President
  • Approval of the Academic Affairs Committee and the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees (for doctoral programs and new degrees only)

Periodic five year reviews may be conducted on all programs as deemed appropriate by the Faculty Senate or the Executive Vice President and Provost (per Faculty Manual section C18.2.3).

 The Provost, after consultation with the Graduate School, shall report to the Senate on the status of new graduate programs within three years of their establishment (per Legislation #95012(D)).

* Note: These are general guidelines that may vary depending on the particular type of proposal being submitted.  Additional information may be requested.