Graduate curriculum review process

Step 1. Graduate Curriculum Development

• Concept for graduate course or graduate program change

 • Consult with Dean of Graduate Studies

 • Prepare CAR form for creation of a new course or change in an existing course --- attach course outline or syllabus for new course

 • Prepare PAR form for creation of a new graduate degree or change in existing graduate degree

 • Prepare and attach to PAR a completed New Program Request Form for new graduate program (Examples provided by Dean of Graduate Studies)

 • If a new course changes the requirements in an existing graduate degree prepare a CAR form and a PAR form documenting the course change

Step 2. College/School Review and Approval

• Formal presentation to department graduate faculty, feedback for further development, signature approval of department graduate faculty chair and department chair

 • Formal presentation to college/school graduate faculty, feedback for further development, signature approval of college/school graduate faculty chair

 • Review of proposal by college/school dean (and affected college/school dean if applicable), feedback for further presentation, signature approval

Step 3. University Graduate Committee Review and Approval --- reviews the proposal to allow input from and provide information to the University community while resolving any conflicts that may arise.

• Submit proposal to Dean of Graduate Studies for docketing or feedback for further development

 • Formal presentation of proposal to the University Graduate Committee

 • First Reading: feedback for further development and approval

 • Second Reading: feedback for further development if necessary and approval

 • Proposal signed by Chair of the University Graduate Committee

Step 4. Vice President for Academic Affairs Review and Approval --- reviews the proposal for content and resource needs and makes final recommendation.

• Dean of Graduate Studies presents documentation to VPAA

 • VPAA reviews the proposal and signs approval

 • If the proposal is for a new course, the CAR is forwarded to Facilities for addition to the University course inventory

 • If the proposal is a PAR for a new graduate degree program or substantial revision in an existing graduate degree program, a cover letter is prepared and the proposal is forwarded to the UT System.

Step 5. University of Texas System Review and Approval --- reviews the proposal for consistency with the University mission and goals of the UT System.

• Vice Chancellor reviews the proposal

 • If further development is necessary, Vice Chancellor contacts VPAA and Dean of Graduate Studies to request changes

• Vice Chancellor makes recommendation to the Board of Regents

 • Board of Regents reviews the proposal  

• University representatives are present to respond to questions

 • Signature approval and the proposal is forwarded to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Step 6. Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Review and Approval --- reviews proposal relative to offerings at other public institutions, provides final level of approval, and monitors the success of the graduate degree program after approval.

• Coordinating Board staff reviews the proposal --- evaluates need, quality and cost of proposed graduate degree program

 • If further development is necessary, staff contacts VPAA and Dean of Graduate Studies to request changes

 • Non-substantive proposal recommended for staff approval

 • Formal presentation of proposal for substantive proposal

 • Signature approval to implement graduate degree program

 • CIP code assigned

 • Notification of UT System

 • UT System notifies President of University  

   • Provost notifies campus community