New Program Review at NSU

I. New Program Development

Nova Southeastern University encourages the development of new and innovative academic programs which advance its mission. The development of new programs is facilitated by the Program Review Committee whose members provide support and counsel for individuals seeking approval of proposals. This University-wide committee attempts to ensure that future growth and development of the University occurs in an orderly manner. The review process contributes to the quality of the proposed programs and increases their probability of success. It is the only pathway permitted by the Board of Trustees for the approval of new academic programs. Each proposed program is assigned a consultant who serves to facilitate the development and approval of the proposed program.

Working with the Program Review Committee, the program sponsors prepare a packet of materials about the proposed program which includes technical assistance and advice from several offices on campus:

• The Office of Institutional Effectiveness and the Office of State Licensing to assure that the program fits within the parameters of SACS and state guidelines;
• The directors of computing services, media, and the libraries to predict the impact of the program on learning resources;
• The Office of Vice President for Finance to analyze the financial impact of the proposed program;
• The Office of Facilities Management and Physical Plant to assess the impact on the facilities;
• The Department of Human Resources to assess the impact on staffing; and
• The Office of Academic Affairs, to ensure academic quality.

The packet will be reviewed for approval by the Program Review Committee. A recommendation for approval of a new program is forwarded to the Council of Deans for review. Its recommendations are forwarded to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, then to the President who brings a recommendation for approval of a new program to the Board of Trustees for action.

A. Program Request

Requests to initiate a program originate from the Center, often with the support of a program sponsor. A concept paper may be developed for early review to the Program Review Committee, Assistant to the President for Academic Affairs, and Executive Vice Chancellor for the Health Professions. They will consider the new program concept in the context of the University's mission, strategic plan, current academic degree offerings, and, if acceptable, ask for a full proposal to be submitted for review to the Program Review Committee.

B. Proposal Development

The program sponsor is responsible for collecting all documentation to be prepared for the new program. The program sponsor may establish an ad hoc community advisory committee to assist in program development. The program proposal must include the following:

1. Needs Assessment

A needs assessment must be conducted by the program sponsor with assistance. The needs assessment must include, but not necessarily be limited to, market analysis of student demand, employer needs assessment, market position and competition, and market potential.

2. Curriculum Planning Process

The program sponsor, assisted by the ad hoc advisory committee (if any), will develop preliminary program objectives, intended student learning outcomes, curriculum, delivery system, and course descriptions and outline. The program will be developed by the program sponsor in accordance with the Criteria for Accreditation of the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools and state and professional licensure requirements which may apply.

3. Resource Needs Analysis

The Program sponsor will develop a plan indicating the need and availability of facilities, equipment, personnel, learning resources including library, media, and computer support. The proposal must contain a business plan for three years, the projected economic impact on the University, and PR/marketing plans for recruiting students. The proposal must also identify the necessary student support services (assessment, advisement, records, etc.) associated with the new program.

C. Program Review

The new program proposal will be presented by the program sponsor and the Center dean to the University's Program Review Committee for approval. Material presented should include: needs assessment results, proposed curriculum (program objectives, delivery system, intended student learning outcomes, curriculum and course descriptions and outlines), and results of the resource needs analysis (facilities, equipment, personnel, three-year operation fiscal plan, projected economic impact, and marketing plan). The Vice President for Finance and the Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness are asked to consult on the proposed program and provide written comments on the routing approval form. The recommendation of the committee to approve or not to approve the new program will be forwarded to the Council of Deans.

D. Program Approval

After the Council of Deans reviews the program, recommendations will be forwarded to the Assistant to the President for Academic Affairs and Executive Vice Chancellor of the Health Professions Division, and then to the President for consideration. If approval is given by the President, recommendations will be forwarded to the Board of Trustees for their approval. Information about the new program will be forwarded to SACS by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

E. Evaluation of New Programs

The new program will be reviewed one year after it is initiated to verify whether it met the expectations for enrollment, budget, resource demand, and educational quality. An abbreviated version of the Program Review document must be submitted to the committee. A subsequent evaluation will occur at the end of the second year. If, at the end of the second year, the evaluation is positive, the program will continue to be evaluated on the regular cycle for existing programs.

August 11, 2000
NSU Office of Academic Affairs