3.6 Creation and Elimination of Academic Programs
3.6.1 Creation of Academic Programs
New degree programs to include nexus, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees shall not be added to curricula of a University System of Georgia (USG) institution unless recommended by the President of the institution and the Chancellor and approved by the Board of Regents.
USG institutions that offer programs that provide academic credit but award certificates, post-baccalaureate certificates, or post-graduate level certificates rather than degrees must notify the USG chief academic officer pursuant to guidelines set forth in the Academic and Student Affairs Handbook.
3.6.2 Termination of Academic Programs
The termination of academic programs, degrees, or majors shall be submitted to the Chancellor for review and recommendation for action by the Board of Regents. Institutions must notify the USG Executive Chief Academic Officer at least two years prior to a formal request to terminate programs, degrees, or majors as outlined in the Academic and Student Affairs Handbook, including a teach-out plan in accordance with SACSCOC policies.
3.6.2.1 Temporary Suspension of Academic Programs
A temporary suspension of an academic program, degree, or major may be approved by a president for a period not to exceed two (2) academic years to allow for program review, to consider enrollment problems, to deal with faculty shortages, or for other similar reasons. The imposition and removal of a temporary suspension shall be reported to the USG Executive Chief Academic Officer.
3.6.3 Comprehensive Academic Program Review
Each USG institution shall conduct comprehensive academic program reviews for Career Associates, Associate degrees with a designated major, bachelor degrees and graduate degrees. Consistent with efforts in institutional effectiveness and strategic planning, each USG institution shall develop procedures to evaluate the effectiveness of its academic programs to address the quality, viability, and productivity of efforts in teaching and learning, scholarship, and service as appropriate to the institution’s mission. Institutional review of academic programs shall involve analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data, and institutions must demonstrate that they make judgments about the future of academic programs within a culture of evidence. Planning and conduct of academic program reviews shall be used for the progressive improvement and adjustment of programs in the context of the institution’s strategic plan and in response to findings and recommendations of the reviews. Adjustment may include program enhancement, maintenance at the current level, reduction in scope, or, if fully justified, consolidation or termination.