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PHASE I: STARTING A PROGRAM

Launching a new academic program is a collaborative, data-informed process designed to ensure academic quality, market relevance, and institutional sustainability. This section provides faculty and academic leaders with the tools, templates, and guidance needed to move an idea from concept to approval and implementation.

STEP 1: Program Conception

Program Conception is the stage in the program lifecycle focused on starting a program by generating initial ideas about the program through reaching out to planning partners to develop the program. This step in the program lifecycle focuses on designing programs to meet student, workforce, and institutional needs.

Process

1. Identify a program champion
   A program champion (proposed program director or other faculty member) is responsible for leading the proposed program's conception. If the program is approved for development, this individual will work in partnership with the Academic Planning Team and other key stakeholders to complete the steps required to develop and launch the program.
2. Complete a and the
   Program conceptualization is an evidence-based process designed to ensure that new academic programs are viable, aligned, and sustainable. The program feasibility study and program resource planning worksheet help determine these factors by guiding programs in gathering key information before formally initiating a content review in Curriculog. Using the templates below, the program champion can collect data on market demand, appropriate credential level, potential program size, and employment outcomes for students. The feasibility study and program resource planning worksheet will be submitted as part of the Curriculog proposal, but they may be started externally in advance of entering materials into Curriculog.
   
   Please note the is an initial scan of the resource required to support the program.  Programs will be required to submit more detailed funding information at a later time.
   
   The templates and data resources below are designed to guide you through this process.

Templates

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Data Resources

• - A market‑intelligence tool that provides insights on student demand, competitive intensity, employment outcomes, and degree–program alignment.

• A market‑intelligence tool designed to estimate expected program enrollment and completions at full maturity.

• Request Credential Level Rightsizing Report - A report that includes national completion outcomes by credential level for a given program type, USG‑wide enrollment and completion trends, and salary differences across credential levels.
• - A national database offering detailed information on the skills, abilities, knowledge areas, work activities, and interests associated with a degree completion and occupations.

Review Resources

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3. Enter the information in Curriculog
   Upload the information in Curriculog based on the type of program
   
   Create A New Degree ProgramCreate A New CertificateCreate a New Minor/Dual DegreeCreate a New Concentration/Track

 

STEP 2: Program Development

Program Development is the step in the program lifecycle focused on starting a program by designing the program by developing the budget, curriculum, academic advising structures, academic support services, etc. through the approval process by the USG and other accreditors as appropriate.

Programs must be approved by »Æ¹Ï¶ÌÊÓƵ’s Academic Cabinet before formally beginning program development. Many key elements required to develop a program will have been identified through the program feasibility and resource request studies and the development process will be the opportunity to firm up these findings.

Process

The Academic Planning Team will work with the program to complete the following:

1. Formalize the curriculum
   The program champion works with faculty and relevant academic units to formalize the curriculum. This includes defining the program modality, program learning outcomes, student learning outcomes, course requirements, sequencing, credit hours, and alignment with institutional and programmatic accreditation standards. The finalized curriculum must be approved via the Curriculog process.
2. Identify facilities needs
   

   Program development is an evidence-based process designed to ensure that new academic programs are viable, aligned, and sustainable. The program feasibility study and resource request study help determine these factors by guiding programs in gathering key information before formally initiating a content review in Curriculog. Using the templates below, the program champion can collect data on market demand, appropriate credential level, potential program size, and employment outcomes for students. The completed feasibility study, along with the resource request, will ultimately be submitted as part of the Curriculog proposal.

3. Confirm enrollment projections
   Enrollment projections developed during the feasibility phase must be reviewed and confirmed by the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Services prior to completing the institutional pro forma exercise. These projections inform the budget, instructional staffing, space planning, and financial modeling, and are critical to assessing the program’s long-term sustainability.
4. Complete Institutional Proforma Exercise and approve program tuition rate
   Programs are required to complete an institutional pro forma exercise to evaluate projected revenues, expenses, and overall financial viability. As part of this process, tuition and fee rates must be reviewed and approved through established institutional channels. This step ensures the program is financially sustainable.

Template

• Institutional Proforma Worksheet (coming soon)

Approval to launch a program is dependent on the type of credential being offered and may require additional reviews or external approvals prior to final authorization.

Approval Requirement	Programs Requiring Internal AU Approval	Programs Requiring USG Administrative Approval	Programs Requiring Full BOR Approval
Credential Type	Minor Concentration	Undergraduate Certificate »Æ¹Ï¶ÌÊÓƵ Certificate	µþ²¹³¦³ó±ð±ô´Ç°ù’s ²Ñ²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s Doctorate
Additional Steps	Curriculog Only	Complete Certificate Approval Qualtrics*	Complete USG Program Proposal Application and Budget Form*

*Coordinated with Director of Academic Planning and Assessment

STEP 3: Program Launch

Program Launch is the step in the program lifecycle focused on starting a program by implementing the program by recruiting faculty and enrolling students.

Once approved for launch, the Registrar’s Office and the Division of Enrollment and Student Affairs will coordinate with the program champion and college leadership to ensure the program is added to all appropriate systems and communications, including the academic catalog and admissions applications.

 

PHASE II: Growing a Program

 

Growing an academic program involves deliberate, evidence-based processes focused on expanding enrollment, enhancing academic program quality, and strengthening market relevance. The resources below provide faculty and academic leaders with tools and guidance to evaluate program performance, identify opportunities for growth, and align curriculum, resources, and marketing efforts with institutional priorities and workforce demand.

 

Program growth–related processes

Academic Program Review ProcessStudent Learning Outcomes Assessment Process

 

Data Resources:

• Request Gray Economics Report for existing program (access must be approved) coming

• Program Competitor Report* From Predict (coming)

Program Competitor Report* From Predict defined peers (size a program mix similar) stats from Market

PHASE III: Stopping a Program

 

Stopping an academic program is a structured, transparent process designed to prioritize student success, maintain educational quality, support good stewardship of institutional resources and ensure institutional accountability. Below are guidance and resources to assess program viability, review performance and demand data, and navigate the required governance and approval steps to responsibly phase out a program while supporting currently enrolled students.

Program Deactivation

Program Deactivation is the stage in the program lifecycle focused on stopping a program by suspending admission to the program. This status is used either as a precursor to termination while existing students in the program are completing their program of study through a teach out plan or for a temporary suspension to take a strategic pause, typically to redevelop a program. Deactivation means no new students can enroll in the program, but existing students can continue to complete their program of study.  Deactivation of a program requires administrative approval by the University System of Georgia.

Process

Program deactivation requires formal approval through Curriculog. The institution uses Curriculog to ensure all required reviews and authorizations are completed. For more information on the Curriculog approval process use the link below to access the resources from the Registrar’s Office.

Curriculog Deactivation

Once a program is approved for deactivation, the Academic Planning Team will follow up by providing copies of the official deactivation letter.

Program Termination

Program Termination is the stage in the program lifecycle focused on stopping a program by removing the program from the University’s list of approved programs.  This status means the institution has completely discontinued the program. No students can be enrolled in a terminated program. 

Process

Programs are generally required to deactivate before they can be terminated. Once all students have completed the teach-out plan, the program notifies the Academic Planning Team that it is ready for termination. At that point, the team will work with the program to complete the necessary administrative steps.

After a program is officially terminated by the institution, the Academic Planning Team will provide copies of the official deactivation letter.