Academic Program Planning

Academic Program Planning Lifecycle Graphic

Academic program planning provides a comprehensive, lifecycle-focused approach that supports programs through all stages of starting, growing, or potentially stopping. We support faculty and leaders with the tools, data, and guidance needed to ensure programs are high-quality, sustainable, and aligned with institutional priorities. From feasibility analysis to program economics data, we help colleges and schools make informed decisions and optimize their use of resources to continuously improve the student experience.

 

Have Questions about program lifecycles? Contact us for help.

Key Dates:

Program Conception

    • Academic Planning Retreat - July 17th, 2026 

Program Development

    • Curriculog Proposal Submission Deadline - August 1st, 2026

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.

Useful Links   

Templates                         

        • For example please see
    •      

Data Resources

    •  
    •  

Review Resources

Curriculog Processes

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 and and the development process will be the opportunity to firm up these findings.

Useful Links

 

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 Guidelines Programs Requiring Internal AU Approval Only Programs Requiring USG Administrative Approval Programs Requiring Full BOR Approval
Credential Type                        Minor

Concentration

Undergraduate Certificate

»Æ¹Ï¶ÌÊÓƵ Certificate

Bachelor's

Master's

Doctorate
Additional Steps Curriculog Only Complete Certificate Approval

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

 

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.

 

Step 1: 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

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

Curriculog Deactivation Process 

 

 

Step 2: 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

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

 

Coming Soon

Templates/Resources

    • Gray Economics Report
    • Program Competitor Report