Changes to Existing Academic Programs
CourseLeaf Program Management is the system used for routing the academic program changes listed below for approval by both internal entities at UT San Antonio and external entities (as applicable). The CourseLeaf Submission Matrix linked below illustrates the types of approvals needed for each change below.
Changes to Existing Academic Programs – Approvals Needed
The first step for any of these changes is to propose the change in CourseLeaf as a program edit and select one or more of the change types listed below.
Proposing Changes to Existing Academic Programs Job Aid
Directions for Workflow Approvers
Closing a Program, Certificate, or Minor
Closing a degree program, certificate, or minor is a multi-step process with a focus on minimizing disruption to students and faculty. Key parts of a closure proposal in CourseLeaf include a teach-out plan, communication plan, date that the program should be closed to admission by students, and the estimated date those students currently in the program will finish. Admissions and the Registrar will be notified as a part of the CourseLeaf workflow so that no additional students are admitted to the program.
Adding a Concentration (track, emphasis, focus, etc.)
Adding a concentration to a degree program means choosing a more focused area of study within the major. Concentrations should be closely connected to the degree program and help students tailor their education to specific career paths within the field. If the following occur, you may need to submit as a new degree program, certificate, or minor:
- More than three new courses would be needed;
- The number of semester credit hours to complete the specific degree increases (exclusive of undergraduate core curriculum);
- More than three new courses would be added to an existing concentration; or
- A new or additional professional licensure or certification would become available to program graduates.
Catalog Updates (including change in campus location)
Choose the Catalog Update option for:
- normal catalog revisions;
- name changes or other modifications to a concentration or other type of specialization that is embedded in a program;
- closure of a concentration or other type of specialization that is embedded in a program;
- changes in credit hours for minors; and
- changes in campus location for a degree program, certificate, or minor.
Multiple change types can be selected and routed for approval at the same time.
Note that routing multiple change types together will lengthen the workflow and time for approval.
Request Catalog Information Changes
Catalog Updates and Program Management Procedures
Catalog and Course Inventory Management Information for Faculty and Staff
Program and Catalog Update Flow Chart
Method of Delivery Change for an Academic Program, Certificate, or Minor
A change in the method of delivery refers to altering how the instruction and course materials are provided to students. For example, this could involve transitioning from face-to-face instruction to online learning or to a mix of online and in-person courses. Indicate changes within these categories: face-to-face (<50% Online), hybrid (51-99% online), fully online (100% online), and competency-based education. Include delivery methods that are added and/or ended.
Credit Hour Changes
A credit hour change refers to both increases and decreases in degree requirements. Provide a rationale for the change in credit hours in the proposal. If proposing a decrease in credit hours, be aware of the minimum required credit hours for the degree level. For changes in credit hours for minors, please submit as Catalog Update instead.
CIP Code Change
A CIP code change means altering the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code assigned to a degree program. Provide a rationale for the CIP code change request in the proposal. These should include at least one of the following rationales: curricular change, faculty/faculty expertise changes, accreditation changes, or other compelling reasons. For more guidance on CIP code changes for undergraduate programs, please consult with the Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies. For graduate programs, please consult with the Associate Dean for the Graduate School.
Name Change or Degree Designation Change
The primary reason for a degree program name change should be to ensure the program’s name accurately reflects its content and purpose to students and potential employers. Provide a rationale for the change in the proposal, such as curriculum changes, shifts in academic focus, or a desire to better reflect the program’s content.
A degree designation refers to the specific type of academic degree awarded upon completion of the program of study. It indicates the field of study and the level of attainment, such as Bachelor of Arts. An example of a degree designation change would be changing a Bachelor of Arts in Economics to a Bachelor of Science in Economics. Provide a rationale for changes to degree designations in the proposal.
Other – Administrative Unit Change
Select this change type to move a degree program(s) across existing units (i.e., current colleges and departments). This change type cannot be used for establishing a new department, college, or similar unit. For these types of changes, see the Establishing New Academic Units page.
