Changes to Existing Academic Programs

Academic Program Closure

The first step to closing a program is proposing the closure in CourseLeaf. Admissions and the Registrar will be notified as a part of the workflow. Academic program closures require UT System and SACSCOC approval with notification to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).

Adding a Concentration (track, specialization, emphasis, etc.)

Concentrations should be closely connected to the degree program. If the following occur, you may need to submit as a new degree program:

• 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 

Choose the Catalog Updates option for normal catalog revisions and to modify or close a minor, concentration, specialization, track, etc. that is embedded in a program. Multiple change types can be selected and routed for approval at the same time. During the normal revision cycle, catalog updates may be included with all change types except for closing a program and off-campus instructional site changes.

Change in Method of Delivery for an Academic Program

Indicate changes within these categories: face-to-face (<50% Online), hybrid (50-99% online), fully online (100% online), and competency-based education. Include delivery methods that are added and/or ended.

For additional information, see the THECB Distance Education Resource.

The SACSCOC requires notification when adding a method of delivery to a program that results in 50% or more of the program being delivered by that method. SACSCOC approval is required when ending a method of delivery.

Semester Credit Hours

Changes in semester credit hours include both increases and decreases in requirements. For changes in credit hours for minors, please submit as Catalog Update instead.

If increasing or decreasing the number of credit hours awarded for successful completion of a program crosses the numeric threshold of 25% and impacts the expected time of completion by one term or more for a typical student if the program, this change requires SACSCOC approval before implementation.

Degree Program or Certificate Name Change

Degree program and Certificate name changes do not require SACSCOC approval; however, notification is submitted to the THECB.

Off-Campus Instructional Site (OCIS)

An OCIS is a location geographically apart from an institution’s main campus (site-based) where classroom group instruction is delivered. An OCIS must be approved by the SACSCOC in advance of implementation. Approval of an OCIS is effective for a maximum of five years and will be reviewed again in the context of UTSA’s fifth-year or decennial review.

The process for initiating an off-campus site varies depending on the percentage of credits toward an educational program that a student can earn at the site.

• Initiating an off-campus site where students can obtain 25-49% of credits toward an educational program requires a letter of notification to SACSCOC.
• Initiating an off-campus site where students can obtain 50% or more credits toward an educational program requires a letter of notification to SACSCOC and a full prospectus.

Notes:
If a program to be offered at the site is a new program requiring SACSCOC approval, UTSA’s separate internal approval process for new programs should be followed and another prospectus will need to be provided to the SACSCOC for the New Program – Approval.

If the program offered at the site is a joint or dual degree program, UTSA’s separate internal approval process for new agreements should be followed. Notification and the final signed agreement will need to be sent to SACSCOC.