Academic Programs & Curriculum Modification Proposals

OHSU Policy 02-50-010 outlines three pathways by which schools and programs may facilitate the improvement of academic programs and thereby the overall strength and reputation of OHSU. The type of proposed change prescribes the extensiveness of the review process in required documentation, approvals and timeline. 

Category I: Category I proposals are typically comprised of new program proposals but may also include major changes to existing academic programs. Following the school level approval of the new program or major/substantive change, proposals require university, state and regional accreditation approvals. According to the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), the regional accrediting agency for OHSU, Operational Policy A-2: 

If an institution implements a substantive change without prior written notice or if it proceeds to implement a substantive change denied by the Commission, the Commission may consider issuance of an order for the institution to show cause why its accreditation or candidate status should not be terminated.

Category I forms may be found on the Proposing New Programs page.

Category II: Category II proposals are comprised of program changes that do not meet the accreditation threshold for a major or substantive change. Upon school level approval, changes require university-level approval and may require state or regional accreditation approval.

Category III:  Category III proposals are comprised of minor program changes such as a new required or elective course, minor changes to prerequisites, course sequencing, changes to graduation requirements, etc. Upon school level approval, changes are administratively reviewed and operationalized through the Office of Academic Programs, Policy & Accreditation and Registrar's Office.

Submission Deadlines for Curricular Modification Proposals:

Category I: Consult the Office of Academic Programs, Policy & Accreditation.

Category II: Proposals must be approved by the school and submitted to the Office of Academic Programs, Policy & Accreditation by the following dates:

Summer 2019 Implementation- Due by Friday, December 14, 2018

Fall 2019 Implementation- Due by Monday, January 14, 2019  

Category III: Proposal are accepted on a rolling basis. **NOTE** Effective AY 2018-19, all Category III proposals must be submitted at least 4 weeks prior to the opening of student registration for the desired term of implementation.

If there are questions about the level of approval needed for a proposed change, please contact the Office of Academic Programs, Policy and Accreditation.