Existing program modifications are revisions to approved degree programs.

The most common requests are changes to total Semester Credit Hours (SCH), Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes, and degree designations and/or titles. Other requests include program consolidations and closures.

Review THECB Factors to consider: Degree Program Change or New Degree Program

All existing program modifications are subject to review for potential SACSCOC considerations. Please see the link below for more information:

• SACSCOC Notification, Approval, and Assessment

Step One: Document Preparation and Submission

• Complete a Notification Memo to the Provost (SAMPLE), which must include all relevant CIP Codes (if applicable).
• The Notification Memo is to come from the Dean of the academic unit and addressed to the Provost, CCing the following:
  
  • Daniel Chang, Assistant Provost for Academic Programs.
  • For graduate-level proposals: Sarah Larsen, Ph.D., Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School.
  • For undergraduate-level proposals: Teri Longacre, Ph.D., Senior Vice Provost and Dean for Undergraduate Student Success
  • Faculty Council Presiding Officer
  • Curriculum Committee Chair
• Complete the appropriate THECB form:
  
  • Semester Credit Hour (SCH) changes
  • Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) changes*
  • Degree Designation and/or Title changes
  • Program Consolidations (requires UHS Board of Regents approval)
  • Program Closures (requires UHS Board of Regents approval)
• Confirm any potential SACSCOC considerations have been accounted for.
• Email all documents to Academic Programs.

Step Two: Proposal Review

• The proposal will move forward for Faculty Council review. Upon completion of review by Faculty Council, the proposal will be submitted for review by the Provost.
• Once approved by the Provost and/or UHS Board of Regents (as applicable), the proposal will be submitted to the THECB for review.

Step Three: Notifications

• If approved by the THECB, Academic Programs will notify all relevant UH stakeholders to proceed in implementation via UH data systems.

*CIP Code Change Guidance

Academic units must provide a rationale for a CIP code change request. These should include at least one of the following rationales: curricular change, faculty/faculty expertise changes, accreditation changes, or other compelling academic reasons.

Curricular changes that warrant a CIP code change would typically include more than 50% of the discipline-specific curriculum, though a new degree program request should be considered. If the request includes a change to a STEM CIP code from a non-STEM CIP code, curricular changes in learning outcomes (such as emphasis on the scientific method, quantitative research, etc.) would likely be present.