Program revisions of 18 hours or less require only notification to CHE. If the program revision changes the number of credit hours in a program by more than 10%, approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) is also required. The full approval process typically takes about six months, but if SACS approval is required, it can take up to one year to implement a program revision of 18 hours or less.
The approval procedures for both categories (more than 18 hours, 18 hours or less) begin with completion of the Academic Program Action (APA) form, which offers a menu of options for various types of revisions. Subsequent approvals are required at the department, campus/college/school, and university levels, before paperwork is forwarded to CHE by the Provost’s Office.
Any program revision related to a P-12 educator preparation program requires a letter of endorsement from the Dean of the College of Education. Interdisciplinary program revisions should include letters of concurrence from the units involved.
CHE approvals of program revisions greater than 18 hours occur on a quarterly cycle. CHE acknowledgements of notifications can take up to two months. Educator-preparation programs require additional approvals by the State Department of Education. Approvals or acknowledgements from SACS may take as long as six months. Programs may only be marketed as revised after CHE and SACS approvals or acknowledgements have been received by the Provost’s Office.
General Approval Timeframe: For program revisions of more than 18 hours, eighteen months from submission to Dean’s Office to admission of first students. For program revisions of 18 hours or less, one year from submission to Dean’s Office to admission of first students.
