Program Changes

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New Program vs. Program Revisions

Program changes may be substantive requiring additional steps in the process. New programs may have substantive changes in content or delivery method while programs being suspended or closed are always considered substantive changes. The detailed list can be found in the WKU Policy 0.4015 Substantive Change on the WKU Policies website. Contact Beth Laves (beth.laves@wku.edu) for more information aboutf substnative change procedures and your proposed program change.

If a program is modified to the point of needing a new CIP code, CPE requires the program go through the new academic program process. See the CPE Program Approval Process page.

New programs (majors, graduate programs, or certificates) that that use 50-75% existing courses but include 25-49% of new content (not coursework) require a notification of substantive change to SACSCOC, if the content was not previously taught at WKU. Refer to WKU's information on SACSCOC Substantive Change. Complete WKU's SACSCOC Substantive Change Questionnaire to help determine if including your new courses becomes a substantive change.

Changes that include new methods of delivery like adding an online pathway that is at least 50% online or removing a pathway like no longer offering at least 50% of the program face-to-face required SACSCOC substantive change notification.

Adding a new location where at least 25% of the program will be delivered face-to-face may require SACSCOC substantive change notification.

 

Program Suspensions and Closures

SACSCOC defines program closure as being closed to new admissions. This definition of program closure includes both program suspensions and program deletions. This also includes closing a delivery method (distance education or face-2-face) or closing a program at an off-campus instructional site, like a regional campus or a high school. CPE distinguishes the definitions as suspensions that can be revived within 5 years and closures which cannot be reopened. At WKU, program suspensions and closures remove the major, minor, or certificate from major/minor update forms, admissions applications, catalogs, etc. SACSCOC must approve closures and suspensions PRIOR to the deactivation of the program at WKU as well. Again, program deactivation means the program is closed to new admissions.

Program closures and suspensions need to have a teachout plan describing how students currently in the program can complete their degree/credential. This plan is required by SACSCOC. WKU has made a commitment to the students already admitted. The teachout plan outlines how WKU will support enrolled students through completion of the program.

Suspended programs may be reactivated within five years from the implementation date of the suspension. The suspension must be reported to SACSCOC and CPE. After the five years, the program is automatically closed and may not be reopened.

Both suspended and closed programs require a SACSOC Teach-out form. Upon approval from SACSCOC, the program will be suspended or closed.