Faculty Handbook Guidance on Programs

Policies for creating and eliminating an academic program are articulated in the Faculty Handbook in Section 8.3, and the process for initiating a new program begins in Section 8.3.5.

According to the handbook, 

As Champlain keeps pace with employer standards and trends in higher education, it will be necessary to develop new degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels... The decision to develop a new degree program may be triggered by, but is not limited to, one or more of the following circumstances: new developments in professional trends and career opportunities; significant student interest; research conducted by the College’s Marketing department; or feedback from the College Admissions team. New programs will also align with institutional priorities, mission, and vision... Any consideration of a new degree program should reflect long-range appraisal of the resources needed to develop and maintain the program and how the program supports the educational mission of the institution.

The Handbook advises that the creation of a new program begin by obtaining support from a Dean or the Provost, and that "a market analysis and feasibility study provide the evidence that support the planning and decision-making for developing a new program." That said, "curriculum is the primary responsibility of faculty, no program will be proposed without the involvement of the appropriate Division’s faculty, Program Directors and respective academic Dean(s)."

The proposal will continue in the curriculum management system through the steps in the approval process as defined by the Curriculum Policy and Processes Handbook. The final decision to establish a new academic degree program rests with the President and the Board of Trustees.