6201:01
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Policy #    6201:01
Subject:     New Program Planning
Section:     Academic Affairs
Effective:   March 22, 1994

The purpose of this policy is to establish a process for planning and implementing new programs of study throughout the MCCS.

1. In order to initiate a new program planning process, an Intent To Plan Notice will be forwarded by the colleges to the Maine Higher Education Council, the President of the System, each college President, and the Vice President/Academic Dean as the decision is made to develop a program proposal.
2. A Program Implementation Proposal (including a completed new program checklist) will be developed by the college.  The proposal will include, at minimum, the following:
   1. Statement of Purpose and Objectives for the proposed program
   2. Suitability Statement as indicated by licensing, certification, or accreditation requirements; levels of educational development; career information and occupational outlook data; and alternate opportunities for educational opportunities within the region.
   3. Need Statement as indicated by human resources and economic development targets; state, regional, and local studies, projections and surveys to determine student interest and demand for graduates by employers; and, if appropriate, statements form regional employers supporting the program.
      1. List all other providers of the proposed program in the area.
      2. Indicate the existing and/or new resources that are being used to implement the new program.
      3. Identify the partnerships with other agencies in implementing the new program.
   4. Economic Impact Statement as indicated by Maine employment levels, attrition rates, growth rates, labor market supply and demand ratios, cyclical trends, technological developments, starting wages, potential for career advancement, and return on investment for state.
   5. Proposed Curriculum, including admission criteria for students, qualifications of instructors, and catalog course descriptions, including program competencies and outcomes.
   6. Budget Projection for the first three years, including the cost of facilities, equipment, and instructional/support staff, and projected revenue.
3. The Program Implementation proposals for new programs, including a completed checklist must be received by the Presidents' Council for review as follows:  March 1 for Fall implementation, and August 1 for Spring implementation. 
   1. The Academic Deans will review the program proposal and forward it, with comments, to the Presidents' Council.
   2. The Presidents' Council will review the proposal and comments of the Academic Deans and make a recommendation to the System President.
   3. With the recommendation of the System President, the program proposal will then be reviewed by the Educational Policy Committee of the Board of Trustees at their next regularly-scheduled meeting following Presidents' Council Review. 
   4. Following review by the Educational Policy Committee, the Program Implementation Proposal will then be reviewed and acted on by the Board of Trustees at their next regularly-scheduled meeting.

Final action must be taken by the Board of Trustees prior to program implementation.

Last changed: Feb 25 2008 at 12:49 PM