New Undergraduate & Graduate Program Proposal Preparation

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare your proposal as a Word document (there is no template).

Be sure to respond to each of the components listed under the various headings below. When you provide information related to each sub-section please use the numbering system indicated below, i.e., 1a, 1b, 1c, etc.

It is important that proposers refer to the following four documents when preparing the proposal. Each proposal should ensure that RIT's Essential Learning Outcomes and Academic Portfolio Blueprint characteristics and criteria have been included in the proposal. In addition, each proposal must adhere to RIT's Undergraduate and Graduate Degree Requirements and NYSED Requirements for Courses and Faculty Credentials.
 

1. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE

Provide a narrative overview of the proposed (or revised) program that includes the following:

1. Provide a brief description of the program as it will appear in the institution’s catalog.
2. List educational and (if appropriate) career outcomes. Describe any specific curricular features that incorporate rigorous academic and career preparation. Educational Outcomes must map directly to Program Assessment Plan (section 10a).
3. Describe how the program fits with and advances the institution’s mission, vision, values and reputation.
4. Describe the justification and documented need for this program and how this program clearly contributes to RIT’s strategic plan priorities. Document and discuss the sources used and evidence collected that a need for program exists.
5. Describe curricular features that:
       • facilitate and support student and faculty scholarship, research and creativity
       • address emerging disciplines
6. With the exception of general education requirements, describe and list documented curricular interconnections and integration between this program and other disciplines, programs and colleges at the University (e.g., minors, concentrations, BS/MS options).
7. Describe the role of faculty in the program’s design.
8. Describe the input by external partners, if any (e.g., employers and institutions offering advanced educational programs).  In your response, draw from the information you have solicited from external partners reported in Appendix D.
9. Provide enrollment projections for Year 1 through Year 5. In arriving at these projected enrollments, consult with Enrollment Management. Include other documentation and provide formal certification of enrollment projections from VP for Enrollment Management in Appendix B which explains the underlying enrollment assumptions and projection model.
10. Decribe what the annual retention rate target, graduation rate target, and job placement rate target is for this proposed program.

2. PROGRAM COURSES AND SCHEDULE

1. Using NYSED's Table 1A template for undergraduate programs or Table 1B template for graduate programs, list all required and elective courses in the program and show how a typical student would progress through the program.
   Note: After the proposed program is approved by NYSED, the content on the NYSED curriculum table will be moved into RIT's template. Click here to access RIT's curriculum table templates. (RIT login required)
2. RIT's definition of full-time status for graduate students is 9 or more semester credit hours, so include a Table 1 showing 9 credits per semester. NYSED regulations indicate that full-time status is 12 credit hours per semester, for both undergraduate and graduate programs. When preparing NYSED applications for new or changed graduate programs, be sure to include a second Table 1 that shows how a student could complete the program with 12 credit hours per semester. If a 12 credit hour table is not provided, NYSED will request that the program be registered as part-time.
3. Identify courses on Table 1A or 1B that satisfy RIT’s General Education Framework. Use the following identifiers and terminology (next to each course listed):

1. Foundation Course: First Year Writing
2. First year General Education Elective
3. Perspectives
   1. LAS Perspective 1 (Ethical)
   2. LAS Perspective 2 (Artistic)
   3. LAS Perspective 3 (Global)
   4. LAS Perspective 4 (Social)
   5. LAS Perspective 5 (Natural Science Inquiry) – Must have lab component
   6. LAS Perspective 6 (Scientific Principles)
   7. LAS Perspective 7A (Mathematical)
   8. LAS Perspective 7B (Mathematical)
4. Immersion
   1. LAS Immersion 1
   2. LAS immersion 2
   3. LAS Immersion 3
5. General Education Electives
6. Wellness Education

4. If the program will include options or concentrations, include them on the Table 1. Options/concentrations can range from 6 credits and up, 9-12 credits is typical.
5. If the program will be offered through a non-traditional schedule (e.g., off-campus, on-line, etc.), provide a brief explanation of the schedule, including its impact on financial aid eligibility.
6. A bachelors-level degree program can include a list of Graduate Electives that students have the option of taking to fulfill an elective.
7. For existing courses that are part of the major, submit a copy of the current catalog description.
8. For all new courses, provide course outlines in the major using RIT’s New or Revised Course Outline Form (Form is available in Appendix A). Course outlines should include a course description, course credit, objectives, topics, student outcomes, texts/resources and basis for determining grades. Courses must follow Assignment of Credit Hours Guidelines.

3. FACULTY

1. Provide information on Existing Core Faculty and Faculty to be Hired using the Faculty Information Log for Existing Core Faculty and Faculty to be Hired.

Note:  Full faculty Curricula Vitae must be included in Appendix F (below).

4. FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND INSTRUCTIONAL FACILITIES

1. Summarize the instructional facilities and equipment needed to ensure the success of the program including:
   1. Space – Summarize space needs and incremental costs. Please review Division of Academic Affairs Policy and Procedures for Allocation and Utilization of Space. Space needs will be accounted for in the financial cost model in Appendix G (below).
   2. If this program will share lab or studio space/equipment with other programs, please note that here and provide documentation of agreement in Appendix C (below).
   3. Equipment (renewal / replacement costs and schedule)
   4. Computer facilities
   5. Other space and equipment
2. Consult with RIT's Office of Budget and Financial Planning Services and prepare new program financial projections in Appendix G (below).  These projections include incremental resources needed including personnel (faculty and support personnel [administrative, secretarial, technical, teaching/research assistants]), General Education sections needed, library, equipment, laboratories, supplies and expenses, and capital expenditures.
   
   NOTE:  Final Academic Costing Spreadsheets and all Tables in Appendix G must be submitted.
    

5. LIBRARY RESOURCES

1. Summarize the analysis of library resources for this program by the collection librarian and program faculty.  Include an assessment of existing library resources and their accessibility to students.
2. Describe the institution’s response to identified needs and its plan for library development.

Note:  Include a supporting letter from appropriate RIT librarian in Appendix C (below) that addresses 5a; and 5b) above and includes a summary of present holdings and a list of required new acquisitions with cost estimate.

6. ADMISSIONS AND ENROLLMENT

NOTE: Sample responses for a, b, and c follow but should be tailored for each program proposal.

1. List all program admissions requirements for the proposed program

• Undergraduate programs:  SAT, ACT, high school GPA, transfer GPA, TOEFL score for international students, special requirements (e.g., portfolio).
• Graduate programs:  GRE or other exams, college transcripts, undergraduate GPA, recommendations, interview, TOEFL score, bridge courses, portfolios

TYPICAL RESPONSE:  Admission to RIT is competitive, but each applicant is reviewed holistically to determine their potential for success in their academic program.  In general,  students seeking admissions to this program are expected to submit records of previous academic performance (high school and/or college) and entrance exam scores, if  required.  In the case of international applicants, international students whose native language is not English must submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign  Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination along with demonstrating that other admissions requirements are met.

Specific guidelines for admission include:

Freshman: A college prepatory program including the following (Program Proposal fills in requirements, as appropriate):

Math	Required	Recommended	Notes
Algebra
Geometry
Trigonometry
Pre-calculus
Science	Required	Recommended	Notes
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Additional requirements and recommendations			i.e., Are other courses required or recommended? Are students required to submit a portfolio of original art work?

 

Transfers:

Course recommendations without an associate’s degree	Recommended associate’s degree program for transfer

 

b.  Describe the process for evaluating exceptions to admission requirements

TYPICAL RESPONSE: the Office of Undergraduate admissions reviews each applicants' record and will confer with the academic program if exceptions to admission requirements seem warranted.  RIT will grant credit for prior experience/prior learning on an individual basis as determined by the academic program.

  c. How will institution encourage enrollment by persons from groups historically described
      as underrepresented in the discipline or occupation?

TYPICAL RESPONSE: RIT is committed to recruiting and enrolling a diverse student population.  An important component of RIT’s Strategic Plan is to recruit students from  underrepresented groups, especially AALANA and women, particularly into STEM fields.  The university sponsors on-campus programs and conducts many outreach Activities specifically designed to increase the populations of those groups in the admissions pipeline.

7. ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES

1. Summarize the academic support services available to help students succeed in program. Please include a summary of the advising system to be used in this program, including a list of professional staff, advisors and faculty and the anticipated ratio of advisors to students.
2. The Office of the Registrar maintains and provides student records as required.

8. EXTERNAL REVIEW OF GRADUATE PROGRAMS

If the proposal is a graduate degree program below the doctoral level, submit a copy of the Evaluation Report Form prepared by a recognized expert in the field who has been approved in advance*.  In addition, submit the institution’s response to the evaluation and highlight how the proposal was modified in response to the reviewer’s comments.
*(Confer with Sr Asst Provost and Asst VP for Academic Affairs about securing qualified external reviewer).

For further information, please refer to #3. External Review (required for specific types of proposals).

9. CREDIT FOR EXPERIENCE

If this program will grant substantial credit for prior learning derived from experience, describe the methods of evaluating the learning and the maximum number of credits allowed.
  a. See evaluation for prior learning guidelines.

10. PROGRAM ASSESSMENT AND IMPROVEMENT

A New Program Assessment Plan must be signed off on by Leah Bradley, Assistant Director, Educational Effectiveness Assessment , prior to the submission of a new program proposal. 
Click here for more information about New Program Assessment.

11. NEW/EMERGING FIELD AND ALLIED HEALTH AREAS

If the proposal for an undergraduate degree falls into any of the following categories, submit a copy of an evaluation* of the program by a recognized expert in the field who has been approved in advance by the State Education Department. 

Submit a copy of the email received from Sr Asst Provost and Asst VP for Academic Affairs providing advanced approval of external evaluator.

In addition, submit the institution’s response to the evaluation and highlight how the proposal was modified in response to the reviewer’s comments. 

Categories of programs requiring this type of external review:

1. Program’s subject matter represents a new or emerging field.
2. Program is in an allied health area, unless the institution can demonstrate that the program is accredited by an accrediting body for college-level programs in the field.

*Confer with the Office of the Provost on selection and approval of external evaluator.

12. TRANSFER TO BACCALAUREATE PROGRAMS

If the program will be promoted as preparing students for transfer to a baccalaureate program, provide a copy of an articulation agreement with at least one institution.

13. ADDING DISTANCE LEARNING TO A NEW PROGRAM

1. Review Guidance Document
2. Complete an Application to Add the Distance Education Format to a New or Registered Program
   IMPORTANT: You do NOT NEED TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS IN PART A
         Sample responses for you to consider for questions in Part B can be found at RIT Standard Answers for Distance Ed Forms.
3. Save the Application Form and the information you have provided as a file on your computer

 
APPENDICES
Please provide information as detailed in Appendices A-G

APPENDIX A - NEW OR REVISED COURSE OUTLINE FORM

New or Revised Course Outline Form

APPENDIX B - ENROLLMENT AND MARKET ANALYSIS

Describe and elaborate in Appendix B on the following information:

• Detailed enrollment projections for the next five years, including as applicable, new students, transfer students, internal transfer students. These projections are to be developed by Enrollment Management and Career Services (EMCS) with an explanation of methodology used. The Vice President for Enrollment Management must formally certify projections in the Intent Document and Final Program Proposal.
• Anticipated graduation rate (based upon college target and similar RIT programs)
• Competing programs (regional and national) and what RIT's competitive advantage over these programs is.
• Anticipated geographic draw (regional, national and international)
• Program delivery format (full-time, part-time, on-site, off-site, distance learning, weekend learning)

APPENDIX C - INTERNAL LETTERS OF SUPPORT

Include the following internal agreements and support documentation in Appendix C:

Impact statements and letters of support that identify the impact that new program will have on existing academic programs as well as projected needs for additional course sections from other academic units; academic accommodations; and other shared resources required from the following units:

• Appropriate RIT Librarian provides letter addressing sections 5a. and b of proposal
• College of Liberal Arts
• College of Science
• Other departments (other than program’s home department) including cost estimate for offering new courses or additional sections of current courses
• Student Affairs (addressing any services likely to be affected by addition of this program)
• NTID Support Services, including Access Services (Interpreting Services and C-Print).
• If program will share lab or studio space/equipment with other programs, provide documentation of this agreement
• Other internal letters, as deemed appropriate by proposer

APPENDIX D - PROGRAM NEED AND MARKETABILITY: EVIDENCE AND LETTERS OF SUPPORT

Provide documentation from potential feeder schools, employers and directors of advanced educational programs in Appendix D to demonstrate the need and marketability of this program. In particular:

• Include analysis from RIT's office of Cooperative Education and Career Services that addresses the opportunity for CO-OP placement, permanent job placement and graduate school admission.
• Indicate the basis upon which individuals were selected to prepare external letters of support. Important qualifications include academic background, subject matter expertise, relevant hiring responsibility, involvement in acceptance of students to advanced programs, etc.
• As appropriate, letters of support should be solicited from:
  • Graduate schools
  • Industrial advisors
  • Employers
  • Governmental agency representatives
  • Consultants
  • Professional organizations or agencies
  • Feeder schools
• Letters must respond to questions such as the following:
  • Would a graduate of this curriculum be employable by your organization or others similar to yours?
  • What is your prediction of the job market for a graduate from this curriculum 5 years from now? 10 years from now?
  • What possibilities are available for a graduate from this program to advance in this area or occupation?
  • Would a graduate from this curriculum be expected to receive an advanced degree after employment?
  • Are there opportunities for graduates from this program to enter an advanced degree licensing program? Are there limitations? GPA desired? Number of openings? Number of applicants versus number of accepts?
  • Should any portion of the (new, revised, consolidated) curriculum be modified? If so, what and why?

APPENDIX E - SPACE ALLOCATION/RENOVATION REQUEST

Space needs will be accounted for in the financial cost model. Please see Appendix G (below) for details.

APPENDIX F - FULL FACULTY CV's

Include a CV for each faculty member who will teach in the program and who is listed on the Existing Core Faculty and Faculty to be Hired Tables in the proposal as Appendix F.

APPENDIX G - FINANCIAL COST MODEL: REVENUE/COST PROJECTIONS/EXPENSES

Please contact RIT’s Office of Budget and Financial Planning Services to complete the 5 year financial projections for your program.