Academic program planning provides faculty and academic leaders with the resources, guidance, and processes needed to navigate the launch and deactivation of academic programs. These pages outline the steps, requirements, and supporting tools for developing new program proposals, evaluating feasibility and resource needs, securing approvals, and implementing new programs. They also provide guidance for the responsible deactivation of existing programs, including planning for student completion, curricular transitions, and program closure. Through a structured, collaborative approach, we help colleges and schools make informed decisions that support academic quality, institutional priorities, and the effective use of resources.
2027 Academic Planning Retreat - TBD
Launching a new academic program is a collaborative, data-informed process designed to ensure academic quality, market relevance, and institutional sustainability. This section provides faculty and academic leaders with the tools, templates, and guidance needed to move an idea from concept to approval and implementation. The program launch process consists of three phrases:
Program conception is the stage of the program life cycle focused on developing an initial program idea into an approved proposal ready for launch. This stage brings together planning partners to explore opportunities, assess needs, and shape programs that respond to student, workforce, and institutional priorities. Program conception encompasses the process from the initial idea through approval to launch, culminating in the submission and approval of a formal program proposal. The Program Conception Roadmap provides additional details on this process.
There are two pathways for program conception: invited proposals and open call proposals.
Program opportunity is identified or prioritized through institutional planning and leadership direction.
Faculty or academic units identify a potential program opportunity and submit it through the open call.
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Program prepares Program Feasibility Study Template and Program Resource Planning Worksheet. For example please see Bioaeronautics Feasibility Study including Gray Scorecard. |
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Program develops and presents program proposal presentation in conjunction with Sr. Academic Planning Coordinator. |
| Request A New Program Scorecard | Request A New Program Competitor Report | Access O*NET Data |
Program development is the step in the program life cycle focused on starting a program by designing the program by developing the budget, curriculum, academic advising structures, academic support services, etc. through the approval process by the USG and other accreditors as appropriate. Programs must be approved by Augusta University’s Academic Cabinet before formally beginning program development. Many key elements required to develop a program will have been identified through the program feasibility study and program resource planning worksheet and the development process will be the opportunity to firm up these findings. The Program Development Roadmap provides additional details on the process.
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Program completes Institutional Proforma Intake Form |
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Program enters the appropriate Curriculog Approval Forms. Create A New Degree ProgramCreate A New CertificateCreate a New Minor/Dual DegreeCreate a New Concentration/Track |
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Program completes additional review or external approvals. (See Program Approval Table.) |
Approval to launch a program depends on the type of credential being offered and may require additional reviews or external approvals before final authorization.
| Approval Requirement Guidelines | Programs Requiring Internal AU Approval Only | Programs Requiring USG Administrative Approval | Programs Requiring Full BOR Approval |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credential Type | Minor Concentration |
Undergraduate Certificate Graduate Certificate |
Bachelor's Master's Doctorate |
| Additional Steps | Curriculog Only | Complete Certificate Approval |
Complete USG Program Proposal Application and Budget Form* |
*Coordinated with Director of Academic Planning and Assessment
Program launch is the step in the program life cycle focused on starting a program by implementing the program by recruiting faculty and enrolling students.
Once approved for launch, the Registrar’s Office and the Division of Enrollment and Student Affairs will coordinate with the program champion and college leadership to ensure the program is added to all appropriate systems and communications, including the academic catalog and admissions applications.
Program Activation Request FormProgram Reactivation Request Form
Stopping an academic program is a structured, transparent process designed to prioritize student success, maintain educational quality, support good stewardship of institutional resources, and ensure institutional accountability. Below are guidance and resources to assess program viability, review performance and demand data, and navigate the required governance and approval steps to responsibly phase out a program while supporting currently enrolled students.
Program deactivation is the stage in the program life cycle focused on stopping a program by suspending admission to the program. This status is used either as a precursor to termination while existing students in the program are completing their program of study through a teach out plan or for a temporary suspension to take a strategic pause, typically to redevelop a program. Deactivation means no new students can enroll in the program, but existing students can continue to complete their program of study. Deactivation of a program requires administrative approval by the University System of Georgia.
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Program drafts appropriate deactivation documents including teach out plan and program deactiviation form. |
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Program enters degree-level appropriate Curriculog Deacvitation Form. |
Program termination is the stage in the program life cycle focused on ending a program by removing it from the university’s list of approved programs. This status means the institution has completely discontinued the program. No students can be enrolled in a terminated program.
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Program verifies no students are enrolled in the program through AU Anaylitics. |
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Program completes the Program Terminiation Request Form and emails it to AU_Curriclum@augusta.edu. |