Create an Online Version of Existing Degree Program

Overview

A new online version of an existing degree program provides an online delivery modality to students. Creating a new online version of an existing degree programs begins with creating a proposal in CIM. Following necessary committee and Provost approvals, the proposal must also be reviewed by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) and SACSCOC. It typically takes 4-6 months to be created.

Process Details

To create a new online version of an existing degree program the originating academic unit should:

  1. Submit Proposal into CIM

    Input the proposed new online delivery version into the Curriculum Inventory Management System (CIM) for review and approval by appropriate unit, college and university committees. A CIM training guide is available for assistance. Because there are two ways to display the new version in the Bulletin, we strongly recommend contacting the Registrar’s Office at Bulletin@auburn.edu prior to submitting the proposal.

    University committees (graduate and undergraduate) meet once a month and usually review all proposals received by the first of that month. The undergraduate committee does not meet in the summer months.

  2. Request Alabama Commission on Higher Education Review

    Upon Provost approval, work with the university’s ACHE Coordinator and SACSCOC liaison to prepare and submit the following items:

    1. A Notification Letter for ACHE

    2. A Substantive Change Notification Letter for SACSCOC

    The Commission meets four times per year.

Process Completion

After approvals, the Registrar will build the new online program version in Banner to ensure it is operable; this usually occurs within a month of final approval. Answers to common questions about the end of the creation process follow:

  • When will the new online version of the existing program appear in the Bulletin?

    The new version will appear in the next Bulletin if it is created by the Registrar prior to May 1st.

    • When can the originating unit begin advertising the new online version?

    The originating unit can begin advertising the new online version noting “Pending ACHE review” after the notification letter is submitted to ACHE and ACHE sends a receipt. ACHE meets quarterly to consider new programs. After ACHE approval, the program can be advertised without the disclaimer.

  • When can the new online version of an existing degree be awarded?

    In the semester that it is built by the Registrar.

Questions about process completion should be sent to the ACHE Coordinator.

Last updated: May 31, 2022