Faculty or academic units planning on developing a new program must submit a program intent request in CourseLeaf. This intent stage is required for the following actions: 

• New academic programs (excluding undergraduate minors).  
• The addition or modification of campus location(s) where the program is taught.  
• The addition or modification of the modality in which a program is taught.  
• The addition of an accelerated track (e.g., 4+1 option for a bachelor’s and master’s degree pathway).  

The development of the curriculum for a new program in CourseLeaf cannot begin until there is an approved pre-proposal intent. Academic units should not develop curricula for new programs until the intent stage is complete.   

This initial request allows for administrative review, including financial implications or resource needs. The initial request will direct you to academic program development support, which can provide additional data related to the likely student demand and market for the program.  

Deans are central to the initial review stage, ensuring that the planned new program aligns with school/college resources and priorities.  

All graduate programs are reviewed by the dean of The Graduate School, addressing graduate-specific issues and supporting the overall development of graduate programs.  

The Office of the Provost also reviews the pre-proposal submission. This review and approval may address budgetary or other resource questions, ensures that the program is being developed in alignment with accreditation standards, and will include the development of a revenue sharing MOU when appropriate.  

Following these approval steps, deans and associate deans for academic affairs from all schools and colleges at the University and other relevant staff will receive notification of the planned program. This structures intra-University discussion regarding new programs and ensures that faculty work with appropriate staff on curriculum development or other relevant issues.  

The pre-proposal form is a workflow in CourseLeaf CIM. 

Information on completing the form can be found in the Academic Affairs Governance Documents Library.