ÁùºÏ±¦µä

6,065: Creation of New Academic Units

 Revised: November 2021

The procedures below govern the creation of all new academic units. This includes the creation of any department, school, college, center, institute, or other organizational unit involving teaching programs awarding credits to students. See section 6,517 for creation of research or outreach centers, institutes or other units.

The proposer(s) should submit a preliminary proposal via Curriculog for consideration by the New Program Pre-Proposal (NPPP) Committee. If the preliminary proposal is approved, a proposal should be submitted using the organizational change approval process in Curriculog.

Regulations regarding the creation of a new organization are specified in the Board of Regents Handbook, Title 4, Chapter 14, Section 7. The NSHE Organizational Unit Proposal Form is available on the NSHE website and should be uploaded to the Curriculog proposal as an attachment. The following information is required:

  1. Proposed title of department, school, college, center, or other organizational unit
  2. Date of implementation
  3. Brief description and purpose of unit
  4. Outline of plans for the success of the proposed unit
  5. Mission statement
  6. Goals and objectives
  7. Major participants or collaborators
  8. Evidence of contact within and between affected academic units
  9. Proposed physical location
  10. Proposed organizational structure
  11. Activities to be sponsored (e.g. courses, seminars, research and outreach)
  12. Resource analysis
  13. Projected budget

The proposal should outline the plans for success of the proposed unit. All proposals for new academic units are routed to the appropriate college(s); and the Provost's Office.

The Provost's Office will forward proposals to the Faculty Senate for review and recommendation.  The creation of new organizational units may come under the jurisdiction of the UNR Bylaws (Part 2, Chapter 1, Section 3) regarding changes in university organization. In accordance with Faculty Senate procedure, completed proposals must be submitted to the Faculty Senate at least two full working months before consideration by the NSHE Academic Affairs Council.

Additionally, review and recommendations from the Graduate Council, Academic Leadership Council, and/or the UCCC may be sought at the discretion of the Executive Vice President & Provost.

After receiving final recommendations, the president will determine whether or not to approve the final proposal and forward it to the NSHE Academic Affairs Council and the Board of Regents for approval. The addition or elimination of departments does not require Academic Affairs Council or Board of Regents approval.

Upon notification of approval by the Board of Regents, the Provost's Office will send a confirming memo to the department or unit, with copies to the following: the appropriate college dean, Admissions & Records, Planning, Budget & Analysis, the Graduate School (if applicable), the vice provost, the Assistant Vice Provost for University Assessment and Accreditation, and the President's Office.