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Graduate Catalog, Academic Changes

Nonsubstantial academic changes process

What they are

Nonsubstantial academic changes are generally changes to the degree requirements or academic policies of individual graduate programs that meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School. Graduate programs, via the GSC chair, should consult the department chair and college dean prior to submitting requests to change degree requirements or academic policies, although formal approval of the chair and dean may not be required. Such changes are generally treated as catalog changes. Note that changes such as changing the name of the program or adding or deleting a program do require the approval of the college dean. See Degree program changes.

Final approval

Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies (Graduate Dean)

The Graduate Dean generally approves requests to change degree requirements and academic policies that meet minimum graduate school requirements. At the Graduate Dean’s discretion, some requests may be referred to the Graduate Assembly for its review and approval.

Process

1. Graduate Studies Committee (GSC)
   The graduate program normally submits requests to change degree requirements or academic policy via a memo to the Graduate Dean or via the catalog copy submitted for the next catalog. The memo should indicate that the GSC has approved the change. As noted above, consultation with the department chair and college dean is encouraged.
2. Graduate School
   Proposals that meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School are generally considered nonsubstantial and do not require additional approval beyond the Graduate Dean.

• Flowchart (PDF)
• Explanation of Graduate Catalog, academic changes process in PDF.