Program Changes

Approval process for making changes to a Graduate Program

Prior to making significant changes to its graduate degree programs a graduate degree offering unit notifies the Graduate School. A "significant" change is one that impacts the core curriculum, number of credits required for the degree, thesis requirement, degree title, funding model (fee-based vs. state funded), or otherwise substantively affects a student's progression towards the degree. To make program changes, the unit Chair/Director/Dean sends a memorandum outlining the following aspects of the change to the Graduate School. The memorandum should indicate confirmation of faculty review and approval of changes (unit level and dean's level, if appropriate). Please attach the memorandum of understanding (MOU) if the program's funding model will change.

1. Proposed changes to the program, including
   • a. how the current curriculum and student outcomes will be impacted
   • b. how the basic nature of the degree program will change
2. Rationale for the changes
3. Timeline for implementation
4. How this will impact students currently in the program
5. Transition plan for students currently in the program
6. Whether additional resources will be required
7. Whether a change in program coding will be required

The Graduate School will respond in writing to the memorandum. This response will initiate the process of establishing the necessary student codes and will confirm the transition plan for students currently in the program, if applicable.

Academic Unit Name Changes

The Provost's Office notifies the Graduate School when units are renamed at the college/school or departmental level. Renaming at the college/school level requires approval by the Regents; departmental renaming requires approval by the Provost. If unit renaming will involve degree title changes, contact the Graduate School before submitting documents for approval.

Degree Title Changes

The Graduate School processes changes to degree titles. Title changes of designated degrees, such as the "Master of Science in Real Estate" or the "Doctor of Audiology" must be taken to the Board of Regents for approval. Changes to areas of focus within non-designated degrees, such as the "Master of Science (Chemistry)" or "Doctor of Philosophy (Civil Engineering)" do not require review by the Regents. All degree title change requests require a memorandum from the unit Chair/Director/Dean to the Graduate School Dean outlining the following:

1. Description of the proposed title change(s), including any related program changes
2. Rationale for the change
3. Timeline for implementation of the new degree title(s)
4. Transition plan for students currently in the program(s)
5. Confirmation of faculty review and approval of changes (unit level and dean's level, if appropriate)
6. Accompanying documentation (e.g., of action by the Provost)

The Graduate School will take the name change request to the Board of Regents, if necessary, and will notify the unit in writing of the approved name change. The approval letter will also initiate the process of establishing the necessary student codes and will confirm the transition plan for students currently in the program, if applicable.

Change of Administrative Location

Contact the Graduate School for information on changing the administrative location of an existing graduate degree program.

Change of Physical Location

The Washington State Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) approves the extension of existing degree programs to new geographical locations within the state or via distance delivery. This is done as described in section A-6 of the HECB's "Program and Facility Approval Policies and Procedures" from September 2005. The "Location Notification of Intent" (LNOI) must be submitted to the Graduate School for University approval before it is forwarded to the HECB. If the location change includes any changes to a graduate program, follow the guidelines in "Approval process for making changes to a graduate program" above.

Office of Academic Affairs and Planning
301 Loew Hall  |  Box 352191  |  Seattle, Washington 98195
Phone: 206.685.3519