7.8.3 Policy on Creation of Academic Departments
Policy Statement
Process for creation of an Academic Department
Policy Manager and Responsible Department or Office
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Departments/Offices Affected by the Policy
All departments/offices.
Policy
On the recommendation of the Provost and with the approval of the President, an Academic Department may be established or reorganized under the following conditions:
- when the proposed department includes one or more tenured faculty members qualified to serve as the Chair or Interim Chair of the Department; and
- when the proposed department is responsible for the supervision of one or more Academic Programs.
Each Academic Department Chair shall report to the Dean of an Academic School. Once approved, an Academic Department shall exist until the President or the Provost directs that the Department shall be reorganized or eliminated, subject to the review and determination of the President. The consultation process--Steps 2 through 6-- should take no longer than one year.
Step 1
- Consultation with Deans, Speaker of Faculty, faculty members in units directly involved to develop proposal addressing key questions.
Step 2
- Consultation with Faculty Senate Budget Committee, Academic Planning Committee, and Bylaws Committee.
- Academic Planning Committee and proposer coordinate discussions with relevant parties (e.g., Business Affairs, R.O., schools, etc.).
Step 3
- Initial presentation to Senate; Call for input from relevant parties.
Step 4
- Proposal revised and posted for 30-day open comment period.
Step 5
- Final proposal presented to Senate for feedback (no vote).
Step 6
- Presentation to Board of Trustees (BOT).
Related Policies, Documents or Forms
7.8.1 Policy on Creation, Reorganization, and Elimination of Academic Units PDF
7.8.3 Policy on Creation of Academic Departments PDF
Revision Log
Issue Date: 03/30/2023
Last Review Date: 03/30/2023
Next Review Date: 03/30/2028
Web Publication Date: 1/22/2026