Proposals for New Academic Programs/Units
(Revised January 2022)
Proposed Academic Administration or Research Unit
Proposals for new centers, institutes, and other similar academic/research units (both intra- and inter- institutional) that are organized and structured around a broad-ranging, interdisciplinary research effort should follow the Guidelines and Forms for the (Re)Authorization of an Academic/Research unit (Centers and Institutes) noted below. Additionally, units that are seeking re-authorization for continued approval should follow the guidelines for such a request which are also noted below.
Proposed units which are projected to serve a purely administrative service function unrelated to any academic or research purpose do not need to seek Board of Regents’ approval. Questions as to whether a proposed unit is or is not considered academic/research in function should be discussed with the Staff of the Board of Regents/Academic Affairs.
The following definitions apply:
Center
The primary purpose of a Center is to conduct research, but closely related academic or public service activities may also be included. A center typically resides within an existing academic unit (college, department) and reports to the head of that unit, but may cross college lines and report to a senior academic officer. A center is not directly involved in the offering of courses for credit or degree programs. A center may also serve as a formalized link between the academic community and the professional community. A center should also facilitate efforts of the institution to attract external funding for related research.
Institute
The primary purpose of an Institute is to conduct research and offer associated instruction, but closely related academic or public service activities may also be included. An institute is typically an autonomous unit which reports directly to an academic dean or chief academic/research officer. An institute may serve as a formalized link between the academic community and the professional community. An institute may independently offer courses for credit and/or degree programs. An institute should also facilitate efforts of the institution to attract external funding for related research.
Guidelines and Forms for the (Re)Authorization of an Academic/Research Unit (Centers and Institutes)
♦ Guidelines for Application of a Academic/Research Unit
♦ Conditional (One-Year) Approval: Form A
♦ Continued Full Approval Units: Form C
♦ Budget Form: Word Doc