Current through Register Vol. 42, No. 11, August 30, 2024
(1)
Purpose. The purpose of
reviewing extensions and alterations to existing programs of instruction is to
ensure that public postsecondary institutions can make reasonable changes to
their program offerings without creating new programs of instruction.
(2)
Commission Responsibility.
The Commission is responsible for reviewing changes to programs of instruction
for academic credit at the state's public postsecondary institutions in order
to determine whether a proposed change can be considered a reasonable extension
or alteration of an existing program of instruction or whether it constitutes a
new program of instruction. In addition, the Commission's responsibilities for
data collection and research necessitate that it maintains an accurate and
comprehensive record of for-credit program offerings in its Academic Program
Inventory.
(3)
Scope.
This rule shall apply to all programs of instruction offered for academic
credit by public colleges and universities in Alabama. It does not apply to
non-credit programs or other offerings that do not culminate in a postsecondary
award.
(4)
Definitions. The following definitions shall apply:
(a) Academic Program Inventory ("Inventory"):
List maintained by the Commission's staff of programs of instruction offered by
public postsecondary institutions in Alabama, with a record for each degree and
certificate program.
(b)
Alteration: A type of program change that modifies an existing academic
offering within its previously defined scope. Such changes include
modifications to program coursework, modifications to program requirements,
including total number of hours, and updates to program titles or CIP
codes.
(c) Credit Hour: A unit of
measure representing the equivalent of an hour (50 minutes) of instruction per
week over the entire term. It is applied toward the total number of credit
hours needed for completing the requirements of a degree, diploma, certificate,
or other recognized postsecondary credential. Alabama's public postsecondary
institutions typically use the semester credit hour, rather than quarter credit
hour or other equivalent unit.
(d)
CIP Code: A six-digit code in the form of xx.xxxx that identifies an
instructional program specialty using the taxonomic coding scheme known as
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), maintained by the Institute of
Education Sciences (IES) within the US Department of Education. A program's CIP
code should accurately reflect the content of instruction and allow for
comparison of programs both within and between institutions.
(e) Curriculum: Body of coursework,
assessments, or other requirements necessary to complete a program of
instruction.
(f) Existing Program:
An academic degree or certificate program listed in the Academic Program
Inventory.
(g) Extension: A type of
program change that expands an existing academic offering beyond its previously
defined scope. Such changes include the addition of program options within a
degree program, as well as the development of for-credit, non-degree
certificate programs that are related to an existing program or unit of
instruction.
(h) IPEDS: The
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System is the postsecondary education
data collection program for the National Center for Education Statistics
(NCES), a division of the Institute of Education Sciences within the US
Department of Education. IPEDS is designed to collect standardized data from
postsecondary institutions and educational organizations operating within the
United States.
(i) Method of
Delivery: Synonymous with "delivery modality," refers to the means of
delivering instruction within an academic program or assessing student progress
toward program completion. There are three distinct types, though a single
program may employ a combination thereof:
1.
Competency-Based Education: An educational program wherein student progress
toward completion is measured through the attainment of competencies, whether
within course-based units or through direct assessment of learning.
2. Distance Education: A formal educational
process using technological delivery in which instruction occurs where students
and instructors are not in the same place. Instruction may be synchronous or
asynchronous. Distance education, distance learning, and e-learning are
recognized by the Commission as being synonymous terms.
3. Face-to-Face Instruction: Also referred to
as "in-person" instruction, occurs where students and instructors are in the
same place at the same time.
(j) Nomenclature: Also referred to as "degree
nomenclature" or "award name," a designation for the specific type of award
within a given level (e.g., Bachelor of Science, Master of Business
Administration, or Doctor of Philosophy). In its official record of an award,
an institution will identify the nomenclature followed by the program title
using the following format: [Nomenclature] in [Program Title] (e.g., Bachelor
of Science in Biology).
(k) Option:
An extension of an offering that is closely related to the existing program and
shares a common set of program coursework ("program core") with all other
options of the same program. Options can be referred to as concentrations,
tracks, or specializations.
(l)
Program Length: A measure of the amount of time required for a student to
progress to program completion, typically represented in semester credit
hours.
(m) Program of Instruction:
A postsecondary course of study offered for academic credit that leads to one
of the following types of postsecondary awards:
1. Degree: An academic program approved by
the Commission under the rules set forth in §
300-2-1-.03.
2. For-Credit Non-Degree Certificate: An
academic program that leads to one of the following award designations as
defined within the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS
Level):
(i) Level 1a, Mini-Certificate (MINI):
A for-credit certificate program consisting of at least six (6) but less than
nine (9) semester credit hours of undergraduate coursework or the
equivalent.
(ii) Level 1b,
Short-Term Certificate (STC): A for-credit certificate program consisting of at
least nine (9) but no more than twenty-nine (29) semester credit hours of
undergraduate coursework, or the equivalent.
(iii) Level 6, Post-Baccalaureate
Certificate: A for-credit program consisting of at least six (6) semester
credit hours of graduate coursework, or the equivalent. Most graduate
certificates fall into the postbaccalaureate classification.
(iv) Level 8, Post-Master's Certificate:
Apart from the Education Specialist degree defined above, a postmaster's
certificate is a for-credit program consisting of at least six (6) semester
credit hours of graduate coursework designed specifically for those already
holding master's degrees. Post-master's certificates are typically offered in
nursing or other fields where it is common for master's degree holders to seek
additional specialized training.
(n) Program Status: An indication of whether
a program of instruction is actively enrolling new students. Each program will
have one of the following status types:
1.
Active: Active status indicates that the program may enroll new
students.
2. Deleted: Deleted
status indicates that the institution intends to terminate the program. Once a
program has been marked as deleted within the Academic Program Inventory, no
new students may be admitted, though current enrollees may be taught out. Note
that programs with deleted status remain in the Academic Program Inventory for
archival purposes.
3. Inactive:
Inactive status indicates that the institution intends to reinstate the program
to active status within five years. While a program is on inactive status, no
students will be admitted, though current enrollees may be taught
out.
4. Moved: Moved status is
assigned by ACHE staff for archival reasons to keep track of programs that have
changed CIP code or IPEDS level. The program at the new code or level retains
active status. New students are enrolled in the active program, though existing
students may be taught out from the moved program.
(o) Program Title: A name given by an
institution to describe a program's specific field of study and which is used
alongside nomenclature in official records of the award, such as in student
transcripts. The program title should accurately reflect the content of
instruction and therefore should closely correspond to the standardized name
within the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code list.
(p) Programs that Lead to Professional
Educator Certification: Academic degree programs at the baccalaureate,
master's, or education specialist level, that receive authorization from the
Alabama State Board of Education and are considered "Approved Programs," as
defined under Alabama Administrative Code §
290-3-3-.01.
(q) "Reasonable": A reasonable extension or
alteration of an existing program of instruction is a modification which does
not change the essential character, integrity, or objectives of the
program.
(5)
Reasonable Extensions and Alterations of Existing Degree Programs.
Reasonable extensions and alterations of existing degree programs may be
considered substantive-requiring approval, substantive-requiring notification,
or non-substantive. It is recommended that institutions consult ACHE staff
prior to submitting documentation if there is a question regarding whether the
proposed extension or alteration requires Commission approval or notification.
(a) Substantive Changes to Degrees Requiring
Approval: Certain extensions or alterations must be approved by the Commission
prior to implementation because the change to the Academic Program Inventory is
similar in scope to the approval of new programs of instruction, described
above at §
300-2-1-.03. Unlike new programs of instruction, however, these
substantive modifications will not require post-implementation monitoring:
1. Consolidating Programs: Merging two or
more degree programs into one consolidated program will result in the deletion
of the existing program(s) within the Academic Program Inventory and may result
in a new entry in the Inventory to better reflect the content of the
consolidated program. For a substantive modification to be considered, the
following conditions must be met:
(i) The
proposed modification does not require any additional resources to
implement.
(ii) The existing
program(s) and the consolidated program must have at least 50% of their courses
in common.
(iii) If the
consolidated program is configured to have options corresponding to the
previous degree programs, the options must share a common set of program
courses in keeping with the option requirements listed in this rule below under
5(b)(1).
2. Separating a
Program: Splitting an existing program into two distinct degree programs will
result in one or more new entries in the Academic Program Inventory, which is
typically done by proposing a new academic degree program in keeping with
§
300-2-1-.03 above. For a substantive modification to be considered
instead of a new program proposal, both of the following conditions must be
met:
(i) The proposed modification does not
require any additional resources to implement.
(ii) Each of the existing options or tracks
to be separated can show that over the most recent four years it would exceed
the minimum program viability standard for graduates as defined above in
§
300-2-1-.04.
3.
Curricular Changes over 50%: Modifications to existing programs that will
affect more than 50% of the curriculum may be considered for approval by the
Commission only if the program exceeds its minimum viability standard for
graduates as defined above in §
300-2-1-.04. If less than one-third of the
curriculum of the proposed extension/alteration is in common with the
curriculum of the existing program(s), the change automatically will be
considered a new program. Institutions are responsible for determining the
percentage change and submitting documentation comparing the proposed modified
curriculum to the existing curriculum.
4. Certain Changes to Program Length:
Commission approval is required when the total credit hours (or equivalent
progress measure) increase or decrease by 25% or more, resulting in significant
change in students' time to degree.
5. Certain Modifications to Doctoral
Programs: Changes in award nomenclature or IPEDS level for doctoral programs
will require Commission approval, particularly for programs seeking recognition
as "research-focused doctorates," such as the Doctor of Philosophy.
6. Development of Joint Degree Programs: A
joint degree program, whereby students study at two or more institutions and
are awarded a single program completion credential bearing the names, seals and
signatures of each of the participating institutions, is considered unique and
distinguishable from any program offered independently at any one of the
contributing institutions. Institutions should consult with ACHE staff to
determine whether the proposed joint degree program should be treated as a new
program or as a substantive modification requiring approval.
7. Change of Program Status from Deleted to
Active: An institution may re-activate a previously deleted program with
Commission approval under the following circumstances:
(i) The request to re-activate the program
occurs within five years of deletion.
(ii) No additional resources are required to
re-activate the program.
(iii) The
program can meet the viability standard for its degree level.
(b) Substantive Changes
to Degrees Requiring Notification: Before any of the following changes may be
implemented, they must be presented to the Commission as information items. If
supporting documentation verifies that any conditions and requirements are met,
the changes will be recognized by the Commission by information item. The
Commission staff may request additional information if necessary:
1. Addition of Options: Each new option must
be reviewed by the Commission prior to implementation. An institution may
request to add an option or options to an existing degree program under the
following circumstances:
(i) The option must
be in a field closely related to the existing program.
(ii) Generally, the option comprises less
than half of the total credits required for the existing program.
(iii) Generally, the resulting program has a
common set of coursework ("program core") that constitutes at least 50% of the
required program credit hours, aside from any general education coursework that
may be in common. Exceptions may be considered if the institution can present a
convincing rationale that the 50% shared coursework requirement should be
reduced.
2. Updates to
Academic Program Inventory: An institution may request the following changes to
how an existing degree program is listed in the Academic Program Inventory:
(i) Changes in award nomenclature at the same
IPEDS level for existing programs listed in the Commission's Academic Program
Inventory, provided that no changes in program requirements, content, or
objectives are made, except for doctoral awards as noted above. Prior to
implementation, the institution must present an information item which provides
sufficient evidence that the proposed nomenclature is more appropriate than the
current designation.
(ii) Changes
to program titles or CIP codes, provided that no changes are made in program
requirements, content, or objectives, and provided that the new title or CIP
code replaces an earlier designation. Program title changes or CIP code changes
should only be made when the proposed title or code more adequately reflects
the nature and content of the program. The burden of demonstrating this is upon
the institution.
(iii) Changes in
program status, including placing programs on inactive or deleted status. Only
viable programs, as determined by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education,
may be placed on inactive status. A program placed on inactive status may be
reinstated to active status within five years after the status change, after
which time it will be marked as deleted within the Academic Program
Inventory.
3. Changes to
Curriculum between 25% and 49%: Modifications to existing programs that will
affect between 25% and 49% of the curriculum, except for changes to program
length noted above, may be implemented after notification to the Commission at
a regular meeting. Institutions are responsible for determining the percentage
change and submitting documentation showing the percentage of the program to be
modified.
4. Certain Changes to
Method of Delivery: Changes to delivery modality that affect 100% of the
program's curriculum, especially in relation to adding a fully distance
education program, as described below in rule §
300-2-1-.10.
5. Addition of Long Certificate to Existing
Associate Pathway: An institution may add a long certificate (IPEDS Level 2)
with prior notification (rather than program approval) in the following
circumstances:
(i) The institution offers an
associate degree at the same CIP Code, where all of the coursework for the long
certificate also meets requirements for the associate degree.
(ii) No new resources are required to
implement the long certificate.
(c) Non-Substantive Changes to Degrees: The
following degree program changes are considered non-substantive, and
institutions do not need to notify the Commission or ACHE Staff prior to
implementation. It is the responsibility of the institution to determine
whether they must register the change with their accreditor or other entity.
1. Changes to Curriculum under 25%:
Modifications to existing programs that will affect less than 25% of the
curriculum, including changes to program length, may be implemented without
notifying the Commission. Institutions are responsible for determining the
percentage of the program's curriculum to be modified.
2. Changes to Existing Options: Once an
option has been reviewed by the Commission and added to an existing degree,
changes to the option's title or curriculum do not need to be reviewed by the
Commission, with the following exceptions:
(i)
If an institution seeks to change an option in such a manner that affects more
than 25% of the program's curriculum, the change will be considered
substantive-requiring notification.
(ii) If an institution seeks to change the
CIP code of an option apart from the existing degree program, the change will
be considered substantive-requiring approval as noted above under "separating a
program."
3. Most Changes
to Method of Delivery: Changes to delivery modality that affect less than 100%
of the program's curriculum are considered non-substantive. These include
changes to the delivery modality of individual courses or groups of courses
(e.g., options).
4. Addition or
Modification of Combination Degrees: When a single institution creates an
overlapping course of study that results in awarding more than one degree, it
is considered non-substantive so long as the programs to be combined are
already listed in the Academic Program Inventory. Examples include dual majors,
accelerated bachelor's-master's programs, and other arrangements that allow for
shorter time to completion of multiple awards.
5. Addition or Modification of Dual Degrees:
Adding or modifying dual degree programs sponsored by two different
institutions leading to the award of two separate degrees is considered
non-substantive so long as the constituent degree programs are listed in the
Academic Program Inventory.
6.
Addition or Modification of Academic Minors: Minor courses of study are not
considered standalone awards and as such are not listed in the Academic Program
Inventory. Institutions do not need to notify the Commission when developing or
updating requirements for academic minors.
(d) Changes to Degree Programs that Lead to
Professional Educator Certification: Institutions seeking to modify a degree
program leading to professional educator certification should consult with
appropriate staff at the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE).
Depending on the nature of the program change and ALSDE guidance, institutions
may request that the Commission waive requirements for prior approval or
notification.
(6)
Reasonable Extensions and Alterations of For-Credit Non-Degree
Certificates. For-credit non-degree programs fall under the Commission's
responsibility to consider reasonable extensions and alterations of existing
programs of study, since it is assumed that institutions will develop and
deliver new for-credit non-degree programs using existing personnel, equipment,
facilities, and other resources. Changes to for-credit non-degree certificates
may be considered substantive-requiring notification or nonsubstantive:
(a) Substantive Changes to For-Credit
Non-Degree Certificates Requiring Notification: Before any of the following
changes may be implemented, they must be presented to the Commission as
information items. If supporting documentation verifies that any conditions and
requirements are met, the changes will be recognized by the Commission by
information item. The Commission staff may request additional information if
necessary:
1. Addition of New For-Credit
Non-Degree Certificates: Review of new for-credit non-degree program offerings
is necessary to ensure that the Commission maintains an accurate and
comprehensive list of program offerings in its Academic Program Inventory.
Institutions may advertise new non-degree programs once notification is
received by ACHE staff, but institutions should not begin delivering the new
non-degree programs until after formal notification has been made to the
Commission.
2. Changes in CIP
Codes: CIP code changes should be made when the proposed code more accurately
reflects the nature and content of the program. Notification is required to
ensure that the Academic Program Inventory remains up-to-date.
3. Change in IPEDS Level: If a change is made
to the curriculum of a for-credit non-degree certificate such that the
institution seeks to reclassify it to a higher or lower IPEDS level (from Level
1a to Level 1b, for instance), documentation must be provided to support the
request.
4. Changes in Program
Status: Placing certificate programs on inactive or deleted status requires
prior notification to ensure that the Academic Program Inventory remains
up-to-date.
5. Certain Changes to
Method of Delivery: Changes to delivery modality that affect 100% of the
program's curriculum, especially in relation to adding a fully distance
education program, as described below in rule §
300-2-1-.10.
(b) Non-Substantive Changes to
For-Credit Non-Degree Certificates: The following changes to for-credit
non-degree certificates are considered non-substantive, and institutions do not
need to notify the Commission or ACHE staff prior to implementation. It is the
responsibility of the institution to determine whether they must register the
change with any other entity.
1. Changes to
Courses and Requirements: Updates to individual courses or other requirements
for certificate completion do not need to be reported to the Commission,
provided that the content and objectives remain consistent with the existing
program.
2. Changes to Certificate
Title: Updates to the title of the certificate are considered non-substantive,
provided that the new title accurately describes the content of the
program.
3. Most Changes to Method
of Delivery: Changes to delivery modality that affect less than 100% of the
certificate's curriculum are considered non-substantive. These include changes
to the delivery modality of individual courses or groups of courses.