Academic Planning & Policy

Academic Planning and Policy

The following resources are available to assist academic administrators in making specific requests for changes to degree programs and new degree programs to the UT System Board of Regents. Also included below is a link to information about the requirements associated with external reviews of existing Ph.D. programs.

Degree Program Search

Find a specific degree program at any level: baccalaureate, master's, doctoral, and professional.

Proposing New Degree Programs

The University of Texas System Office of Academic Affairs is responsible for working with the academic campuses on new academic degree programs.

Distance Education & Self-Supporting Programs

Find resources and information related to the approval process for establishing new distance education (i.e., online, interactive-to-groups, and off-campus face-to-face) self-supporting programs via the link above.

New Certificate Requests

To establish a new certificate program (upper-division or graduate-level) requires review and approval by the UT System and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Changes to Existing Degree Programs

Approval by the Office of Academic Affairs is required for changes to an existing degree program that trigger THECB approval or notification.

Resources for Accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC)

Laws, Regents’ Rules, and other resources for completing some of the general portions of an institution’s compliance certification report.

Mission Statement Review and Approval

The Academic Affairs Committee of the Board of Regents approves changes to an institution’s mission statement.

Administrative Unit Change Request

To establish a new college, school, or department or to change the name of an existing college, school, or department requires review and approval by the UT System.

Admission Policy Amendments

Amendments to an institution's admissions policies, both undergraduate and graduate, must be reviewed by the Executive Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs. If approved, the amendments must receive final approval by the Board of Regents via the Consent Agenda.