Suspension of Academic Programs

The source of this policy is Academic Senate Resolution AS 715-10 “Resolution on the Academic Senate Policy and Procedures for Reorganization of Academic Programs and Academic Units and Suspension of Programs” (adopted 1 June 2010).  The elements of AS-715-10 pertaining to the reorganization of academic units have been superseded by AS-991-25 and therefore are not presented here; only the elements concerning program suspension (including original section numbering) are still intact.

 

Policy Overview

Suspension of an academic program may result from regular, formal Program Review, accreditation recommendations, resource and enrollment issues, or a demonstrated need for faculty to review the curricular or administrative structure of the program.

Program suspension is not acceptable when the aim is program discontinuance. An academic program may not be suspended for a period of more than two full academic years. After this period the program is automatically reinstated unless a new proposal is submitted to either (a) continue the suspension for an additional two-year term or (b) discontinue the program.

Definition:
Academic program: "An academic program is a structured grouping of coursework leading to a baccalaureate or graduate degree or to a teaching credential" (AS-700-10).

 

Procedures

1. Initiation of Program Suspension Proposals:

A proposal for the suspension of an academic program must be presented to the Provost and Vice Provost and the Academic Senate Chair by one or more of the following:

• A simple majority of the tenured and tenure track faculty of the affected program(s) or unit(s)
• The dean(s) of the college(s) involved in the programs to be suspended
• The President

The Provost may also initiate program suspension. All proposals will be forwarded by the Provost to the Academic Senate Executive Committee for review.

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3. Any proposal that is calling for program suspension will include:

A. A summary of the consultative procedures followed

B. A summary of the three main reasons for the proposed changes

C. A detailed account of the proposed administrative and curricular changes

D. Compelling evidence to support the financial or academic benefits of any proposed program suspension, relative to leaving the existing program or unit in place or unchanged.

E. An explanation of the probable effects of the proposed changes relative to university-wide learning objectives, accreditation, and the university strategic plan

F. A summary of the most recent program review and accreditation review, if applicable

G. The number of students, the number of faculty at each rank, and the number of staff at each rank involved in the affected academic programs, and the most probable way(s) the proposed changes will affect them, including an account of how faculty and staff duties will change as a result of the proposed changes

H. Student enrollment and application patterns for the academic program(s) during the previous five years, if applicable

I. The means by which the affected students, faculty, and staff will be informed of the proposed changes

J. An explanation as to how students currently enrolled in the programs will be accommodated until they complete the program

K. If the proposal is submitted during the summer, a compelling explanation as to why it is being submitted during summer and not during the academic year

L. Acknowledgement of the proposal from the relevant dean(s) and relevant Chair(s)/Head(s)/Director(s)

M. An explanation as to why program suspension, not program discontinuance, is being proposed.

N. The date when the proposed program suspension would take effect, and the date when it is anticipated that the program will be reinstated

O. A plan for reinstating the program when the suspension period ends

P. A complete list of courses that will not be taught if the affected program is suspended        .

Q. The changes that would be necessary in order to reinstate the program

 

4. Proposal Review:

Upon receipt of contentious proposal(s) to suspend academic programs, the Academic Senate Chair will form an ad hoc committee comprised of one faculty member from each college (none of whom are members of affected programs), one student (who may be from one of the affected programs), and when possible, two faculty members from affected programs.

The charge of the ad hoc committee will be to review the proposed changes and provide a report with recommendations to the Academic Senate.

Proposal review periods are not to exceed twelve (12) weeks.

 

5. Twelve Week Review Timeline:

Week One: Ad hoc committee formed

Weeks Two-Five: Ad hoc committee begins reviewing proposal, consulting with dean(s), chair(s)/head(s)/director(s), members of the affected programs, students in proposed affected programs

Week Six: Academic Senate hosts one public meeting, ad hoc committee in attendance, to discuss proposed changes

Week Seven: Ad hoc committee prepares and presents written report with recommendations to Academic Senate Chair

Week Eight: Academic Senate Executive Committee considers ad hoc committee report, recommendations, and if appropriate,* agendizes report for full Academic Senate consideration

Week Nine: Academic Senate considers ad hoc committee report as a business item, first reading

Week Eleven: Academic Senate considers ad hoc committee report as a business item, second reading

Week Twelve: Academic Senate Chair submits ad hoc committee report and Academic Senate decision to Provost/Vice Provost

 

* During summer, the Academic Senate Executive Committee deliberates and legislates with the full weight of the Academic Senate (see Bylaws of the Academic Senate, VI.A.).

 

Source:

Academic Senate Resolution: AS 715-10 “Resolution on the Academic Senate Policy and Procedures for Reorganization of Academic Programs and Academic Units and Suspension of Programs” (PDF). Adopted 1 June 2010.

 

Updated 7/25/2025