OAR 715-013-0020: General Public University Program Approval Requirements

Effective December 23, 2014: (1) Definition: “Significant change” to a university’s academic program includes, but is not limited to, any new undergraduate or graduate degree program, or any existing undergraduate or graduate degree program that will be offered more than 40 miles from the site at which it is currently offered. “Significant change” to a university’s academic program does not mean a new undergraduate or graduate certificate program, new minor, or a new name for an existing degree program. (2) The Higher Education Coordinating Commission has responsibility for approval of significant changes to public university programs. (3) The Higher Education Coordinating Commission shall provide the governing boards of public universities with the standards, criteria and procedures the Commission will utilize to approve significant changes to a university’s academic programs. These criteria will include consideration of the recommendation of the public university seeking to make the change and will ensure that approved programs: (a) Are consistent with the mission statement of the public university; (b) Do not unnecessarily duplicate academic programs offered by Oregon’s other community colleges or public universities; (c) Are not located in a geographic area that will cause undue hardship to Oregon’s other community colleges or public universities; and (d) Are allocated among Oregon’s community colleges and public universities to maximize the achievement of statewide needs and requirements. (4) Requests for approval of significant changes to a university’s academic program must be submitted by the governing board of the university to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission prior to commencement of the program.