UW System Administrative Procedure 102.B

Changes to Existing Academic Degree Programs

Original Issuance Date: May 5, 2026
Last Revision Date: May 5, 2026

1. Purpose of Procedures

The purpose of these procedures is to provide information on reporting changes to an existing academic degree program.

2. Responsible UW System Officer

Associate Vice President for the Office of Academic Affairs

3. Definitions

Please see SYS 100, Academic & Student Affairs: General Terms and Definitions, for a list of general terms and definitions. Terms and definitions found within this policy include:

Academic degree program: An educational program that will conclude with the conferral of a degree at the level of associate degree or higher that is authorized by the Board of Regents.

Additional Location: “A physical facility that is geographically separate from the main campus of an institution and within the same ownership structure of the institution” where instruction takes place, as defined in U.S. Department of Education Federal Regulation 34 CFR Part 600. Specifically, a student may 1) “complete 50% or more of the courses in educational programs leading to a degree, certificate or other recognized educational credential; and/or 2) complete 50% or more of a degree completion program (even if the degree completion program provides less than 50% of the courses leading to the degree)”, as clarified by the Higher Learning Commission.

  • A “correctional institution is considered to be an additional location even if a student received instruction primarily through distance education or correspondence course at that location” as defined in U.S. Department of Education Federal Regulation 34 CFR Part 600.

Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP): The CIP provides a taxonomic scheme that supports the accurate tracking and reporting of fields of study and program completions activity. CIP was originally developed by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) in 1980.

Collaborative Program: See UW System Collaborative (HLC Consortial) program.

Competency Based Educational Program: An outcome-based approach to the delivery of an educational program in which the curriculum is structured around specified competencies. CBE can be offered using:

  • Course/credit-based approach: The demonstration of competencies are embedded in a conventional credit-based academic degree program within a traditional term; however, students can accelerate completion upon demonstration of learning using summative assessments. Degree completion via course-based CBE can be blended with conventional coursework, transfer credit, and credit for prior learning.
  • Direct assessment approach: A CBE program that is not based on a conventional academic term and is not course or credit-based. Credit hour equivalencies are established. Credit transfer and credit for prior learning may not apply.

Credit Hour:  The current federal definition (34 CFR Part 600.2) of a credit hour is “an amount of student work defined by an institution, as approved by the institution’s accrediting agency or State approval agency, that is consistent with commonly accepted practice in post-secondary education that reasonable approximates not less than:

  1. One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit, or ten to twelve weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or
  2. At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.”

Degree Type: The level and category of academic qualifications awarded upon successful completion of a course of study. Each level and category varies in duration, depth and breadth of study, and potential career opportunities.

Discontinuance: The formal closure of an education program when necessary in the event of financial emergency on the authority of the Board of Regents as discussed in RPD 20-24, Procedures Related to Financial Emergency or Program Discontinuance Requiring Faculty Layoff and Termination.

Distance Education: Education that uses technology (e.g., the internet) to deliver instruction to students who are separated from the instructor(s) and support regular and substantive interaction between the students and the instructor(s), either synchronously or asynchronously).

Educational Program: A postsecondary program of organized instruction or study that leads to an academic, professional, or vocational degree, or certificate, or other recognized educational credential.

Elevation Track Program: The elevation track process allows eligible programs to forgo the UW university review and appeal procedures. The proposed academic degree program is still subject to review by the proposing universities’ shared governance bodies, as well as UW System Administration and the Board of Regents (BOR).

Eliminate: Eliminating an academic degree program removes it from the University of Wisconsin System academic program array and Central Data Request (CDR) database effective for the designated term.

Fully Distance Education: An academic degree program in which a student may complete all (100%) of required coursework via distance education.

In-person: An academic degree program in which the student must complete more than 50% of the required coursework in person, suggesting that a significant “on-campus” and “in-person” presence may be required.

Mixed Modality: An academic degree program in which the student may complete 50% or more of the required coursework via distance education. In some programs, students may be provided options to complete the program in multiple formats—In-Person, Fully Distance Education, or in a combination of delivery format(s).

Memoranda of Understanding (MOU): A signed document between two educational institutions that outlines the responsibility of each party in the relationship.

Pell-eligible Prison Education Program (PEP): A prison education program that meets all the requirements articulated in 34 CFR 668.236 for students enrolled in the program to be eligible to receive Pell Grants.

Predominantly In-person: An academic degree program in which a student can complete more that 90% of the required coursework in-person.

Professional Doctorate: A professional doctorate represents a mastery of the subject matter and techniques of a professional field.

Program Planning Liaison: An individual designated by UW university’s Provost’s Office who is broadly familiar with program planning and review processes, and who communicates academic array, monitoring, and reporting actions between the UW university and UWSA Office of Academic Affairs.

Program: See educational program.

Publishing: Publishing an academic degree program adds it to electronic publications.

Redirect: A redirect is an academic degree program change of curricular components not to exceed a total of 50% of the curriculum being changed.

Reduced Credit Bachelor’s Degree: An academic degree program in which the number of credit hours required to complete the program is less than the commonly accepted minimum program length (120 credits). UW universities offering a degree program at less than 120 credits must explain and justify the variation (RPD 4-12 and SYS 102).

Reinstatement: Reinstating admissions returns an academic degree program to the systemwide academic degree program array. The program is re-published in electronic publications.

Subdegree Programs: Credential and non-credential programs that exist below the academic major/degree level.

Substantive Change: An aggregate change of 25% or more to the content of an academic degree program.

Suspend: Suspending admissions allows a university to temporarily remove an academic degree program from the systemwide academic degree program array. Within five (5) years of suspending admissions a university may opt to reinstate the program without BOR approval or eliminate the program. While in suspended status the program is unpublished in electronic publications.

Unpublishing: Unpublishing an academic degree program removes it from electronic publications.

UW System Academic Majors Dashboard: This dashboard is developed and maintained by the Office of Policy Analysis and Research (OPAR) for the purposes of academic degree program planning at the University of Wisconsin System. It provides information about academic majors offered at the UW universities and their mode of delivery, suspension status, and changes over time.

UW System Collaborative (HLC Consortial) Program: A UW System Collaborative (HLC Consortial) program is one that is authorized by the BOR to be jointly offered by more than one (1) UW university. Each degree-granting university involved in the collaboration has the authority to grant the degree. The UW universities establish a consortial agreement to administer the degrees and provide a proportion of the educational program.

4. Procedures

A. Developing a Reduced Credit Bachelor’s Degree Based on an Existing Authorized Academic Degree Program

  1. All reduced credit bachelor’s degree programs that are established from an existing authorized academic degree program must use the same CIP code and include the same program level learning outcomes and core curriculum as the existing program.
  2. The proposing UW university will submit notice to the Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) using the reduced credit bachelor’s degree form, at least 10 business days in advance of the Provost Council meeting at which the program will be discussed. The UW liaison will provide the following information:
    1. Confirmation that the provost has approved this action;
    2. The name and degree type of the reduced credit academic degree program;
    3. The name and degree type of the existing degree program as it is listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard;
    4. Confirmation that the CIP code, program level learning outcomes, and core curriculum will remain the same;
    5. How the program meets the eligibility criteria for a reduced credit bachelor’s degree outlined in SYS 102.A, section 4.B.VI.2.
      Note: Notice regarding redirect changes to either format (e.g., traditional academic program and reduced credit academic program) will apply to both versions.
  3. OAA will distribute the notification via the pprnoticeofintent@list.wisconsin.edu.
  4. At the Provost Council meeting, the provost from the proposing UW university will discuss their plan to develop a reduced credit bachelor’s degree program based on an existing program. The purpose of the discussion is to:
    1. Provide transparency in the development of reduced-credit bachelor’s degree programs; and
    2. Offer other provosts the opportunity to ask questions, provide feedback, and identify concerns that may arise.
  5.  Following the Provost Council discussion and the prior notification to OAA, the Associate Vice President (AVP) for Academic Affairs will issue a memo acknowledging the notification.
    Note: The AVP for Academic Affairs may request additional information and/or determine that a new academic degree program authorization is required.
  6. Following Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or specialized accreditation approval, the UW liaison should submit an implementation form, attaching the accreditation approval memo. OAA will issue a new program implementation memo, and the reduced credit pathway will be recorded in the Central Data Request (CDR) as a distinct academic degree program.
  7. If the proposing university plans to eliminate the traditional (e.g., 120-credit) version of the authorized academic degree program, the university should provide notice of suspended admissions and/or elimination as specified in SYS 102.B, section 4.J.

B. Notification of Other Changes to Existing Programs

  1. Notification of changes made to existing programs of all degree types must be made to the UW System OAA. The UW liaison provides the notification via the Program Planning Form. Such notifications ensure that academic program array data is accurately reflected in the Central Data Request (CDR) and corresponding public-facing resources.
  2. OAA will issue the notification memo within 15 business days after the receipt of the required information.
  3. Notification of the changes made to existing programs must include the following elements, in addition to those indicated for specific actions.
    1. Confirmation that the provost has approved this action and that the appropriate university governance body(ies) have completed their review process(es).
    2. The name of the academic degree program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
    3. The degree type(s), as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
    4. The CIP code as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
    5. A brief rationale for the action.
    6. The potential impact on students currently enrolled and/or enrollment projections.
    7. The potential impact on faculty and academic staff.
    8. The effective year and term. These must be at least four (4) weeks in the future.
  4. Additional information may be requested prior to issuing the notification memo.

C. Adding or Eliminating a Degree Type for an Academic Degree Program

In addition to the required notice information indicated in section 4.A, the UW liaison provides:

I. Adding a degree type.

    1. The degree type(s) that will be added.
    2. Confirmation that the university currently offers other programs within this degree type, or rationale for the addition of a new degree type and affirmation that no additional approval are required by HLC.
    3. Confirmation that the CIP code will remain the same and there will not be substantive change to the curriculum or academic degree program requirements.

II. Eliminating a degree type.

    1. The degree type(s) that will be eliminated.
    2. The teach-out plan for students currently enrolled. See HLC policy for specific criteria.

D. Renaming an Academic Degree Program

In addition to the notice information required in Section 4.A, the UW liaison provides:

  1. The new name of the program.
  2. Confirmation that the entire CIP code will remain the same.
  3. Description of the changes and percentage of curricular changes to the curriculum associated with the rename.

Note: If the curricular changes will exceed 25% of the full academic degree program requirements, requiring notice to HLC, additional notice to OAA of the redirection should occur (section 4.E).

E. Redirecting an Academic Degree Program

In addition to the notice information required in section 4.A, the UW liaison provides:

  1. If applicable, the new name of the program.
  2. Whether the CIP code will remain the same.
    1. If there will be a change to the CIP code, provide the suggested new CIP code and a rationale for the change.
  3. Description of the changes and percentage of curricular changes to the program. If curricular changes require a substantive change notice to HLC, notice should also be provided via the Program Planning Form.
    Note: The AVP for Academic Affairs may determine that a new academic degree program authorization is required if multiple modifications (e.g., substantive curricular changes, a CIP code change, program learning outcomes, and/or required resources) are made to an existing program.
  4. A description of the nature of the redirection (and rename, if applicable).

F. Changing a Program’s Mode of Delivery

  1. The AVP for Academic Affairs may determine that a new academic degree program authorization is required if a program adds an additional modality for which the curriculum of the new modality is substantively different from the existing modality(ies).
  2. Adding distance education as a modality for an academic degree program may also require HLC approval or notification. A complete list of the characteristics of programs requiring HLC approval or notification, along with the relevant screening forms and substantive change applications, may be found on the HLC’s website.
    Note: UW’s “Mixed Modality” designation and “Fully Distance Education” designation align with HLC’s definition of a distance education program.
  3. In addition to the notice information required in section 4.A, the UW liaison provides:
    1. The delivery mode, as defined in section 4.F.III.5 below, that currently applies to the program
    2. The delivery flags, as defined in section 4.F.III.6 below, that currently apply to the program.
    3. The delivery mode as defined in section 4.F.III.5 below, that will apply to courses in the program as a result of the action.
    4. The delivery flags, as defined in section 4.F.III.6 below, that will apply to courses in this program as a result of the action.
    5. Delivery modes include the following:
      1.  In-Person: An In-Person program is one in which the student must complete more than 50% of the required coursework in-person, suggesting that a significant “on-campus and in-person” presence may be necessary for program completion.
      2.  Mixed Modality: A Mixed Modality program is one in which the student may complete 50% or more of the required coursework via distance education. In some programs, students may be provided options to complete the program in multiple formats- In-Person, Fully Distance Education, or in a combination of delivery format.
        1. In the context of the “Mixed Modality” designation, a distance education course is one in which at least 75% of the instruction and interaction occurs using distance education technologies with the faculty and students physically separated from one another.
      3.  Fully Distance Education: A Fully Distance Education program is one in which a student may complete all of the academic program requirements via distance education. In the context of a “Fully Distance Education” delivery mode, a distance education course is one in which 100% of the instruction and interaction occurs using distance education technologies with the faculty and students physically separated from one another.
        Note: Notice elements regarding changes related to competency-based delivery are addressed in section 4.G.
    6. The following delivery flags may apply to programs in respective mode categories. A delivery flag provides additional details regarding the delivery of a program.
      1. Predominantly In-Person: Utilize this flag when a student can complete more than 90% of the required coursework via in-person delivery. This flag may apply to In-Person and Mixed Modality mode categories.
      2. Fully Distance Education: Utilize this flag when a student can complete 100% of academic degree program requirements via distance education. This flag will always apply to programs classified as Fully Distance Education and may apply to programs classified as Mixed Modality.
  4. Universities may choose to create additional mode sub-categories for university use.

G. Adding or Eliminating Competency-Based Education Delivery

  1. When adding a competency-based education (CBE) delivery to an existing program, the UW liaison provides the following information, in addition to the notice information required in section 4.A:
    1. The delivery flag(s) in which courses in the program are currently offered.
    2. The delivery flags(s) that will apply to courses in the program as a result of the action.
    3. A brief description of the direct assessment competency-based program.
    4. A description of how the intended learning outcomes for the direct assessment competency-based program are equivalent to the existing program.
  2. When eliminating CBE delivery for an existing academic degree program, the UW liaison provides the following information, in addition to the notice information required in section 4.A:
    1. If the program will continue to be offered by an additional mode of delivery.
      1. The delivery mode that will apply to courses in the program as a result of this action.
      2. The delivery flags(s) that will apply to courses in the program as a result of the action.
    2. The potential impact on students, including how students currently enrolled will be able to complete the program. Describe the teach-out plan. A teach-out plan is required by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

H. Offering an Academic Degree Program at an Additional Location

  1. In addition to the required notice information indicated in section 4.A, the UW liaison provides the following information:
    1. Organization/facility name and street address.
    2. Whether the university is a part of the HLC notification Program for Additional Locations.
      1. If not, OAA will provide a memo to the university for use in its HLC substantive change request.
    3. Whether the additional location(s) is at a Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) facility which may require further notice.

I. Offering UW Coursework or Programs at a Wisconsin Department of Corrections Facility

I. Additional Location at a Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) Facility

    1. In addition to the required notice information indicated in section 4.A, the UW liaison will provide the following information to OAA.
      1. The facility name and the street address.
      2. Assurance that the university has notified the UW CHEP lead and has agreed to the terms under the DOC/UW MOU and rider.
      3. Provide documentation of the request to DOC for acceptance as a higher education partner.
      4. Indicate whether the university intends to pursue Pell eligibility through HLC and the Department of Education.
    2. OAA will provide an acknowledgement memo to the university for use in its HLC change notice or request.

II. Notice of Intent to Offer a Pell-eligible Program at a Wisconsin DOC Facility

Notice may be submitted to OAA concurrent with or following the additional location notice.

    1. In addition to the required notice information indicated in section SYS 102.B, section 4.A, SYS 102.B, section 4.I, the UW liaison will provide a copy of the DOC-issued correspondence that documents that the university has been accepted as a higher education partner.
    2. OAA will provide a memo to the university for use in its HLC substantive change request and application to the U.S. Department of Education.

III. Documentation of HLC and Department of Education Approval

The UW liaison will provide documentation of HLC and Department of Education approval to OAA via oaa@wisconsin.edu.

J. Suspending Admissions to an Academic Degree Program

In addition to the notice information required in section 4.A, the UW liaison provides:

  1. An explanation of how students currently enrolled will be able to complete the program.
  2. The year and term the program should be unpublished in the EApp and electronic publications.

K. Reinstating Admissions to an Academic Degree Program

In addition to the notice information required in section 4.A, the UW liaison provides:

  1. The reinstated name of the academic degree program.
  2. The reinstated degree type(s) for the program.
  3.  The suggested CIP code assigned to the program.
    Note: In some cases, changing the CIP code may require HLC and/or Board of Regents approval.
  4. Description of the changes and percentage of curricular changes to the program, if applicable. Note: If the AVP for Academic Affairs that the cumulative curricular changes are substantive, a new program authorization may be required.
  5. A brief summary of actions and decisions since the suspension started.
  6. A description of the resources available to support the program (faculty, staff, labs, equipment, etc.)
  7. A description of the projected enrollments and student demand.

L. Eliminating an Academic Degree Program

In addition to the notice information required in Section 4.A, the UW liaison provides:

  1.  The teach-out plan for currently enrolled students to complete the program. A teach-out plan is required by HLC. See HLC policy for specific criteria.

M. Withdrawing from or Dissolving a UW System Collaborative (HLC Consortial) Program

I. Withdrawal of one (1) or more, but not all, of the partners in a collaborative program requires OAA approval

    1. The provost(s) from the UW university withdrawing from the collaborative will provide the withdrawal plan information to all of the UW universities in the collaboration, the Office of Online & Professional Learning Resources (OPLR), and to OAA via oaa@wisconsin.edu.
    2. The provost(s) provide the following withdrawal plan information:
      1. A brief rationale for the change.
      2. A detailed plan that outlines how students currently enrolled in the program would be taught out or transitioned into another university within the collaborative without loss of credit or time to degree.
      3. The financial impact of this change.
      4. The potential impact on faculty and academic staff.
      5. Confirmation that the appropriate university governance body(ies) have completed their review process(es).
      6. The desired effective year and term.
      7. Evidence of communication with the HLC.
      8. Evidence of communication with and support of the other UW university partners that are part of the collaborative program.

II. Dissolution of a Collaborative Program

    1. The dissolution of a collaborative program is considered a program suspension and subsequent elimination.
    2. The dissolution plan should be co-created by all UW universities involved in the collaborative program and include the following elements:
      1. A request for the dissolution.
      2. The background information regarding the current partnership, including enrollment, and graduation data over the past ten (10) years, or life of the program if the program has been active for fewer than ten (10) years.
      3. The justification for the dissolution.
      4. Confirmation that the dissolution of the collaborative program and the has been approved by the appropriate university governance body or bodies at all universities involved in the collaborative program.
      5. A detailed teach-out plan as to how students currently enrolled in the program may complete the currently authorized program without loss of credit or time to degree.
      6. The dissolution plan and memos from each of the university provosts involved in the collaborative program affirming support for the dissolution should be submitted to OAA via oaa@wisconsin.edu.
        Note: If a UW university is interested in offering an academic degree program independent of the collaborative program, they should follow the process for new academic degree program authorization (see SYS 102, section 6.B and SYS 102.A, section 4.B.III-VIII)

N. Unpublishing or Republishing Academic Degree Programs

Note: The action will be reflected in the UW EApp and electronic publications. It does not impact the implementation status.

I. Unpublishing or Republishing an Academic Degree Program

The UW liaison provides the following information:

    1. The name of the academic degree program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
    2. The degree type(s) for the program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
    3. The current CIP code assigned to the program.
    4. Whether the request is to unpublish or republish.
    5. The date in which the program should be unpublished or republished.
    6. A brief rationale for the action.
    7. Implications for enrollment.

II. Publishing an Undeclared Major

The UW liaison provides the following information:

    1. Confirmation that the provost has previously approved of this program.
    2. Confirmation that the program currently exists and was approved via faculty governance.
    3. The name of the undeclared major in the format “Undeclared Major-NAME”.
    4. The degree level or degree type(s) for the undeclared major (stating a degree type is optional).
    5. The CIP code for the undeclared major. The CIP code must be associated with another academic degree program offered by the university.
    6. The name(s) of the academic degree program(s) that will be associated with the undeclared major, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
    7. The degree level or type(s) for the academic degree program(s) that will be associated with the undeclared major, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
    8. A brief rationale for the action.

III. Unpublishing an Undeclared Major

The UW liaison provides the following information:

    1. Confirmation that the provost has previously approved of this program.
    2. Confirmation that the program currently exists and was approved via faculty governance.
    3. The name of the undeclared major in the format “Undeclared Major-NAME”.
    4. The degree level or type(s) for the undeclared major.
    5. A brief rationale for the action.

5. Related Documents

Chapter 36, Wis. Stats.
Higher Learning Commission (HLC) CRRT.B.10.010: Criteria for Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC) FDCR.B.10.010: Approval of Teach-Out Arrangements
Higher Learning Commission (HLC) INST.G.10.010: Substantive Change
Regent Policy Document 4-12, Academic Program Planning, Review, and Approval in the University of Wisconsin System
Regent Policy Document 4-23, Core General Education Requirements
UW System Administrative Policy 100, Academic & Student Affairs: General Terms and Definitions
UW System Administrative Policy 102, Policy on University of Wisconsin System Array Management: Program Planning, Delivery, Review, and Reporting
UW System Administrative Procedure 102.A, New Academic Degree Programs
UW System Administrative Procedure 102.C, Monitoring and Reporting of Academic Degree Programs
UW System Administrative Procedure 102.D, Changes to Schools, Colleges, and Mission
UW System Administrative Policy 120, UW System Policy Regarding Offering On-Site Undergraduate and Graduate and Other Instruction Programs
UW System Administrative Policy 138, Awarding of Credit by Prior Learning Assessment

6. History

First Approved: May 5, 2026

*Prior to 2026, these procedures were incorporated in the related policy SYS 102, Policy on University of Wisconsin System Array Management: Program Planning, Delivery, Review, and Reporting and procedure SYS 102.A, New Academic Degree Programs, Changes to Academic Degree Programs, and Additional SYS 102 Items.