Update on improvements to the approval process for academic courses, programs

September 23, 2019

University Relations

In spring 2019, a multidisciplinary process improvement team was formed to understand and identify opportunities to enhance the UAF new course and program approval process. These improvements aim to increase the number of new courses being created; increase enrollment due to new courses that meet current trends and demands; and modernize the student experience.

This team, the Alaskans Leading Program and Course Approvals, or ALPACA, has identified several process improvement opportunities for the 2019-2020 academic year. This includes changes approved by the UAF Faculty Senate on Sept. 9, 2019.

Improvements include:
a) Offering additional CourseLeaf trainings to guide faculty through the review process,
b) Revised expectations and requirements for peer unit review,
c) New guidance for review timelines, and
d) Creating two curriculum review cycles, including a spring 2020 option in the CourseLeaf course proposal form. All new course proposals that are fully approved by Dec. 1 will be added to the AY2019-2020 catalog addendum.

Deadline reminders:
Program proposals are due in CourseLeaf on Friday, Oct. 4, 2019.
Course proposals are due in CourseLeaf on Friday, Nov. 1, 2019.

ALPACA thanks everyone who has supported and contributed to these changes. The team will continue to work on improving the process throughout the academic year.

This process improvement need was identified through the UAF Strategic Enrollment Planning initiative. This project is facilitated by the UAF Process Improvement and Training — PIT — Crew.

Team members include Nicole Cundiff (SOM), Sandra Wildfeuer (CTC and UAF School of Education), Jennifer Tilbury (CTC), Eileen Harney (CLA), Zoë Marie Jones (CLA), Holly McDonald (Registrar), Christina Sutton (CFOS), Meryem Udden (Governance), Amber Leytem (OMB), Jennifer Harris (CFOS) and Amy Bristor (Admissions).

For more information, contact the ALPACA team at UAF-ALPACA-Dept@alaska.edu.