Instructions

Updated 1/11/2023

Documentation

Pre-Proposal Investigation Phase 

graphiic showing workflow from Idea to Market Review to Think Tank to Financial Aid Verification to Dean & Provost Review

Step numbers below refer to process map steps.

Steps 1 – 5

All DU faculty, staff, or leader may submit a new program idea at any time in the NPD app. Once entered, the Market Intelligence department prepares a Market Review to provide information for Think Tank members to consider at their semi-annual meetings.  The Think Tank is a cross-functional group from Academics and Operations whose responsibility is:

  • To brainstorm ideas for new programs based upon environmental scans, Top Jobs data, and from other internal and external information sources.
  • To discuss the new programs ideas that have been submitted, evaluate exploratory market review results, and make recommendations as to which ideas warrant further review

After the Think Tank approves an idea to move forward, the Compliance department will verify financial aid eligibility. 

Steps 6 - 9

The Market Review and Think Tank recommendation are reviewed by the Dean and Provost who evaluate the potential of the program within the framework of the College.  The Provost also consults with appropriate EVPs in regard to the new program idea with general information on market and financial impact. If the Dean and Provost agree to move the program forward, a subject matter expert is identified to assist in developing the full proposal. This consulting SME may be on staff or may need to be hired. If University resources are not available, the Provost may place the concept on hold until it is feasible to continue.

Proposal Development Phase

Develop and Submit Proposal, Enrollment Plan, Marketing Plan, and Financial Proforma

Steps 10 - 11

Once the Dean and Provost have indicated 'move forward", the consulting SME and other College faculty work on completing the full NPD proposal document with a developed curriculum including catalog copy and a curriculum map.  Course learning outcomes are not required at this time. As soon as the proposal is submitted, the 60-day development time window begins.

Steps 12 – 14

The Dean schedules a meeting within a week of the proposal being submitted to meet with representatives from Admissions, Marketing, and Finance.  The purpose of this meeting is to strategize on

  • a clear target market
  • enrollments based on that specific target market, 
  • marketing requirements for reaching that target market, and 
  • revenue/expenses anticipated for the new program.  

The results of this discussion should provide details for each area to develop their required plan:
Enrollment Plan, Marketing Plan, and Proforma. Each of these areas will be allowed 10 business days to submit the corresponding documentation.

Steps 15 - 16

If the CSME is not available from current staff, then the CSME will be acquired through the DU Hiring process.  The CSME is necessary to complete proposal development.

Approvals Phase

UCC decision to President & Provost decision to Board decision

Steps 17 - 19

The Dean and Provost evaluate all resources to determine the feasibility of offering the program.  The Dean, CSME, and other supporting faculty present the program to UCC.  Market Intelligence, Admissions, Marketing, and Finance representatives will present their findings.  Then, UCC votes on the proposal based on these criteria:

  • Relevance to DU Mission
  • Student Interest
  • Job Market Need
  • ROI
  • Academic and Institutional Context
  • Differentiator (unique aspects compared to competitors)
     

UCC members evaluate all information and make individual recommendations according to the
Criteria Matrix.  The UCC lead compiles all Criteria Matrix scores to arrive at an overall percentage
of support for the program.  UCC provides rationale to the Provost for either a recommend or not recommend decision.  The 60-day development time window ends.

Step 20-25

The Provost and President review UCC recommendations and other supporting materials to decide whether to submit the new program proposal to the Board.  The Provost informs the Leadership Team of the decision.

Step 23 - 24

The proposal is then submitted to the Board for final approval. If the Board approves, the new program is placed into the NPI - Implementation process.  The 60-day window for launching the program begins.  If the Board does not approve, rationale is provided to the Provost and subsequently to the Dean of the submitting College.

Launch

Launching the program has been defined to mean the point at which recruiting students begins. This implementation period should be completed within a 60-day period which begins at Board approval and ends at the start of “selling” the program.  Launching the program is a separate process from this NPD process.

Listed below are some exceptions to the 60-day time period due to external delays:

  1. HLC approval required, if it is totally new (e.g. a new MAS, we have to wait for HLC approval before we can offer)
  2. Professional accreditation required
  3. Financial aid authorization required
  4. SME for implementation is not available