This page provides an overview of how curriculum proposals move from initial development through University approval. Use it to understand the approval workflow, plan around key deadlines, and identify the committees involved at each stage.

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Approval Process Calendar

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Deadlines By Proposal Item

Curriculum proposals must receive all required approvals by specific deadlines to take effect for their intended term. Deadlines vary by proposal type and may be influenced by registration dates, implementation requirements, and additional University approvals.

| | Effective for J-Term & Spring 2027 | Effective for Summer 2027 | Effective for Fall 2027 | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Course Modifications | Approved by the Faculty Senate at the September 2026 meeting

Registration begins October 6 | Approved by the Faculty Senate at the January 2027 Meeting

Registration begins February 9 | Approved by the Faculty Senate at the February 2027 Meeting

Registration begins March 2027 (exact date TBD) | | New Courses | Approved by the Faculty Senate at the December 2026 meeting | Approved by the Faculty Senate at the May 2027 meeting | Approved by the Faculty Senate at the May 2027 meeting | | New Undergraduate Temporary Courses | Approved by the Curriculum & Standards Committee at their (late) November 2026 meeting | Approved by the Curriculum & Standards Committee at their April 2027 meeting | Approved by the Curriculum & Standards Committee at their April 2027 meeting | | New Graduate Temporary Courses | Approved by the Graduate Council at their (mid) November 2026 meeting | Approved by the Graduate Council at their April 2027 meeting | Approved by the Graduate Council at their April 2027 meeting | | All Program Modifications, and New Certificates, Minors, and Specializations | Approved by the Faculty Senate at the December 2026 meeting | Approved by the Faculty Senate at the May 2027 meeting | Approved by the Faculty Senate at the May 2027 meeting | | New Degrees & New Majors | Approved by the Faculty Senate at the September 2026 meeting

Then approved by the University President following Faculty Senate approval

Lastly Approved by the Board of Trustees on October 21, 2026 | Approved by the Faculty Senate at the March 2027 meeting

Then approved by the University President following Faculty Senate approval

Approved by the Board of Trustees in their April 2027 meeting (date TBD) | Approved by the Faculty Senate at the May 2027 meeting

Approved by the University President following Faculty Senate approval

Approved by the Board of Trustees in their June 2027 meeting (date TBD) |

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In some cases, new undergraduate courses, new undergraduate temporary courses, and undergraduate programs modifications may be reviewed by the Special Summer Curriculum Committee for a Fall effective date. Summer approval is not guaranteed and is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Unless otherwise noted, this does not apply to graduate proposals.

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The Approval Process

The curriculum approval process generally follows the sequence shown in the URI Curricular Approval Process Flowchart. Specific steps may vary by college, department, proposal type, and whether the proposal requires additional levels of review.

URI Curricular Approval Process Flowchart

URI Curricular Approval Process Flowchart

Overview

  1. Proposal Development Faculty use the forms in Kuali Curriculum Management to develop the proposal and work with other stakeholders as appropriate.
  2. Department Review The proposal is reviewed through the appropriate departmental process.
  3. College Curriculum Committee Review The College Curriculum Committee reviews the proposal.
  4. College Dean Approval The College Dean approves the proposal for Faculty Senate review.
  5. Faculty Senate Curriculum Committee Review The Curriculum & Standards Committee, the General Education Committee, or the Graduate Council reviews the proposal.
  6. Faculty Senate Approval The Faculty Senate considers the curriculum committee's recommendation and votes.
  7. University President Approval Any curricular item that is not a course must be reviewed and approved by the University President.
  8. URI Board of Trustees Approval In addition to the University President’s approval, new Majors and Degrees are also reviewed by the Board of Trustees.