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

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.

Workflows by College / Academic Group

While all Colleges follow the curriculum approval process established in the University Manual, each College may have its own internal approval process based on its departmental and governance structures. To download a flowchart of a specific College’s approval process, select the College below.

College of Arts & Sciences

College of Business

College of Education

College of Engineering

College of Health Sciences

College of Nursing

College of the Environment & Life Sciences

Fannon Institute for Student Success

Graduate School

Graduate School of Oceanography

Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program

University Libraries

Workflow Process Common Questions

• Do I have to obtain a Library Impact Statement before submitting a proposal?
• Do I have to meet with the Learning Outcomes & Oversight Committee regarding my Assessment Plan prior to submitting my new degree, major, or certificate proposal?
• How do I know where my proposal currently stands in the workflow?