Program developers should work closely with the Assistant Provost for Accreditation and Assessment to determine substantive change and the need for a prospectus. To help answer the need for a prospectus, departments should ask the following questions:
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What previously approved programs does WKU offer that are closely related to the new program and how are they related?
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Will significant additional equipment or facilities be needed?
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Will significant additional financial resources be needed?
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Will new courses be required for the program? If so, do the new courses contain brand new content not previously taught at WKU?
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Will a significant number of new faculty members be required? If yes, will the faculty be hired because of needed expertise to teach courses or to meet the course demand?
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Does this program require additional physical resources or student support services?
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Will significant additional library/learning resources be needed?
New programs that contain 50% of new content are considered to be a significant departure or substantive change and require a prospectus. Note that undergraduate programs should make percentage determinations based on the total number of hours for the major (not including general education requirements). Complete the SACSCOC Questionnaire to help determine if the proposed change is substantive.