Intent to Plan

WVU must submit to the chancellor a statement of intent to plan a new graduate/professional degree program at least six months before submission of a full proposal (i.e., one year prior to the intended date of implementation).

The chancellor and staff will review the statement of intent to plan. Consultants may be used when deemed necessary. Approval of requests to plan shall be made by the chancellor.

Authorization to plan a new academic program does not, however, in any way constitute a commitment on the part of the Commission to approve the program at such time as the planning is completed and the program approval request is submitted. The authorization indicates that the program is consistent with the mission of the institution. Planning authorization allows the institution to formulate a proposal for establishment of the new program.

A request to develop a plan should indicate the projected date of submission of the full proposal and the projected date of implementation.  It should also include the following:

1. A statement describing the educational objectives, the relationship of the objectives to the mission of the institution, and any special features or conditions that make the institution a desirable or unique place to initiate such a program.
2. A brief description of the program.
3. A statement describing how the institution will assure high quality standards for the program and maintain a continuing assessment of quality.
4. A statement listing other institutions in West Virginia that offer similar programs.
5. A statement on what societal, occupational, research, or public service needs will be met, as well as anticipated student demand for the program.
6. A statement on what additional resources will be needed to offer the program.

The College/School should submit the Intent to Plan after the appropriate unit approvals to the Associate Provost for Academic Programs who will forward the Intent to Plan to the Chancellor's office.