3.4.1 Procedure for the Establishment (or Reestablishment) of Curricular Programs

(01/28/2019)
This policy sets forth the procedures for the creation and approval of new curricular programs—majors, minors, or concentrations—at Kenyon College. The establishment of a new curricular program might arise from faculty recognition of an important emerging field; as a well-considered response to student or prospective student interest; or possibly from a presidential or trustee initiative to take advantage of new resources now available to address a pre-existing need. In all cases, the following procedures should be followed.

1. The proposer(s) should review the existing programs and resources, as well as developments in the proposed academic field, in order to develop a description, rationale, preliminary mission statement, and estimate of resources needed for the creation of a new program. In cases where an interdisciplinary program is proposed, the review must include anticipated demands on all other departments involved. In that case, department chairs must formally agree to the projected contributions of their departments to the program.
2. The proposer(s) must meet with the Provost to discuss the new program and determine initial feasibility. If the resources needed for the establishment of the program are available or can be made available, the Provost will assist the proposer(s) in identifying those potential resources, a reasonable timeline, and potential staffing needs.
3. The Provost will share the prospect of a new program with faculty and invite feedback from departments/programs/offices to be shared with the proposers prior to their drafting a proposal.
4. The proposal, along with a detailed explanation of projected resources needed, including multiyear staffing, will be submitted to the EXEC committee for assignment to CPC and RAAS for consideration. CPC will review the proposal and consider the program’s curricular significance and its relationship to the institutional mission and other curricular and co-curricular programs within the college. RAAS members will review the proposal with regard to competing demands for resources and the needs of the college. Committees may solicit additional information from related departments, programs, or offices. A program will not be approved without evidence of sufficient resources or a plan to secure them. The proposer(s) will work with the Provost to ensure staffing for departments whose members may participate in the new program.
5. Once each committee has considered the proposal, faculty members from both committees will meet to discuss the resources projected, staffing needs, and the curricular merits of the proposal and write a joint report. The approval of both committees will be required for referral of the proposal to the faculty for its approval. The committee report and the proposal will be presented to the Faculty of the college at a regular faculty meeting for discussion and debate. A majority vote is required for commissioning or re-commissioning of a program. It is expected that new programs will undergo a review by the Provost in consultation with RAAS/CPC within five years.