Preliminary Curriculum Approval Forms (PCAFs) Reviewed by the VPAA

Preliminary Program Proposal Approval Process

The preliminary program proposal approval process assures linkage between the curriculum/program development process, the Ferris State University Academic Plan, and the University planning process.  Completion of the Preliminary Curriculum Approval Form (PCAF) requires a brief and preliminary response to questions that address the entire range of information and topics that proposal initiators need to keep in mind.  Submission of a PCAF to the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) allows the VPAA to grant preliminary approval and authorizes curriculum/program proposal initiators to proceed with development of a full proposal.  The PCAF also allows the VPAA to point out areas that are of potential concern.  Thus, approval serves as a "green light," or possibly a "yellow light," for individuals/groups proposing new programs and/or significant curriculum changes.

Preliminary curriculum proposal approval is required for the following curriculum initiatives:

  • New degrees, majors, concentrations
  • All new minors, including teaching minors, that include three or more new courses and/or other new resources
  • New certificates involving three or more new courses and/or other new resources
  • Major curriculum revision involving redirection or shift of emphasis in an existing program and requiring three or more new courses and/or other new resources
  • Curricular customization of existing program for delivery to an off-campus cohort group.

The University Curriculum Committee details the full preliminary program proposal approval process in Section 2.2 of their Curriculum Planning and Procedures Manual.  PCAFs are also available for download on their website.

Reviewed Preliminary Curriculum Approval Forms (PCAFs)