Establish an Online Version of a Program

For programs with an existing face-to-face or hybrid offering looking to add a fully-online version with the same exact curriculum, the process is outlined below:

The originator composes a memo with the following details:

  • the title of the existing program
  • the rationale for creating a new fully online version of the existing program
    • one-two paragraphs, consider detailing how the new version will benefit students, impact recruitment, afffect retention, faculty assignments, etc.
    • provide confirmation that no curricular differences exist in the new online program

If this is a self-support program, the originator will also need to submit a new subprogram proposal, including budgetary information.

Digital copies of all proposal materials that were approved by the department and college are forwarded to the Vice Provost for Academic Programs, the WSCUC ALO and Director of Institutional Assessment, and the Academic Programs Team (group email link). The proposal is reviewed by both offices and feedback is provided to the proposer. 

Additional information will likely be necessary, however, specifics depend on the area/degree. Information will be shared after initial review.

When details of the document are finalized, the Academic Programs Office will move the proposal forward toward the CSULB Academic Senate.

The proposal packet is shared with the CSULB Academic Senate Chair. 

Upon their approval of the materials, the proposal will be shared with the Senate's Curriculum and Educational Policies Council (CEPC) and University Resource Council (URC) for review. Proposers will be invited to discuss their proposals with these councils, and potentially be asked to make updates to the content. 

Depending on any contention with the proposal, the final recommendation by these councils may be forwarded to the Academic Senate for further review, or receive approval from the Senate. 

Upon recommendation by the Academic Senate, the Vice Provost for Academic Programs seeks the President's approval.

With approval of the CSULB President, the Academic Programs Office will compile the final version of the proposal packet and submit to the CSU Chancellor's Office Academic Programs team. 

Upon the Chancellor's Office approval, CSULB will set an implementation date for the program. A policy statement will be distributed to campus administration, and the program will appear in the CSULB Catalog during the appropriate year. The proposing department can begin working with the CSULB Admissions Office on preparing for start of the degree.