UW-La Crosse
Program Planning Process
Step 1 – Pre-Authorization/Notice of Intent to Plan
UW-L Process – Academic Planning Committee Requires: (Responses in Italic)
A. Notice of Intent – See attached.
B. Abstract: A description of the proposed program – Request for Authorization to Implement
document is attached. Page 1
C. Program Identification – See Request for Authorization to Implement document attached.
1. Institution name – page 1
2. Title of proposed program – page 1
3. Degree/major designation – page 1
4. Mode of delivery – page 1
5. Single institution or collaboration – page 1
6. Projected enrollment by year five of the program – page 1
7. Tuition structure – page 1-2
8. Department or functional equivalent – page 2
9. College, School, or functional equivalent – page 2
10. Proposed date of implementation – page 2
D. Introduction: See Request for Authorization to Implement document attached and provided
answers.
1. Why is the program being proposed? What is its relation to the institution’s mission?
Page 2
2. How does it fit into the institutions’ overall strategic plan?
The vision statement for UWL’s strategic plans for academics is: academic programs at
UWL deliver high-quality, well-rounded education in intellectually stimulating
environments that foster and produce: critical thinkers, lifelong learners, skilled and
collaborative practitioners, and global citizens who use knowledge and technology with
wisdom and ethics. The academic programs are multidisciplinary, culturally relevant, and
flexible in their design in order to be accessible and responsive to a diverse community of
learners.
The HIMT program will prepare students for careers in the field of heath information
management and technology. Typical job titles include but not limited to health information
coder, data quality assurance controller, medical safety officer, compliance officer, claims
specialist, health data analyst, and medical decision support specialist.
UWL’s strategic plan also strives to build upon its resources. University resources
(people, time, facilities, and monies) will be directed to the highest priorities in pursuit of
the greatest quality and value in accordance with the overall strategic plan. We will
continue to explore new and innovative methods to better utilize existing resources and
we will aggressively seek new funding sources.
UWL is well poised to contribute to the HIMT program. Multiple faculty in the
Information Systems department already teach in the program and a reserve of qualified ad
hoc instructors is being developed and utilized as needed. Information Systems faculty are
learning the newest methods in online teaching to provide the best quality for students.
3. Do current students need or want the program? Page 2
4. Does market research indicated demand? Page 2
5. How does the program represent emerging knowledge, or new directions in professions and
discipline? Page 3
E. Description of Program: See Request for Authorization to Implement document attached and
provided answers.
1. Describe the general structure of the program including:
a. The ways in which the program fits into the institutional program array and academic
plan, including positive and negative impacts of the program on existing programs.
Page 3 (General Structure) and 4 (Institutional Program Array)
b. The extent to which the program is duplicative of existing programs in the University of
Wisconsin System.
Page 4 (Other Programs in the University of Wisconsin System)
c. The collaborative nature of this program, if appropriate, including community partners
and specific institutional responsibility. Page 4
2. Brief overview of program outcomes and curriculum. Pages 6-9
3. Discussion of any need for external accreditation for the program viability. Page 10
4. Additional projected resource needs and sources for these resources.
UW-Extension provides administrative support, financial investment, marketing, and student
services for the program. UWL Information Systems department and Continuing Education
and Extension are in agreement with the business model of this program. There are no
additional projected resources needed at this time from UWL.
5. A letter of support from the Dean of the College in which the program is housed.
Attached.
F. Memorandum of Understanding for Interdisciplinary Programs: If the proposed program
includes collaboration across departments, colleges, and/or campuses (or functional
equivalents), a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) should be included.
The MOU is attached. However the MOU expired on June 30, 2015. A draft of a new five year
MOU, delayed due to the consortium accreditation issue with the Commission on Accreditation
for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), is being worked on
and will be presented to each campus for signature in the very near future. This new MOU will
be retroactive to July 1, 2015 and keeps UW-La Crosse in its current status as a partner but not
offering the degree. Should UW-La Crosse receive all approvals to offer the degree, an
addendum to the MOU will be developed.
1.
Identify the following individuals associated with the program.
a. Main point of contact (director, advisor, or faculty)
i.
If applicable, how would the possibility of release time for this individual be
handled? Indicate the conditions under which this position would be given release
time (e.g., threshold numbers of students, advisees, classes, etc.).
Kuang-Wei Wen, academic program director from UW-La Crosse for the BS – HIMT
program. This position is an overload assignment.
b. Individual(s) responsible for coordinating assessment
Mary Crave – program development and evaluation specialist, UW Extension (CEOEL)
Kuang Wei Wen, department chair, Information Systems – UW-La Crosse
Brenda Tyczkowski – assistant professor, Professional Program in Nursing,
UW-Green Bay
Daniel McCarty – associate professor, School of Health Care Professions,
UW-Stevens Point
Bryan Lewis – associate dean, College of Natural and Health Sciences, UW-Parkside
c. Points of contact for each participating department (university) –
Kuang Wei Wen, department chair, Information Systems – UW-La Crosse
Brenda Tyczkowski – assistant professor, Professional Program in Nursing,
UW-Green Bay
Daniel McCarty – associate professor, School of Health Care Professions,
UW-Stevens Point
Bryan Lewis – associate dean, College of Natural and Health Sciences, UW-Parkside
George Kroeninger – assistant dean, UW Extension (CEOEL)
2. Specify a range for the number of students the participating departments (university) are
committed to serving as part of this program.
There is not a limit on the number of students UWL will accept in the BS-HIMT program, who
choose UWL as a home campus and meet admission requirements.
3. Specify the intended offering pattern of any courses required for the program.
The six courses UW-La Crosse is responsible for are offered a minimum of two semesters per
year. Some courses are also offered during summer session as needed.
4. Indicate how the workload for teaching any interdisciplinary courses are part of the program
will be distributed.
UW-La Crosse instructors teach on an overload basis and follow UW-La Crosse policy of no
more than one overload per semester.
5. Indicate how credit for the number of students enrolled in the program will be distributed
amongst participating departments (universities).
Credit for the number of students enrolled resides with each partner university that students
choose as their home campus.
6. If applicable, describe how the participating departments (universities) will provide essential
equipment and materials for the program. This is particularly important for any required
courses.
All needed equipment, materials, and software is provided for and paid for by UW Extension
CEOEL and is part of the program budget.
7. Identify the process by which the Memorandum of Understanding would be revised, if
needed.
The Memorandum of Understanding between UW Extension CEOEL and the four partner
universities is revised as needed with an addendum to the MOU agreed to and signed by the
Provosts of all partners. If a campus chose to withdraw from the program, it is allowed to do
so with a one year notice.