R401 Process
1. Feasibility Study. Department completes feasibility study for new programs and
program modifications of 50% or more. Program deletions use the abbreviated R401.
Feasibility studies are reviewed by the college/school curriculum committee & dean’s
office. Dean’s office submits feasibility study for new programs and program
modifications OR abbreviated R401 for program deletions to SVPAA Office for AAC
review.
2. R401 Development/Curriculum Management System. Department completes R401 for
AAC approved feasibility studies and enters applicable information into the curriculum
management system (the R401 information will be entered electronically when the new
curriculum system is implemented). R401s are reviewed by college curriculum
committee and the dean’s office. Please note guidelines below for completing the R401.
a. Work with the Office of Teaching & Learning to develop well-designed and
appropriately sequenced curriculum.
b. Follow the annotated R401 document (link) for information on how to complete
each step. Make sure all required reviews are completed – impacted
departments, library, Office of Academic Quality Assurance, Budget Office (see
link for specifics needed by the Budget Office).
3. R401 Review & Approval. Dean’s office submits R401s to the Office of Academic Quality
Assurance. R401s undergo a technical review to ensure that all information complies
with relevant policies and practices. R401s are then submitted to the Graduate Council
(graduate programs only) and the University Curriculum Committee. (Department and
dean’s office representatives are invited to attend the technical review and University
Curriculum Committee meetings when their proposals are scheduled). After University
Curriculum Committee review, the Office of Academic Quality Assurance returns R401s
to the dean’s office. The dean presents the R401 to AAC. Budget information is then
updated by the Budget Office for approved R401s. The R401 is then forwarded to the
trustees, regents, and NWCCU.
Please note:
 There are no deadlines in the curriculum process. New programs receiving final NWCCU
approval 6 weeks prior to the start of registration for a semester can be implemented in
that semester.
 The development process takes time. Be aware that coordination with various offices
and departments require advance preparation and appointments. R401s will move
forward when they are ready. They will then be scheduled for the next available
meeting as applicable (Technical Review/Graduate Council/University Curriculum
Committee, Academic Affairs Council, Trustees, Regents, etc.)
 Ensuring that documents are well-prepared when submitted will expedite the approval
process. Incomplete or poorly prepared documents will be sent back to departments for
further work and will result in delays. Support for document preparation is available
through college/university curriculum committees and the dean’s office.