Online Distance Delivery
of Programs
Pre-Proposal
Office of the Provost
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Introduction
Thank you for your interest in developing a distance program. Innovative methods of
program delivery for graduate programs are part of the Bradley University 2012–17
Strategic Plan, and they will, therefore, receive priority consideration at this time.
Before getting started, it is necessary to consider many aspects inherent in a distance
degree or certificate program.
When a department wants to market a program as “online” or “hybrid” and promote it to
students at a distance, the department will need to submit a proposal detailing that
program to ensure all aspects of its implementation have been considered. The
development, marketing and delivery of the program will require University resources
such as My Online, instructional design and course development, technology support,
financial aid and student support implications, etc. Additionally, targeting students outside
the state of Illinois will result in additional regulatory requirements for those other states
that will necessitate significant logistical work, fees and accreditation factors.
This proposal asks for information to support the viability of the business plan for your
proposed distance program. An Advisory Committee will support you in the completion of
this proposal, as well as will read and provide feedback on the clarity and viability of your
proposal.
Committee Members
Heather Berkley
Sandy Bury
Dean Cantu
Kayla Carroll
Molly Cluskey
Ahmad Fakheri
Barbra Kerns
Andy Kindler
BJ Lawrence
Clara Miles
Jennifer Robin
Erich Stabenau
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You may choose to revise your proposal based on the Advisory Committee’s feedback
before submitting it to the Provost. Strong proposals will include supporting evidence
indicating the proposed program’s alignment with the University mission, market demand,
student success and outcomes, distinctiveness of the program, readiness for online and
strong returns. Curriculum modifications are to be addressed by traditional University
Curriculum and Regulations (C&R) procedures. (Note: Graduate distance programs will
receive priority at this time.)
Overview of Proposal Submission Process
The submission process has two stages: Pre-Proposal and Proposal. The Pre-Proposal
provides a structure for framing and presenting preliminary information to the Provost
about a department’s intentions for a new distance program. Once the Pre-Proposal
receives the Provost’s support to move forward, the department may work with the
Advisory Committee on development of the Proposal. Below is a detailed outline of the
submission process:
1. The Department(s) discusses plans for the distance program with the College Dean
and completes the Pre-Proposal (Sections I–IV below).
2. The College Dean discusses the Pre-Proposal with the Provost to obtain support and
approval for the Department(s) to proceed with development of a Proposal.
3. The Department Chair contacts Barbra Kerns to schedule a
consultation/presentation.
4. The Department(s) develops the Proposal, Budget, and Course Development
Schedule and, with the Dean’s approval, submits it to the Advisory Committee.
5. The Advisory Committee reads the documents and provides feedback to the
Department(s), College Dean and Provost on feasibility and viability of planned
distance program.
6. The Department(s) may revise the documents and submit them to the Provost.
7. The Provost approves, returns for revisions or denies the Proposal and meets with
the College Dean.
8. The Provost identifies and charges an implementation team.
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Pre-Proposal
I. Proposed Distance Program Information
Name of unit submitting the request.
Name of the proposed program.
Who is the primary contact person for this request?
What is the proposed launch date of the program? (See Sample Launch Timeline in the
Appendix to determine a practical date.)
What degree or certificate is to be offered?
Type of Program
Indicate the type of distance program to be offered:
● Existing Graduate Program
● New Undergraduate Program
● New Graduate Program
● Existing Certificate Program
● Existing Undergraduate Program
● New Certificate Program
Note: Modifying existing programs or creating new programs must go before the University
Senate Curriculum and Regulations Committee.
Do you plan to continue the residential program after the development of the distance
program?
Attach a letter of support for the proposed distance program from your College Dean.
II. Collaboration with Other Units or Partners
Do you plan to have an external partner? If yes, please describe that partnership.
Will you be collaborating with another department or college? If yes, please describe that
collaboration.
Attach a letter of support from the other College’s Dean.
III. Regulatory Considerations
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) authorizes Bradley University to offer distance
programs. However, HLC policies may impact how a program is offered and may require
advance notification or approval. Please contact Jennifer Gruening Burge, director of
institutional improvement, by email to jgruening@bradley.edu to discuss to whom you
plan to market your program and how it will be delivered.
Additionally, Bradley University is required to seek authorization from or register with all
50 states to offer and provide distance programs to their residents. Strict limitations and
regulations — that vary greatly state by state — govern the offering of distance
programs. Applications and filing fees may be required. Please contact Julie Schifeling,
credentialing coordinator, by email to jschifeling@bradley.edu to discuss your program, its
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method of delivery and the process for securing authorization to provide your programs
outside Illinois.
Describe accrediting bodies and professional licensure requirements/regulations and any
state regulations and authorization requirements.
How will compliance be achieved and maintained?
IV. Define the Program
Describe the program.
List the program outcomes.
Motivation
Briefly explain the motivation for delivering the program via distance.
Faculty
Describe the level of involvement and expertise of your department in support of
delivering the program via distance.
Describe the faculty load and ability to design and develop courses or teach additional
courses for the distance program.
To what extent will Bradley’s Instructional Design & Learning Technologies division or
external partners be needed for course development?
Are additional faculty members necessary?
How will faculty be compensated for course development (e.g., in-load, over-load, stipend,
other)?
Who will serve as program coordinator? (The program coordinator is the primary point of
contact for program-level decisions related to distance program development and
delivery.)
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