Proposal Template: Off-campus or Distance Education Programs
Revised: 2/2013
Submit to Academic Programs, Ext. 3602.
Instructions:

This template outlines the mandatory sections required by WASC for a program that will be
offered off-campus or through distance education.

Please specifically answer each question in the template. No section should be left blank. If a
question is not applicable, enter "N/A" in the appropriate section.

Do not delete the questions.

Submit a signed hard copy of the complete proposal with attachments, including the
appropriate cost analysis form, to the Office of Academic Programs (MH-103).

Submit an electronic copy to the Academic Programs, Ext. 3602.
Sections:
Program Overview
Program Description
Assessment
Faculty Resources
Physical Resources
Budget
Cover Memo
Program Overview
Briefly describe the following:
1. Name of degree or program proposed.
2. Type of program (distance education or off-campus). If off-campus, provide the address of the new
site. If the program will be delivered in a hybrid/blended format, briefly explain how the program will
be delivered (example: The program contains a combination of face-to-face courses held on-campus,
online courses, and several weekend residencies at an off-campus location).
3. Is this program currently offered through another method of delivery (i.e., on campus, via distance
education, or at an off-campus location)? If so, please explain. If the program was approved by
Substantive Change within the past five years, explain how the institution responded to WASC
recommendations about the program at the time of approval.
4. What is the anticipated start date of classes?
5. Provide the enrollment projections for the first three years of the program.
6. Attach proof of necessary campus or system approvals for this program.
Program Description
7. Provide an overall description of the program including the alignment of the program philosophy,
curricular design, and pedagogical methods/instructional theory with the target population, modality
and degree nomenclature selected. (WASC CFRs 2.1, 2.2)
8. How has the curricular design and pedagogical approach been adapted to the modality of this
program? If this program exists in another modality/location, explain any significant differences in the
design of this program. (WASC CFR 2.1)
9. Attach a list of courses for the major, identifying which are required and including the units earned in
each course. Also include the number of elective units required for the program, if any and provide a
link to the institution’s GE requirements (for undergraduate programs). (WASC CFR 2.2)
10. Attach program learning outcomes that articulate what the student will be able to do after he/she
completes the program and are appropriate to the level of the degree. (WASC CFRs 2.3, 2.4)
11. Attach a curricular map articulating the alignment between program learning outcomes and course
learning outcomes and demonstrating the progression from introductory to advanced levels. (WASC CFR
2.3)
Assessment
12. Describe the plan for assessing the program at various stages in the first year including achievement
of student learning outcomes. How will findings from the review be used to improve the program?
Attach the assessment plan. (See attached Assessment Template.) (WASC CFRs 2.6, 4.7)
13. If this program already exists in another modality, please describe any changes that have been
incorporated into the program as a result of the annual learning outcomes assessment and/or program
review that have implications for this program.
Faculty Resources
14. Provide the number and FTE of faculty (distinguishing between full-time and adjunct/part-time)
allocated to support the program in terms of developing the curriculum, delivering instruction to
students, supervising internships and dissertations, and evaluating educational effectiveness.
Include plans for new hires as enrollment grows. (WASC CFRs 3.1, 3.2)
Physical Resources
15. For off-campus locations, describe the physical resources provided to support the proposed
program(s)/site. This includes, but is not limited to the physical learning environment, such as
classrooms, study spaces, student support areas. (WASC CFR 3.5) Please attach SIGNED MOU's or other
agreements that support the proposed location or program.
Budget
16. Provide the budget projections for at least the first three years of the proposed program, based on
the enrollment projections and including projected revenues and costs. The budget should include all
budgetary assumptions. Please consult with your college’s budget analyst and then contact Lisa
Kopecky in the VPAA’s Office to schedule a meeting to complete the appropriate Cost Analysis form
(Excel Files: Academic Year Template or 12 Month Template). (WASC CFRs 3.5, 4.1-4.3)
Cover Memo
16. Complete the attached Cover Memo Template.
Assessment Plan and Timeline
Program
Learning Goals
& Outcomes
When
What evidence to collect
assessed/
(measures & strategies)
Next
planned
assessment
Who will
collect
evidence
How evidence will
be assessed
How “closing the
loop” decisions
will be made
How assessment
results will be used/
acting on assessment
College of Insert Name of College
P.O. Box XXXX, Fullerton, CA 92834-XXXX / T 657-278-XXXX / F 657-278-XXXX
Instructions: Use this page as a cover memo template. The text in blue contains instructions and/or
information that need to be filled in.
Date
To:
Edgar P. Trotter, Acting AVP for Undergraduate Programs
Dorota Huizinga, AVP for Graduate Programs and Research
From:
Name, Dean
College
use for undergrad programs
use for grad programs
Subject: New Degree Program Proposal – Insert Name of Proposed Program
Please find enclosed the New Degree Program Proposal – Insert name of Proposed Program. This
proposal was submitted by the faculty of the Insert Name of Department Department, and approved by
the Insert Name of Department Department Chair, the College Curriculum Committee and the Dean.
Approval signatures are below.
If you need any additional information please contact Insert Name of Proposer. Thank you.
____________________________________________
Name of Chair, Chair
Name of Department
____________________________________________
Name of College Curriculum Chair, Chair
Name of College
____________________________________________
Name of Dean, Dean
Name of College