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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find a list of W&M peer institutions?

You can find the W&M Peer Institutions List here.

Is the change substantial?

Certain changes are more substantial than others. The list of examples of changes identifies some changes that would be considered substantial. These changes should be discussed with the Associate Provost & University Registrar early in the IC process. The Associate Provost advises and facilitates the change.

Do online courses require an IC submission?

Yes, unless consultation is part of the faculty approval process. There are federal requirements that apply to online courses. The Studio for Teaching and Learning Innovation (STLI) - Digital Learning Initiatives can advise and provide resources. Note that we have to report delivery mode and location of each course. When 50% or more of a program is available online, additional action will be required.  The Associate Provost & University Registrar can assist with securing reciprocity agreements.

What do I need to do if I want to teach my course off-campus?

Instructional sites are approved by SACSCOC and SCHEV, and in some cases, Study Abroad requires additional action.  If you want to teach your course off-campus, contact the appropriate office listed below to determine if the location is approved and if additional steps need to be taken.

- To teach at an off-campus site in Virginia: Assistant Provost for Institutional Accreditation & Effectiveness

- To teach in the U.S. outside of Virginia: Associate Provost & University Registrar

- To teach outside of the U.S.: Director of Global Education

What steps do I need to take to set tuition/fees for a new program?

The Bursar can assist you with the steps needed to collect tuition/fees. The Interim Chief Operating Officer will help you determine appropriate tuition/fees for approval by the Board of Visitors.

Do I need to do anything if my change will include international students? 

Yes, you should contact the Director of International Students, Scholars, and Programs for details and to ensure that international students will be able to get appropriate visas to study at William & Mary.

Will this change impact student financial aid?

To determine impact on eligibility for financial aid, contact the Financial Aid Office. For example, changing credit hour requirements, using a non-traditional academic calendar, and offering courses off-campus might impact financial aid.

Are all changes in for-credit courses part of the IC Process?

No.  However, any changes that alter credit hour requirements for a degree or the number of credits students are enrolled in at the beginning of a term are part of the IC Process.

Do tracks or specialty areas require IC action?

Adding a new option within a degree program requires you contact the Assistant Provost for IAE. Typically, such changes are coordinated with the Associate Provost & University Registrar and the relevant faculty approval process.

How do I make a Catalog change (Undergraduate or Graduate)?

There are deadlines for getting material published in W&M’s online Catalogs (Undergraduate, Graduate). Any required external approvals need to be issued prior to posting to the Catalog. Consult with the University Registrar’s Office about the process and deadlines.

How do I estimate the potential financial impact of a change?

The Interim Chief Operating Officer can advise how to prepare a financial impact statement and how to address SACSCOC/SCHEV questions about the financial impact of a change.

What are the steps for offering courses that do not align with the traditional semester and summer schedules?

Deviating from the traditional calendar could impact areas such as registration, financial aid, and tuition/fees. Begin exploring your options with the University Registrar.

What are the three types of combined degrees?

SACSCOC definitions, reviewed and adopted by Institutional Change Core Team and Provost (7/2018)

Combined Degree: A combined degree is a situation where the same institution awards more than one degree from an overlapping course of study. Combination degrees often allow a shorter time for completion due to the “double-counting” of some coursework.

Dual Degree Program: A dual degree (or a dual academic award) is one whereby students study at two or more institutions, and each institution awards a separate program completion credential bearing only its own name, seal, and signature.

Joint Degree Program: A joint degree program (or joint academic award) is one whereby students study at two or more institutions and are awarded a single program completion credential bearing the names, seals, and signatures of each of the participating institutions.