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IC Timeline
The time required to secure all approvals necessary to implement an academic or organizational change varies depending on the type of change. The following are estimates only. Please refer to the Quick Guide to External Actions for required approvals and notifications based on the type of change.
Estimated Timelines for Approval and Implementation
| Types of Change | Internal Approvals Timeline | External Approvals Timeline | Implementation Timeline |
| Establish New Degree or Certificate Program | 3 - 12 months | 6 - 9 months | Fall semester post-external approval (new catalog year) |
| Modify an existing Degree or Certificate Program (curriculum change) | 3 - 12 months | March, July, or October SCHEV Cycle | Fall semester post-external approval (new catalog year) |
| Discontinue a Degree or Certificate Program | 3 - 6 months | March, July, or October SCHEV Cycle | Within 90 days of SCHEV submission |
| Technical Change (CIP Code, Program Name, or Degree Designation) | 3 - 6 months | March, July, or October SCHEV Cycle | Within 60-90 days of SCHEV submission |
| Delivery Format for an existing Degree or Certificate Program (online, hybrid, or in-person) | 3 - 6 months | March, July, or October SCHEV Cycle | Within 60-90 days of SCHEV submission |
| Establish, Discontinue, or Modify an existing sub-area of a Degree Program (major, concentration, track, specialization, etc.) | 3 - 12 months |
If no SCHEV/ SACSCOC action, no additional time If SCHEV/SACSCOC action, follow Modification of Degree or Certificate Program timeline above |
Fall semester post approval/s (new catalog year) |
| Establish, Discontinue, or Modify a Cooperative Academic Agreement with a non-Title IV entity. | 3 - 6 months | If SACSCOC approval required: 3 - 6 months | Fall semester post approval/s (new catalog year) |
| Establish, Discontinue, or Modify a Cooperative Academic Agreement or MOU, or Joint/Dual Degree Program with another Title IV institution | 3 - 6 months | No additional time | Fall semester post approval/s (new catalog year) |
| Establish, Close, Move, Merge, or Rename a Department, School, or College within W&M | 3 - 12 months | March, July, or October SCHEV Cycle |
For "simple" changes: within 90-120 days of SCHEV submission For "complex" changes: after the next available SCHEV Council vote |
| Establish, Close, Relocate, or Rename an Off-Campus Instructional Site (OCIS) | 3 - 12 months | March, July, or October SCHEV Cycle |
For "simple" changes: within 90-120 days of SCHEV submission For "complex" changes: after the next available SCHEV Council vote |
W&M Board of Visitors
Tuition: in advance of April meeting/consult with Chief Operating Officer
Other Institutional Changes may require BOV approval. Use the following resources or contact the Associate Provost for Institutional Research & Effectiveness.
W&M Academic & Administrative Operations
6 months from first action associated with change (e.g., accepting applications), for changes in:
- Academic schedule
- New financial model/contracts
- Existing program, new credit model
Department of Education (USDoE)
At least 3 months prior to implementation (filed AFTER receiving SACSCOC/SCHEV approval)
Advertising prior to approval must include a disclaimer.
Department of Homeland Security (USDoHS)
At least 8 months prior to implementation (filed AFTER receiving SACSCOC/SCHEV approval).