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6,065: Creation of New Academic Units

Last Revised: June 2009

The procedures below govern the creation of all new academic units. This includes the creation of any department, school, college, center, institute, or other organizational unit involving teaching programs awarding credits to students. See section 6,517 for creation of research or outreach centers, institutes or other units.

Regulations regarding the creation of a new organization are specified in the Board of Regents Handbook, Title 4, Chapter 14, Section 5. The NSHE New Organizational Unit Proposal Form is available from the Provost's Office or on the university website forms page: http://www.unr.edu/general-information/faculty-and-staff/forms. The following information is required:

1. Proposed title of department, school, college, center, or other organizational unit
2. Date of implementation
3. Brief description and purpose of unit
4. Outline of plans for the success of the proposed unit
5. Mission statement
6. Goals and objectives
7. Major participants or collaborators
8. Evidence of contact within and between affected academic units
9. Proposed physical location
10. Proposed organizational structure
11. Activities to be sponsored (e.g. courses, seminars, research and outreach)
12. Resource analysis
13. Projected budget

The proposal should outline the plans for success of the proposed unit.   All proposals for new academic units must be approved by the appropriate college(s), and then forwarded by the dean(s) to the Provost's Office.

The Provost's Office will forward proposals to the Faculty Senate for review and recommendation.  The creation of new organizational units may come under the jurisdiction of the UNR Bylaws (Part 2, Chapter 1, Section 7) regarding changes in university organization. In accordance with Faculty Senate policy, completed proposals must be submitted to the Faculty Senate at least two full working months before consideration by the NSHE Academic Affairs Council.

Additionally, review and recommendations from the Graduate Council, Academic Leadership Council, and/or the UCCC may be sought at the discretion of the executive vice president & provost.

After receiving final recommendations, the president will determine whether or not to approve the final proposal and forward it to the NSHE Academic Affairs Council and the Board of Regents for approval.

Upon notification of approval by the Board of Regents, the Provost's Office will send a confirming memo to the department or unit, with copies to the following: the appropriate college dean, Admissions & Records, Planning, Budget & Analysis, the Graduate School (if applicable), the vice provost, University Assessment, and the President's Office.