FHB A88 POLICY AND PROCEDURES FOR NEW UNITS AND INTERDISCIPLINARY REORGANIZATION OF ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH UNITS

A88
Policy

POLICY AND PROCEDURES FOR NEW UNITS AND INTERDISCIPLINARY
REORGANIZATION OF ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH UNITS
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO

(Approved by the Faculty Senate, October 11, 1994)

Introduction

From time to time it is necessary for the University to consider proposals for the creation of new units, or for major restructuring of existing units, especially units involving both research and teaching functions and those crossing disciplinary lines. Occasionally the proposed unit would become a branch of the University.

While there are well-established procedures for approving the creation of new courses, new programs, and both minor and major changes in existing courses, there exists no formal system of review by both the faculty and administration of proposals for creation of new units. This policy and the associated procedures attempt to lay out guidelines for such major changes and additions.

In general, a proposal for such major changes should follow the guidelines below. However, the specific procedures for consideration and approval will be established through discussions between the proposers of any changes and representatives of the Provost's Office and the Faculty Senate Operations Committee.

Policy

If it is proposed to create a new unit located on or off the UNM Albuquerque campus, including new branches or education centers, or to make changes in an existing unit, approval of at least the UNM Faculty Senate and the Provost is required. Approval of the proposed action must be sought and obtained prior to initiating operation of a new unit, or making major changes in existing units. In no case is this to be construed as prohibiting an existing unit from experimenting with major changes prior to seeking approval of these on a continuing basis. However, it is expected that even in the case of experimental changes, stakeholders, such as affected faculty, staff, and students will be informed in advance and their input sought and considered by the appropriate dean, director, or other administrator proposing the changes, prior to initiation of the experiment.

1. "Major changes" is defined for purposes of this document as merger of two or more units, or division or dissolution of a unit.

This policy is not meant to apply organizational changes within an integral unit with no implications outside that unit.

2. "Unit" is used in this document to designate a department, division, center, institute, branch, program* school, or college.

*In this context, the structural program is of interest.

Procedure

Those proposing new or revised units other than interdisciplinary research centers or institutes (see below for procedures for these units) must prepare a proposal according to the attached guidelines, and submit it for approval by: 1) the Faculty Senate, acting on the advice of appropriate faculty committees, as determined by the President of the Faculty Senate, and 2) appropriate administrative officers, as determined by the President or Provost of UNM. If approval of the proposal by the Board of Regents is required, all actions of the Faculty Senate and the administrative officers relative to the proposal shall be transmitted to the Board of Regents. If clarification of the guidelines is desired, it should be sought from the Provost's Office.

Those proposing creation of interdisciplinary research centers or institutes should prepare a proposal according to guidelines prepared by the Research Policy Committee. Copies of these guidelines may be obtained from the chair of that committee, or from the Associate Provost for Research.

Guidelines

The following is an outline of guidelines for preparing proposals for creating or making major changes in units, either on the UNM campus or entire branches or education centers at remote locations. It is recognized that a situation may arise for which these guidelines are not complete. In such a case, the proposer should seek advice from the Provost's Office and the President of the Faculty Senate.

I. For all proposals, provide the following basic information.

A. Identify the proposed changes, including all aspects such as instruction, research, and service.

B. Summarize your reasons why the proposed changes are desirable, or necessary. For example, are they responsive to state or national needs, existing or anticipated opportunities, or requirements of regulatory bodies such as accreditation agencies?

C. What are the advantages to the University of New Mexico if the proposal is approved and implemented?

1. What advantage does the proposal offer to current or future students, faculty, and staff at UNM?

D. Does the proposed new or revised unit pose any actual or potential conflicts with the programs or services of existing units at UNM, branches of UNM, or other institutions or organizations within the State of New Mexico? On the other hand, does it offer potential enhancement of, or cooperation with, the programs or services of other units or organizations?

E. Provide an overall summary of the anticipated costs or changes in costs, and the human and physical resources, including space and equipment needed during the first three to five years of operation of the proposed new or revised unit.

II. In the case of proposals for new units on or off-campus, or major revisions of existing units, provide the following detailed information.

A. Describe the existing organizational structure related to your proposal, and the anticipated structure when the revision or new unit has evolved to anticipated form. Include a description of:

1. Administrative structure, including the line of responsibility within the organization and the path(s) through which the unit will report.

2. Faculty positions, including rank and responsibilities.

3. Staff positions, including grades and responsibilities.

B. Describe the instructional programs the unit will offer, if any.

1. What degree programs will the unit offer, or support, at the undergraduate or graduate levels?

2. What courses at the lower division, upper division, and graduate levels will the unit offer in support of either its own or other degree programs?

a. Identify both existing and new courses. Briefly explain the need for the new courses.

b. If any of these courses overlap or are intended to replace existing course offerings in the university, explain how potential duplication and conflict with the units offering those courses would be resolved.

c. What other courses, such as training or continuing education, might be offered by the unit.

C. Describe the unit's proposed research programs.

1. What research programs will be conducted by the unit alone or in cooperation with other units?

a. In case(s) of cooperative programs, what other units will be involved, what will be their role, and what will be the relationship between these units and yours?

2. What degree programs will these research programs support, and in what manner will they be supported?

3. What non-state funding sources are anticipated for the research programs?

4. What funding from the University or State of New Mexico will be required?

D. Describe the unit's service activities.

1. What services will the unit provide to other units in or associated with the University?

a. Are these services currently offered by any other unit in the university associated with it, or contracted by it? If so, do you plan to supplement what exists or to replace it? How would potential conflicts with the other units be resolved?

2. What services will the unit provide to organizations outside the university?

a. Are there units, either public or private, already offering these services? If so, justify the need for you to provide them via the proposed unit.

E. Discuss your plans for the unit for the next three to five years.

1. What needs, opportunities, or demands will the unit satisfy that are not currently being adequately met?

2. How will the unit's functions and size change during this period? For example, will they remain static, grow, or diminish?

3. How will faculty, staff, and administrators be acquired to support this unit?

F. Provide detailed budget information for the first three to five years of operation of the proposed unit. For operating costs, include at least personnel, space upkeep or rental, utilities, contracted services, and equipment maintenance and replacement. For one-time costs, include at least space, furniture, utilities connections, and equipment.