Southern Polytechnic State University
Policy and Procedure Manual
P&P Number:  305.1
Original Date: November 1994
Previous Revisions: April 1997
Approved: September 18, 2002
 
Termination of Academic Degree Programs
Contents This P&P includes the following main sections:
  • Background
  • Definitions
  • Reasons for termination
  • Procedure for Termination
  • Temporary suspension
Background Just as the university adds new programs to fulfill its mission in the region and state, sometimes it ends programs for the same reason.   This P&P provides information about temporary or final termination of academic degree programs at Southern Polytechnic State University.
Definitions The terms "termination" and "discontinuation," when applied to educational programs, refer to the same action. Termination (discontinuation) means that the institution is no longer authorized to offer the program.

The terms "temporary suspension" and "deactivation," as applied to educational programs, are synonyms for the same action. A suspended (deactivated) program remains an authorized program at the institution, but new students are no longer permitted to enroll. Deactivated programs should not be listed in the university catalog.
Reasons for
Termination		 Deans, the vice president for academic affairs, or the president can move to terminate an academic degree program if they judge that it no longer serves the needs of the professional community or that it is no longer supportable.  Some possible reasons might include lack of adequate enrollment, lack of qualified faculty, or lack of accreditation.
Procedure for
Termination		 The steps involved in terminating academic degree programs are the same as those described under new degree program proposals (P&P No. 305.0).

According to Board of Regents Policy (BR 305.03), the termination of educational programs, degrees, or majors shall be submitted to the chancellor for review and recommendation for action by the Board of Regents.

Note:
Subsequent reinstatement of a program must be submitted as a proposal for a new program.
Temporary
Suspension		 A temporary suspension of an educational program, degree, or major may be approved by the president for a period up to two academic years.  Some reasons, among others, might include allowing time to complete a program review, to consider enrollment problems, or to deal with faculty shortages. The imposition, and removal, of a temporary suspension shall be reported to the chancellor.