Academic Innovation

From proposal to implementation, academic programs need to be innovative, prioritize student success, meet workforce needs and stand out as unique and financially sustainable. The provost and Academic Innovation Council (AIC) unite with faculty and staff to develop and implement these programs.

In addition to AIC approval, new programs must also be approved by the relevant academic unit(s), according to each unit’s governance structure. The provost must approve any new program proposal, which may then also require the approval of the University of Missouri System Office of Academic Affairs, the Missouri Department of Higher Education, the Higher Learning Commission and/or the U.S. Department of Education before being added to the UMKC academic catalog.

Academic Innovation Process

The following steps outline the process for proposing new academic programs to the AIC. Please email Laurie Ellinghausen, associate vice provost for academic innovation, with general questions about the process. 

Preliminary work

Consider the following preliminary preparations to contribute to the success of the proposal process.

Step 1) Articulate the scope of the program

The AIC considers proposals for graduate and undergraduate programs, including majors, minors, emphasis areas and certificates. Any program that draws on UMKC resources – faculty, brand, budget, or physical infrastructure – must go through the AIC approval process in addition to whatever external approvals may be required. The AIC must also approve revisions to existing programs that draw on university resources and any new or existing program for Missouri Online. Program type and resources required must be defined.

Step 2) Investigate potential partnerships

The AIC is interested in programs that draw innovative interdisciplinary connections, share resources across units, and contribute to the university’s profile in the city we serve. These connections may translate to partnerships with other UMKC programs, departments, and units; partnerships with the UM System; and/or community partners in the Kansas City metropolitan area. UMKC subscribes to Academic Analytics, which can help proposal authors investigate connections. For an exploratory session with the database, contact Associate Vice Provost Ellinghausen.

Step 3) Investigate sources of data

Data that speaks to student and workforce demand for the program argues for the strength and relevance of the proposal. Professional publications, accrediting bodies and newspapers such as the Kansas City Business Journal can be helpful in conducting initial research. UMKC has access to Lightcast, a comprehensive collection of up-to-the-minute workforce data. For an exploratory session with Lightcast, contact Associate Vice Provost Ellinghausen.

Step 4) Communicate

Speak to the relevant department(s) and unit(s) representatives about your proposal. Formal unit approval is not required until the proposal moves on to the shared governance stage (Undergraduate Curriculum Committee or Graduate Council). However, it is a good idea to get a sense of the unit’s support before proceeding further.

Proposing the program

Before entering a proposal for consideration, reach out to the associate vice provost for academic innovation for an exploratory conversation.This meeting will notify the AIC of initial endeavors, allow for discussion, and provide the opportunity to make additional suggestions as necessary.

Step 1) Complete Courseleaf concept form

To enter a proposal for formal consideration by the AIC, complete the concept form, which is available online in Courseleaf at https://nextcatalog.umkc.edu/miscadmin. Once inside Courseleaf, click on "Propose New Misc" for request type, click on "New Program Concept Request" and complete the form to start the workflow. Please also attach documents, including:

  • A four-year scheduling rotation of courses to be offered in the program.
  • A list of faculty that will teach in the program, along with the semester-by-semester workload that each will contribute to the program (ex: 1+1, 2+3, etc.).
  • For undergraduate programs, a degree map showing where the courses may be taken within a proposed four-year program of study.

For help with Courseleaf, please email Brianna Portmann.

Step 2) Committee review

If initial concept is approved, the AIC will review the information from Courseleaf and consider:

  • Potential impact, according to a data-informed estimates of costs, revenues, and return on investment (ROI).
  • Fit with preliminary workforce data, unit and campus strategic plans, and existing programs or programs approved for development.
  • Projected student interest, enrollment, budget and five-year number of degrees awarded.
  • Support of the collaborating unit(s), faculty and qualifications, and MCOM to market.
  • Feasibility given existing resources and needs, and course delivery type (online, hybrid, and/or face-to-face).
  • Plan for assessment/curricular map, program evaluation and pursuit of program accreditation, if applicable.
  • Curricular design and fit with national standards (including SARA and online best practices, if applicable).
  • Requirements for program completion; admission; practicum or internship (if applicable)
  • Approval of new courses.
Please note, the AIC may ask for revisions during the review process. If the AIC and the provost give final approval, the proposal will be sent forward for the relevant approvals outside UMKC.

Academic Innovation Council

Laurie Ellinghausen | Associate Vice Provost for Academic Innovation | Email

Joy Stevenson | International Student Affairs | Email

Brandie Elliott | SARA Compliance Officer | Email

Doug Swink | Strategic Enrollment Management Council | Email

Amy Cole | University Registrar | Email

Brianna Portmann | University Catalog | Email

Kim McNeley | Academic Program Review and Assessment | Email

Karen Wilkerson | Finance | Email

Kady McMaster | MCOM | Email 

Mike Cadden | Curriculum and Assessment | Email