SCHEV Approval

New Degree Programs

A draft of the SCHEV proposal is submitted with the EPC documents, primarily to demonstrate the need for the program and to describe the curriculum. The final SCHEV proposal for a new degree program is submitted after BOV approval and must be received by SCHEV 9 months prior to the proposed implementation date. Plan to spend 6 months after BOV approval working closely with the SCHEV liaison to complete the final SCHEV proposal. See the Proposal Timeline Planning Guide to assist in mapping out the approval process, including a sample timeline that outlines an expedited minimum one and a half year process leading to a Fall implementation of a new program.

Per the approved SCHEV form and format, the main components of the SCHEV program proposal are:

  • Curriculum, including sample plans of study and course description
  • Faculty
  • Assessment of learning outcomes and of the program
  • Demand for the program in response to current loca, regional, national and/or international needs
  • Specific employment demand data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Virginia Employment Commission
  • Job ads within 12 months of the proposal submission date, plus letters of support from prospective employers
  • Student survey within 12 months of the proposal submission date
  • Projected enrollment
  • Analysis of similarities and differences with comparable programs at public institutions in the Commonwealth
  • Budget and resource needs, demonstrating that no new state funds will be needed to implement or maintain the program or substantive data to support the need for new funds

The Office of Accreditation and Compliance will provide support in gathering some of the required data and in formatting the proposal. The SCHEV liaison (David Shoenthal) will work with you and SCHEV staff as you go through the writing and revision process. Typically, a complete draft proposal is provided to SCHEV staff for feedback so that the final submission that is reviewed by Council presents the best case for approval of the program.

See the SCHEV Proposal Guidelines for more information about what must be included in the proposal narrative and appendices.  The Office of Accreditation and Compliance will provide Word templates for the document.

SACSCOC approval is likely also required prior to implementation of a new degree program. Note that Longwood has not at this time been authorized by SCHEV or SACSCOC to offer doctoral degrees.

Please contact David Shoenthal (x2193) for assistance and more information, including how you are required to present pending new programs to prospective students.

Closing a Degree Program

An academic degree program may be placed in storage for up to 5 years following approval by EPC and the Faculty Senate. A program in storage remains on the SCHEV degree inventory for Longwood — to see our degree inventory, visit the SCHEV degree inventory site and select Longwood under the 4-year institutions list. Note that after 5 years of no student enrolled and no major course offered by a degree program, SCHEV may require submission of a full proposal to reinstate the program prior to admitting students and offering courses.

Permanently closing a degree program requires approval by the BOV and notification to SCHEV and SACSCOC prior to the closure, including a teachout plan.