Academic Approval Matrix

• Academic Program Planning, Review, and Approval (BOR Policy 4-12)
• UW System Policy Statement on Academic Planning, Review and Approval (Approved August 2012)
• UW System Administrative Policy 102
• UWM Faculty Document 2237
• UWM SAAP 01-06: Centers/Institutes

The purpose of this policy is to articulate the approvals needed for various academic program and administrative actions at UWM and UW System levels. This policy only applies to situations that would not result in faculty layoff or termination. 

Academic program actions at the course, subprogram, and program levels are governed by policies established by the Board of Regents and the faculty senate. As such, these actions require review and approval by appropriate faculty bodies as well as by the UWM administration. Approval of actions related to academic administrative structures are also governed by various policies of the Regents and faculty senate. This policy sets forth the reviews and approvals required at UWM and UW System for certain academic program and administrative actions. 

Degree: Award conferred on a student upon successful completion of a prescribed set of requirements including a course of study. Examples: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration, Master of Architecture, Doctor of Philosophy. 

Major: Academic discipline in which the student’s course of study is focused/specialized. Typically, the major is housed in an academic department or equivalent. Examples: Africology, English, Mechanical Engineering, Nursing. When more than one department or equivalent is involved in offering the major, it is usually referred to as an interdisciplinary major. Examples: Religious Studies, Women’s & Gender Studies. 

Sub-major: A prescribed set of courses that a student pursuing a degree in a major can take that complements a major or emphasizes a specialty within a major. UWM definition of sub-major includes terms such as minor, area of interest, specialization, area, concentration, emphasis, field, focus, option, sequence, and track. 

Curricular area: Subject area of a course offering. 

The necessary approvals for various actions in the Academic Actions links below.  It is expected that schools and colleges will follow their established internal processes prior to forwarding the proposed actions to the appropriate campus level body. It is to be noted that some of the actions may also require approval of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which is UWM’s regional accrediting body, per prevailing HLC policies. 

Additionally, the procedures for approvals by the UW System and the Board of Regents are subject to System and Regent policies in effect. Individuals, programs, and departments should consult with the Provost’s office for the current System, Regent, and HLC requirements for approvals. 

Undergraduate/Post-baccalaureate Level

Graduate Level

University Level

• Appendix A - Structuring of a School, College or Academic Department Proposal Template
• Forms, templates and procedures for the various academic actions

October 26, 2016

Revised

June 1, 2026

Revised

December 1, 2019

Revised