Cornell University Cornell University

Cornell Office of Enrollment Compliance & Design

Academic Program Registration

Academic Program Approval and Registration Process

Welcome to Cornell's Academic Program Registration site, your guide to the internal and external review processes for academic program proposals.

Cornell maintains a dynamic portfolio of academic programs that advances our educational mission and serves our students' evolving needs. Our programs must comply with requirements from multiple governing bodies: the U.S. Department of Education (ED), the New York State Education Department (NYSED), the State University of New York (SUNY—for contract colleges), and our institutional accreditor, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). These agencies require universities to establish rigorous processes for reviewing and approving new programs and modifications to existing ones.

Cornell's comprehensive review process ensures we meet these regulatory obligations while maintaining our academic standards. Please plan for a minimum two-year timeline from Phase 1 submission to student enrollment. The review steps and timeline are detailed below.

The Review Process

Cornell uses a phased review process to advance academic program proposals:

Academic program review phases from 0 - 3.

Phase 0: College/School Development and Approval

Program administrators, faculty, and staff work within their College to design new programs or revisions to existing programs.

Early in the proposal development process, meet with your department chair and College Dean's office to confirm strategic alignment, available resources, and your College's approval pathway. Every proposal requires a faculty vote and a letter of support from each affiliated College or School Dean before external filing.

Once you have conceptual support, contact the Office of Institutional Research and Planning (IRP). IRP staff manage academic program registration with SUNY, NYSED, and MSCHE and serve as trusted advisors in navigating the proposal process. They can also provide you with a timeline estimate, dependent on the nature of the proposal.

Phase 1: Internal Review and Strengthening

This phase ensures proposals are academically sound, mission-aligned, and student-focused.

Process: Submit an online internal proposal form that collects information required for external applications.

Review committees:

  • The Provost's Academic Program Review Committee examines:
    • Institutional fit and need
    • Market and student demand
    • Distinctiveness and enrollment feasibility
    • Financial planning
  • The Enrollment Operations Academic Program Review Committee identifies regulatory compliance issues and operational challenges, providing feedback to strengthen proposals and enable early decision-making on modifications.

All feedback from Phase 1 informs Phase 2 internal approvals.

Phase 2: Internal Approvals

Depending on the proposal type, one or more of these bodies will provide required internal approval:

  • Associate Deans Council
  • General Committee of the Graduate School
  • Faculty Senate Committee on Academic Programs & Policies
  • Provost
  • Board of Trustees

Phase 3: External Approvals and Filings

External review may include:

  • State University of New York (SUNY - Contract Colleges)
  • New York State Education Department
  • U.S. Department of Education
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • U.S. and New York Veterans' Administration

Timeline Expectations

Total timeline: Anticipate a minimum of 2 years from Phase 1 submission to program launch, though development and approval times vary significantly based on proposal complexity.

Consult with IRP early to understand your specific proposal's timeline requirements.

Phase-by-Phase Breakdown:
  • Phase 0: College/School Development – Timeline varies widely based on program complexity and internal College processes
  • Phase 1: Internal Review – 1-3 months, depending on proposal complexity and revision cycles
  • Phase 2: Internal Approvals – 3-6 months, subject to faculty and university committee meeting schedules
  • Phase 3: External Approvals – 6 months to 2 years, depending on proposal complexity and the number of regulatory bodies involved

Important Planning Note:

Programs cannot be offered to students or publicly advertised until all phases are complete. The 2-year minimum timeline begins with Phase 1 submission, but Phase 0 development work should begin well in advance. Factor this full timeline into your strategic planning and launch goals.

Resources

Forms and Guides:

  • Phase 1 Program Proposal Form
  • Proposer's Guide (coming soon!)

Key Contacts: