Notice: The review of new and revised degree proposals is paused while the university revises the current program registration review processes.

These changes aim to strengthen and streamline the review process for all degree programs. Moving forward, all new proposals will include a more robust initial review and a single, integrated application covering all steps of the process.

As you begin preparing your proposal, please note that the following elements may be required before your program can proceed through university review:

• A market analysis demonstrating employer demand and outlining the competitive landscape of similar degree programs nationally and regionally.
• A cost and revenue analysis showing that the program is financially viable.
• An internal benchmarking analysis confirming that the proposed program will not duplicate or compete with existing Cornell degree offerings.
• A plan for periodic program review to assess academic quality, student outcomes, and financial performance, accompanied by a mitigation or sunset strategy should the program not meet defined benchmarks for success.

Enrollment Academic Program Review Team

The Office of Enrollment Compliance & Design (OECD) facilitates an evaluation of program proposals for new and revised academic programs via the Enrollment Academic Program Review Team, focusing on compliance with Cornell University’s legal and regulatory requirements impacting administrative policies, operations and oversight of student enrollment and enrollment-adjacent activities.

Members of the Team represent the administrative functional areas of Financial Aid, Student Records, Bursar, and Global Learning.

Information for Academic Departments:

• All academic departments planning to develop a new program or modify an existing program should begin by contacting Institutional Research and Planning. Representatives from Institutional Research and Planning usher academic proposals through the approval process, from identifying the correct forms to use, to ensuring all internal reviews and approvals are in place, to communicating with program approval agencies on behalf of the University.
• Once proposals are in their final form (NYSED Application, SUNY Application, Internal Request Form), submit the proposals to oecd-proposals@cornell.edu for review. Proposals received by the 15th of each month will be placed on the agenda for team review at the end of the month.
• Proposal authors are welcome, but not required, to attend the Team review to provide an overview of the proposal and answer questions the team may have.