Institutional Policies for Minors

February 2000

A minor provides formalized recognition of concentrated study in a specific subject matter area.  The policies outlined in this document:

A.     describe minimum requirements for a minor,

B.     outline institutional resource allocation decisions regarding minors,

C.     provide description of the procedural steps for approval of a minor.

A.     Minimum Requirements

1. The curricular requirements and learning goals for a minor will be determined and specified by the appointed faculty/academic professionals of a degree granting curriculum, OR, by recognized interdisciplinary programs. 
2. Requirements may include any combination of formal coursework, experiential learning, and portfolio evaluation at the upper and lower division level.  Individual college and school requirements for minors may be established. A minor program will normally specify the equivalent of a minimum of 12 credit hours.
3. The offering of a baccalaureate degree is not prerequisite for a minor. 

B.     Institutional Resource Allocation Guidelines

1. Provision of a minor does not, in itself, constitute justification for the allocation of instructional resources.

2. Annual unit reports should include an evaluation of the effectiveness of minors.

 

C.     Process for Approval 

1. The department head/program director proposing a minor will submit the proposal to the responsible Dean(s).  Proposals for new minors will include description of requirements and learning goals.

2. The Dean will transmit the proposal for appropriate college review and approval.  By submission of the proposal to the Office of Academic Affairs, the Dean indicates approval of the minor. 

3.  Academic Affairs may transmit the proposal to the Academic Planning Committee of the Faculty Senate for review. 

4.  Final approval of a minor will be made by a committee of academic college deans. 

5. Upon final approval, the Office of Academic Affairs will notify the proposing department that implementation should proceed.  The college dean and Offices of Admissions, Registration and Records, Outreach School, and Center for Academic Advising will also be notified.