University Program Approval Committee (UPAC)

The University Program Approval Committee (UPAC) was created with the input of a Task Force led by Professor and Associate Dean, Tony Garcia, the formal passing of Faculty Senate Proposition 03-20/21, and its subsequent approval by the administration. The objective of the committee is to improve upon the previous academic program approval process. It is co-chaired by a representative of ADAC and a representative of Faculty Senate (typically the Vice-Chair), and membership is by virtue of individuals’ roles.

Resources

 

Fall 2023 Update

The UPAC committee met throughout the Fall 2023 semester to review new program proposals, minors, and concentrations, as well as reviewed modification to current program proposals. Individuals representing new programs, concentrations and minors gave a brief overview of their proposal(s) and answered any questions the committee may have had.

In total, 4 new degree programs, 8 new concentrations, 2 new minors, and 85 program modifications were reviewed. 

Spring 2023 Update

The UPAC committee met throughout the Spring 2023 semester to begin preparations for the upcoming Fall 2023 semester and the ensuing program approval cycle for new and modified programs. The committee approved a standard operating procedure guide for the UPAC committee in January that will help guide future meetings, timelines, membership, and provide an overview for new members. Two proposals for the upcoming cycle were heard to provide feedback for the department prior to submitting the necessary PIM form and documentation.

The committee will meet on an as-needed basis through the summer months and will re-convene to begin the program approval cycle on August 17, 2023.

Fall 2022 Update

The University Program Approval Committee met in August, September, October, and November to review proposals for new programs, minors, and concentrations, as well as reviewed modification to current program proposals. Individuals representing new programs, concentrations and minors gave a brief overview of their proposal(s) and answered any questions the committee may have had.

In total, 4 new degree programs, 11 new concentrations, 5 new minors, and 114 program modifications were reviewed. 

Spring 2022 Update

The committee met periodically throughout the semester and into the summer to develop a standard operating procedures guide that will be reviewed and voted on in Fall of 2022.

Fall 2021 Update

The members of UPAC met during the Fall Semester to review proposals for new programs, concentrations and minors, as well as program modifications and inactivations. Individuals representing new programs and concentrations were invited to attend a meeting to give a brief overview and justification for their proposal and to answer any questions from the committee members.

In total, 3 new degree programs, 17 new concentrations, 6 new minors, and 81 program modifications were reviewed by the committee. 

Spring 2021 Update

The members of UPAC met on the third Thursday of each month during the Spring Semester to review new program and concentration proposals for majors and minors, as well as program modifications and inactivations. A total of 4 new minors, 7 new degree programs, 21 inactivations and 76 program modifications were reviewed. 

The committee will continue to meet through the summer to prepare for reviewing the next catalog cycle's proposals. 

 

Membership

Membership of UPAC.
Name Membership Representation Role
Lakshmi Reddi Interim Provost and Chief Academic Officer (ARP 4.81 Rule Administrator)
Joe Lakey Associate Deans Academic Council Co-Chair
Mark Cal CC Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs
Vimal Chaitanya Faculty Senate  Co-Chair
Erik Lehnhoff Graduate Faculty Council 
Ranjit Koodali NMSU Graduate School 
Cynthia Wise Graduate Student Council
Gabrielle Martinez University Student Records Office Ex-Officio
Efren Delgado  University Research Council 
Citlalli Benitez ASNMSU President
Beth Apodaca NMSU Global 
Barbara Gamillo Faculty Fellow, Accreditation Ex-Officio
Sarah Daughtrey  Curriculum & Assessment Ex-Officio 
vacant Dean's Representative
Kevin Comerford Library

Updated April 10, 2024.