2.2 Academic Program: Goals, Objectives, and Policies

2.2 Academic Program Element
Goals, Objectives and Policies
2005-2015 Campus Master Plan Update

GOAL 1: The University of Central Florida will be the nation’s leading metropolitan research university recognized for its intellectual, cultural, technological, and professional contributions and renowned for its outstanding programs and partnerships.

OBJECTIVE 1.1: UCF shall plan for and support on-campus (Main Campus Only) student enrollments of 30,135 FTE and 48,526 headcount by the year 2014-15.

POLICY 1.1.1: UCF shall plan for and support enrollment based on the following on-campus projections:

Year	Annual FTE	Fall Headcount
2002-03	22,626	35,442
2005-06	25,906	40,403
2014-15	30,135	48,526

POLICY 1.1.2: It is important to note that the FTE and Headcount projection data shown above are based on UCF’s official (main campus) projection data delineated apart from distance education or regional campus enrollments. The University has suggested that it try to achieve the goal of 20% graduate enrollment during this planning time line. Based on numerous factors, elaborated on in more detail in section 2.5 “Academic Facilities Element,” it should be noted here that allowances must be made that will factor in the realistic possibility of “low side enrollment projections” for purposes of campus planning. It is crucial for a complex campus such as UCF, which has most always exceeded funded enrollment growth, to be sufficiently prepared with the proper physical facilities.

OBJECTIVE 1.2: To define the future distribution and location of planned and future academic programs.

POLICY 1.2.1: Through an established approval process, UCF shall establish the following academic programs between 2004-05 and 2007-08. The Division of Colleges and Universities has a 5-year cycle for new program planning and development. Each year this list is reviewed by UCF’s Academic Affairs division and revisions may be submitted to the Division of Colleges and Universities for approval. It is anticipated that this list will be updated in Fall 2004.

OBJECTIVE 1.3: To define the planned student enrollment distribution by college and level.

OBJECTIVE 1.4: To establish priorities for distribution of funding for new programs.

POLICY 1.4.1: Besides those funds distributed based on line items, specials, and other considerations, the Office of Academic Affairs shall apply the Pegasus model for the distribution of funds based on enrollment. Also, the Office of Academic Affairs works with the colleges using DCU budget tables to determine the projected cost for new programs. Each new proposal must include the budget tables. Once agreement is reached, the amount of the budget, including that portion expected to come from Academic Affairs, shall be considered to be the commitment of the University until the third year of implementation. At that time, it is expected that programs will be self sufficient or fully funded through the colleges’ budgets.

POLICY 1.4.2: The colleges shall continually evaluate the programs they offer in relation to the relevance to and support of university goals. Based upon their findings, colleges may propose to implement new programs or terminate or modify existing programs. All these options are processed in cooperation with the Office of Academic Affairs through the established Program Review process. Proposed program lists related to UCF's academic priorities shall be developed at the college level throughout their planning processes. Priorities shall be discussed between the deans and Provost as appropriate. A university level list of program priorities is produced approximately once every two years. This list is forwarded to the DCU for consideration and approval during the Academic Master Plan updating process.

POLICY 1.4.3: Program terminations may be handled through the DCU at any time. The procedure for program modifications varies depending on the magnitude of the proposed changes. Most minor modifications are made through the colleges and do not require DCU action.

POLICY 1.4.4: If a program is not on the DCU five year program list, the DCU will not accept a new degree proposal for the program. The availability of outside funding alone will not cause the university to consider a new degree program; however, such funding may allow a program to be implemented prior to the previous timeline.

POLICY 1.4.5: Grants awarded to faculty in the university take into consideration space, equipment, and other budgetary needs when they are under development. These budgets must be approved by the faculty members' "supervisor". Often grants provide funds for these considerations and serve to reinforce and support the academic mission of the department. The Division of Sponsored Research must review and submit all grant proposals on behalf of UCF. In this role, the Office assures that the university has the capacity to "house" the grant.

POLICY 1.4.6: Plan amendments which, alone or in conjunction with other plan amendments, exceed the thresholds established in s.1013.30, F.S., shall be reviewed and adopted under the provisions of s.1013.30 F.S. Amendments which do not exceed these thresholds shall be consolidated into an annual submission and submitted to the Office of Capital Programs for review and approval by the Division of Colleges and Universities.