Graduate Studies Policies & Procedures

Graduate Studies Policies and Forms

For questions related to the Graduate Studies Policies and Forms, please get in touch with Dr. Holly Gould, 2024-2025 GSC Chair, at gould_h@lynchburg.edu   

The Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) is responsible for reviewing and approving all proposed graduate curricular changes, including the addition or deletion of graduate courses. Additionally, the GSC oversees the review and approval of academic and admissions policies that directly impact graduate programs. Finally, the GSC provides the General Faculty with recommendations for changes in graduate course offerings.

The forms below allow for the submission of new items or proposed changes to items. Materials are due to GSC one week before the next GSC meeting. For more information, please consult the Faculty Handbook, Section 4.1.3.

Changes to existing courses: any changes to existing courses, including changes in the catalog description, prerequisites, department prefix, course number, or course title, should use the “Existing Grad Course Change Form.”

Proposing a new course: a new course should be proposed using the “New Course Form.” 

Changes to existing programs: any changes to existing programs, including addition or deletion of courses, should use the “Program Change Form.”

To create a new program: applicants must submit a rationale and the course catalog text to the school dean where the new program would be housed. The dean will forward this to GSC after school approval (and Strategic Budget Group (SBG) approval, if necessary). Some of the items the SBG will consider are: 1)demand and interest analysis, looking at the major from a variety of sources; 2) specific evidence of student interest, including projected enrollments in years 1-5; 3) ability to attract new graduate students to the University; 4) market survey; 5) external competitor analysis – comparable degree programs at peer institutions and success in job placement; 6) internal competitor analysis – similar graduate programs we offer that can lead to same career path; 7) employment opportunities, including specific job openings for which the degree program applies; 8) Department of Labor demand for persons with degree in area, with a particular focus on jobs in Virginia; 9) results/impact for the department structure, including budgetary needs (equipment needs, special space requirements, and library resources needed); 10) results/impact for faculty workload assignments (including need for new faculty); and 11) assessment of internal capacity for new program.

To delete an existing program: applicants must submit a rationale and the course catalog text to the school dean where the program is housed. The dean will forward this to GSC after school approval.

Special topics courses: Whenever a program proposes a special topics course, the “Special Topics Form” must be submitted.  It should be approved by the program and school dean.  Once approved and the form is completed, materials are submitted to GSC for approval.  A special topics course can only be taught twice.  Beyond two offerings, a NEW COURSE FORM should be completed and submitted to GSC for approval.