Graduate Policy Approval Process

1. The "Approval Path Discussion" specifically informs the decision around whether the change is routine or substantiative. This decision is made by the Provost's office, VPGE, UGC Chair, FS Chair-Elect, and GS Staff member. Importantly, this interaction can happen via email, rather than a formal meeting. If the proposed change is deemed substantiative, the full process is followed. 

2. Substantive change is defined as: a proposed change which requires full consideration of any proposed graduate school policies that affect the manner in which faculty advise and mentor students, assess student achievement with respect to academic standards, determine the format, content, and grading of graduate examinations, participate in appeal processes, and engage in periodic program review. These essential obligations and privileges of the academic faculty continue to require full consideration via the existing and customary approval workflow and mutual consent.