Academic Plan

The Academic Plan is a list of the academic programs, research centers, and institutes that Montana State University (MSU) is considering submitting to the Montana Board of Regents for approval sometime within the next few years. There is no guarantee that the items on the list will actually be acted upon.

The Academic Plan is only used for proposed new academic programs, research centers, and institutes. Changes to existing programs and centers do not need to be listed on the Academic Plan.

Items remain on the Academic Plan for up to three years, until:

  • The proposed academic program or center is approved by the Board of Regents.
  • The item is removed by the deans when the Academic Plan is updated.
  • The item has been on the Academic Plan for more than three years.

MSU faculty may add ideas for potential new academic programs, research centers, and institutes to the Academic Pre-Plan list at any time, but the Academic Plan is updated just once a year, in March. Items are placed on the Academic Plan by the deans who will consider the Academic Pre-Plan list as part of their deliberations.

Adding to the Academic Pre-Plan

A member of the MSU faculty who wishes to add a proposal for a new academic program, research center, or institute to the MSU Academic Plan should submit their idea to the Department Head and/or Dean who will propose to the Provost when requested.

Beginning the Program Review Process
 The first step in moving an item currently on the MSU Academic Plan into the review process is to submit an Intent to Plan. The Intent to Plan is used to notify all campuses in the Montana University System (MUS) that a proposal will soon be submitted to the review process. This allows any concerns on any campus to be addressed at the beginning of the review process. MUS review of an Intent to Plan typically takes one to two months.

An Intent to Plan is only needed for proposed new academic programs, research centers, and institutes. Changes to existing programs and centers do not need Intent to Plan forms.

To submit the information required to complete the Intent to Plan, please visit the OCHE site found at https://mus.edu/che/arsa/IntenttoPlan.asp. Complete the Intent to Plan and forward to the Office of the Provost according the  deadline submission call which is announced each month. Please ensure the Department Head and Dean level signatures are acquired and the remaining Flagship signatures will be taken care of by the Office of the Provost.  Please contact the Office of the Provost at 406-994-4371 with any questions or assistance needed.