N.J. Admin. Code § 9A:1-2.13

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 11, June 3, 2024

Section 9A:1-2.13 - Duplication with comparable programs

(a) A proposal for a new academic degree program that is for an academic degree program that is currently offered by other institutions in the State at the same degree level and in the same academic discipline shall include a listing of all currently offered programs at the same degree level and in the same academic discipline.

(b) Where a listing pursuant to (a) above is present, the Presidents' Council shall evaluate the proposal for excessive duplication with comparable programs and determine whether the proposal includes:

1. Evidence of a relevant relationship between the proposed academic degree program and the institutional mission or a specific area of institutional academic focus; and

2. Evidence that a collaborative approach with another institution of higher education that currently offers the program per the listing included with the proposal pursuant to (a) above, including, but not limited to, articulation agreements and joint degree programs, would not be cost effective or a feasible alternative to offering the proposed academic degree program.

(c) If the Presidents' Council finds that a program proposal meets the requirements at (b) above, the Presidents' Council shall determine whether the program is in the best interests of the State through a determination as to whether one or more of the following have been demonstrated:

1. Evidence of significant instructional differentiation from currently offered programs at other institutions in the State that are at the same degree level and in the same academic discipline;

2. Evidence of projected student population differentiation from currently offered programs at the same degree level and in the same academic discipline;

3. Evidence of projected sustainable cost savings for students compared with the cost of currently offered programs at the same degree level and in the same academic discipline; and

4. Evidence of student and community demand at the institution and in the region for the program, including, but not limited to, evidence that shows demand through:

i. Surveys or interviews of current students, faculty, and staff at the institution;

ii. Surveys or interviews of elected officials or other members of the institution's local community;

iii. Documented capacity constraints within currently offered programs at the same degree level and in the same academic discipline at other institutions; and

iv. Data on State and/or regional enrollment trends.

(d) A program proposal that does not meet the requirements at (b) or (c) above shall be referred by the Presidents' Council to the Secretary pursuant to N.J.A.C. 9A:1-2.10(b)as a program that may be duplicative of other programs in the State.

N.J. Admin. Code § 9A:1-2.13

Adopted by 54 N.J.R. 433(a), effective 3/7/2022