M E M O R A N D U M

    March 22, 2011
To:              	Members of the Board of Trustees
From:         	Nancy L. Zimpher, Chancellor
Subject:     	State University Board of Trustees Policy on Out-of-State, Credit-bearing Academic Degree and Certificate Programs

Action Requested
	The Proposed resolution approves and adopts revised policy on Out-of-State, Credit-bearing Academic Degree and Certificate Programs.
Resolution
I recommend that the Board of Trustees adopt the following resolution:
Whereas the State University Board of Trustees possesses broad authority over the curriculum of its institutions, including the planning, general supervision and coordination of facilities and programs, pursuant to Sections 355(1)(a),(c), 355(2)(h) and 6303(4) of the Education Law; and
Whereas the Board of Trustees academic policies apply to all academic offerings, regardless of the location of instruction and/or learning; and 
Whereas the University is committed to core values of broad-based access and opportunity and to the highest standards of academic excellence; and
Whereas the University and its campuses have been at the forefront of assessment and quality assurance for over three decades, and have been a national model of best practice; and
Whereas in addition to meeting the assessment standards of the State University of New York, the University’s campuses must meet the assessment standards of regional and programmatic accreditation; and
Whereas the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and programmatic accrediting bodies require institutions to report “branch” campus and other off-campus instructional activity, regardless of location, and demonstrate comparable quality assurance across location; and
Whereas the University seeks to be a transnational enterprise of the highest order and expand its programmatic reach across the globe; now, therefore, be it
Resolved that in considering the development of academic programs to be delivered outside New York State, including those to be offered internationally, State-operated, statutory and community college campuses will:
1. adhere to all SUNY policies and procedures governing academic programs;
2. adhere to Middle States Commission on Higher Education policy and guidelines regarding branch operations and international activities;
3. submit proposals for new, revised and discontinued programs to the SUNY Provost for review and approval, following standard procedures and guidelines;
4. develop programs that are consistent with campus mission, demonstrated market and need, and evidence of academic quality;
5. endeavor to build on institutional strength by offering programs in disciplinary areas where there is demonstrable expertise and experience;
6. in cases where the proposed academic program involves a partnership with an entity in another state or country, provide clear evidence of the quality and reputation of said entity (e.g., institutional accreditation and academic program accreditation that is recognized by the country, state and/or territory in which the entity operates);
7. describe how proposed academic programs will enhance SUNY’s overall reputation as well as that of the individual SUNY campus; 
8. provide for ongoing, systematic program assessment, applying the highest standards of quality and accountability, including applicable specialized accreditation; and
9. provide appropriate documentation of authorization/clearance to offer such programs in another state or country, where required; and, be it further
Resolved that the Provost of the State University of New York will consult with campus leadership and faculty governance to implement this resolution, consistent with the University’s Strategic Plan. The Provost will advise the Board of Trustees of any additional steps that may need to be taken to ensure the smooth implementation of this resolution in a fashion that enhances access and quality at the State University.
 Background
	The State University of New York has well-developed and highly accessible procedures and guidance for the development of new and revised campus academic programs, including those offered via alternative modes such as on-line synchronous or asynchronous formats. All campus proposals for academic (credit-bearing degree or certificate) programs undergo a two-stage review, beginning with SUNY System Administration (on behalf of the Board of Trustees) followed by New York State Education Department (on behalf of the Board of Regents) review and registration. While the Regents’ purview is strictly limited to programs offered within New York State, SUNY Board of Trustee authority extends to all State University programs regardless of location. 
	In recent years, there has been growing pressure on SUNY campuses to expand programmatic offerings beyond New York State’s borders. SUNY campuses have responded accordingly. At the same time, reporting requirements and accreditation standards have become more stringent. Typically, those requirements and standards apply to academic activity regardless of location or mode of delivery. To that end, the University must ensure that its academic policies and procedures are broadly applied to include both on-campus and off-campus instruction, regardless of location of instruction and/or learning, and it must provide the necessary infrastructure to support excellence and accountability. 

Board Resolution	-3- 	March 22, 2011