Center for Teaching & Mentoring

Developing New Programs and Courses

Developing New Programs and Courses (NPC Series) is a series designed for faculty who are interested in proposing or developing new academic programs or courses at MTSU. Offered in Spring 2026, the series provides an overview of university priorities, planning considerations, approval processes, and curriculum development practices. Through multiple sessions, participants will gain a general understanding of how new programs and courses move from concept to implementation, including conversations around resources, timelines, learning outcomes, assessment, accreditation, and required approvals. This series is appropriate for those in early exploration as well as individuals actively engaged in program or course development.

Logo showing a presentation screen on a tripod with a simple flowchart diagram, above the words “NPC Series.”

Spring 2026

DateFeatured SpeakersDescription
Monday,
February 9
1-2 pm
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Amy Aldridge, Vice Provost for Academic Programs

Racha El Kadiri, Interim Associate Dean, College of Graduate Studies
Developing New Programs Overview
Thinking about proposing a new program? Discover the key considerations and processes involved in developing new academic programs. Information about the identification of priorities, available resources, necessary conversations, timelines, and other considerations are shared. This session provides an overview for anyone considering the development of a new undergraduate or graduate degree or certificate program.
Monday, February 23
9 am -10 am
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Layne Bryant, Assistant Vice Provost for Institutional Accreditation

Mary Hoffschwelle, Vice Provost for Planning and Effectiveness
Developing a New Program – Accreditation & Assessment Planning
In the midst of developing a new program? Learn more about how to identify student learning outcomes that will drive curriculum and assessment. Accreditation considerations are discussed. This session is for anyone currently developing or hoping to develop a new program and wants to learn more about how to ensure that student learning outcomes drive development and the role of accreditation in the process.
Tuesday, March 17
10 am – 11 am
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Amy Aldridge, Vice Provost for Academic Programs

Mitzi Brandon, Director of Catalog and Curriculum Management

Tyler Henson, Assistant Vice Provost for Registration & Student Records

Trey Martindale, Associate Vice Provost for Online Learning
Developing a New Program – Nuts & Bolts of Paperwork and Submission Processes
Once faculty, programs, and departments have decided to develop a new program, paperwork must be completed in order to facilitate approval through university curriculum committees (i.e., department, college, and university), the Provost, and the TN Higher Education Commission.  This session will provide an overview of the processes, paperwork, approvals, and timelines required prior to new program implementation.
Wednesday,
April 8
9 am -10 am LIB 348 or synchronously on Zoom
Robyn Ridgley,
Assistant Director of CTM

Mitzi Brandon, Director of Catalog and Curriculum Management

Paula Calahan, Specialist, Catalog and Curriculum Management
Developing New Courses – Considerations & Processes
New courses are often needed when developing new programs or to address workforce preparedness in existing programs. In this session, we will discuss considerations and strategies for ensuring course developers create outcome and accreditation aligned courses and are equipped to submit paperwork for curriculum approval (i.e., department, college, university, Provost)

Contact Us

Center for Teaching and Mentoring
LIB 348
615-904-8499
ctm@mtsu.edu

Book a mentoring appointment with one of our directors:
Jennifer Vannatta-Hall or Robyn Ridgley