Graduate Curriculum Development Updates FAQ

General Information

What is the Curriculum Management System (CIM) project?

The Curriculum Management System (CIM) is the program curricula record management and holding system for CSU and informs how program curricula are described in the Catalog, which is available to students and the general public.

This project requires programs to meet key compliance areas within their program descriptions.

Guidance for graduate curriculum development:

Why must graduate programs update their program descriptions?

In 2023, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) noted that many graduate program descriptions were not in compliance with accreditation standards. By updating our program requirements, we can create clearer, more transparent program summaries that will help current and prospective graduate students better understand program expectations and requirements.

What should program descriptions include?

Program descriptions must meet policy requirements listed in Graduate Study Section of the Bulletin, in addition to the items described in the checklist (which includes information not in the Bulletin).

Where can I find a list of all program requirements and examples of exceptional program descriptions?

Requirements are listed in the Graduate Study Section of the Bulletin. Additionally, we are working to add program requirement checklists to CIM quality review Check Sheets. The Graduate School will review checklists annually and update them as needed to reflect any changes in requirements or to address emerging issues.

You can find checklists and guidelines below:

How often will programs need to review or update program descriptions?

Programs will be prompted to review and update their descriptions on a rotating basis to ensure program descriptions remain current. This means every graduate program description will be reviewed at least once every four years after the initial review process. In addition to this review process, programs can make updates as needed at any time.

Is this different from comprehensive review?

Yes, Comprehensive Graduate Review for admissions is a project to ensure that all applications submitted to CSU receive fair consideration through the use of a standard program rubric, and that admission review and admit decisions comply with best practices and federal law.

Information for programs with approved updates via CIM since Summer 2024

My program received updates and approval via CIM in the summer of 2024, or more recently. Do we have to update our descriptions again?

When the four-year renewal process begins, your program will need to make additional updates that address the most recent requirements. If your program description does not currently include non-coursework requirements, you must ensure they are available to students via your program’s graduate student handbook and/or website until they are updated in CIM.

If program descriptions were made since summer 2024 and were approved through CIM, your program does not have to repeat the CIM process at this time.

My program updates were approved in CIM recently, but we want to provide our non-coursework requirements before our four-year renewal. How can we do this?

You may attach non-course requirements as a supplemental document in the CIM system. However, this document will not publish in the catalog until your program goes through the CIM process again. Therefore, you must ensure these requirements are available to students in your Graduate student handbook or website.

CIM Program Update Process

How does my program begin UPDATING our program description?

Your department identifies a point-person for CIM program updates. This person enters department contact information and the program description into CIM. This initiates the CIM workflow, which is outlined below.

How do we create a NEW program in CIM?

A department head must ensure the new program proposal is appropriate with their college leadership. Then, a designated faculty member can begin the Preliminary Program Proposal (PPP) process, which is handled by the Dean of the Graduate School. A strategic plan must be presented to the Dean of the Graduate School alongside additional PPP materials. Once approved, the proposal is entered into CIM and follows the workflow outlined below. For more information, please refer to the new degree proposal process information here.

What is the CIM Workflow?

First, review the Graduate Curriculum Development checklists and guidelines for non-coursework requirements (linked above) as soon as possible.

Second, know that feedback from reviewers will be provided as comments in the workflow. The proposer must check the CIM system to ensure they are reviewing feedback and moving the process forward. The system is not capable of notifying the proposer of new comments.

Your department designates a point-person for CIM program updates.
The point person enters the department contact information and the updated description into CIM.
The department curriculum committee chair approves or rolls back the submission.
The Graduate School will provide initial feedback and may request changes to ensure a smooth transition through the workflow.
The program will continue through the CIM workflow until all approvals are received, and it reaches the CoSRGE review phase. A Graduate School colleague will then follow up with next steps.
Please note that all updates and approvals must be in place two weeks prior to the CoSRGE meeting to make it onto the CoSRGE agenda. CoSRGE also requests that a faculty member be present at the meeting to present the proposal and answer any questions. If questions arise and no faculty member is present, the proposal discussion and approval will be pushed to the next month’s CoSRGE meeting.

How can we get more assistance/who can answer questions about CIM program updates?

If you have questions about this project, please consult with the associate dean responsible for graduate education in your college.