Notice of Intent (NOI)

What is a Notice of Intent (NOI)? 

A Notice of Intent (NOI) is a universitywide notification that provides notice to all Chancellor-led Units (CLU) and University Academic Affairs that a CLU is proposing a new academic program or making certain changes to an existing academic program. The NOI does not represent a decision point for the proposed degree program. Rather, it allows academic leadership to provide feedback on the proposed program or programmatic action. In addition, the NOI process: 

• Provides chancellors’/provosts’ offices the opportunity (30 days) to submit comments/feedback on a proposed new academic program or change to an existing program. 

• Presents opportunities for collaboration.  

• Promotes effective and strategic use of university resources. 

• Provides opportunities to ensure that we are not creating competition between identical academic programs.

• Is separate and distinct from any notifications required by individual CLUs. 

Who Is Responsible for Completing the NOI?

Chancellors/Provosts designees are responsible for initiating and approving an NOI. Proposing units must follow the review and approval processes within individual CLUs before initiating the approval process at the university level. For CLU contact information, please visit our contact page.

Who Will Receive the NOI? 

Upon submission, the NOI will be distributed to University Academic Affairs and Chancellors/Provosts across Rutgers. Submission of the NOI initiates a 30-day comment period, during which University Academic Affairs and chancellor/provosts’ offices may submit comments/feedback to the proposing unit.  

When May an NOI Be Submitted?

NOI submission is required between the following times to ensure adequate notice to institutional review and approval authorities.

• September 1 and November 30 during the fall semester 
• January 15 and May 15 during the spring semester

Upon submission, the NOI will be distributed to the following:

•  University Academic Affairs
•  Chancellors/Provosts across Rutgers

Submission of the NOI initiates a 30-day comment period during which University Academic Affairs and chancellors’ offices may submit comments/feedback to the proposing unit.

Academic units may continue degree program development during the 30-day comment period.

Proposing units must follow the review and approval processes within individual CLUs before initiating the approval process at the university level. 

What Type of Academic Program Items Require an NOI? 

The following academic program items require an NOI: 

• Develop a New Degree Program 

• Develop a New Certificate Program 

• Develop a New Joint Degree Program

• Develop a New Dual Degree Program

• Develop a New Degree Granting Unit

• Degree Designation Change 

• Degree Nomenclature Change

• Create a Fully ONLINE Version of an Existing In-Person Degree Program

• Move Existing Degree Program to an Off-Site Location

• Move an Existing Stand-Alone Certificate Program to Fully ONLINE or Off-Site

• Move an Option/Track/Concentration Within Existing Program to Fully ONLINE or Off-Site

• Create a New Fully ONLINE or Off-Site Option/Track/Concentration Within Existing Program

• Add New Partner to Degree Program

• Add New Partner to Certificate Program

• Change the Name of an Academic Department or Unit

• Add/Modify/Remove an Academic Department