To make a proposal to the Integrated Planning Council (IPC), first review the steps outlined below in conjunction with a graphic overview of the process. While anyone in the campus community may submit a proposal, please remember that this process is intended to guide review of substantial initiatives that will have a lasting impact on Central. If you have questions, please talk to your supervisor or contact the University Planning & Budget Committee Chair for further information. Proposals that are entered into the pathway will be published on this site.
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The Integrated Planning Pathway
The Integrated Planning Pathway, developed by the Integrated Planning Council, establishes a transparent and integrated process for reviewing and evaluating proposals from all campus constituencies for programs, projects and initiatives which are not exclusively under the purview of the Faculty Senate. Use of the Pathway ensures that all proposals receive due consideration by any/all relevant bodies (e.g., Faculty Senate, University Planning & Budget Committee, Facilities Planning Committee, Information Technology Committee, and the Integrated Planning Committee) prior to executive action. It ensures that the University properly evaluates proposed initiatives in a thoughtful and systematic way, that planning and budgeting processes are cohesive, comprehensive, and integrated, that the projected impact -- both budgetary and programmatic – is thoughtfully considered, and that assessment standards are clear and the projected outcomes measurable. The Integrated Planning Pathway is not intended to bypass or sidestep any existing process but, rather encompass it. Likewise, it does not remove authority from the Faculty Senate on any matter over which the Senate has decision-making authority; such proposals will, if approved by the Senate, continue to go directly to the President (who may, if she wishes, consult with others including the IPC).
Step 1: Proposal Submission to the UPBC Strategic Planning Portal
Proposal author(s) submit a concept paper to the UPBC’s online Integrated Planning Portal for initial screening. It is at this step that the UPBC assigns a number to the proposal and begins the tracking system. This tracking system will be transparent, and accessible by members of the campus community via the university’s webpage. If the UPBC determines that all elements of the proposal fall within the decision-making authority of the Senate, the UPBC shall refer the document to the Senate, which will refer the proposal to the appropriate Senate body before being reviewed by the full Senate, as necessary, according to the Senate’s established procedures. Proposers who know that their proposals fall exclusively under the purview of the Senate (e.g. curriculum proposals) need not and should not submit them through the UPBC portal, but should continue to use established Senate channels. Proposers should consult with the UPBC Chair if they need additional guidance.
Step 2: Facility Impact Review
Proposals that fall outside of the areas over which the Senate has complete decision-making authority are then reviewed by the UPBC to determine whether an impact on facilities exists. Proposals that require new, renovated, enhanced, or access to off-campus facilities (other than the Downtown Campus) are referred to the Facilities Planning Committee, which shall review the proposal, consulting with the UPBC as needed. Upon completion of FPC review, the FPC shall make a recommendation to the UPBC and the UPBC shall evaluate the recommendation and update the online tracking system.
Any proposals referred to Faculty Senate in Step 1 which were not completely disposed of via existing Faculty Senate procedures will rejoin the Integrated Planning Pathway at this stage.
Step 3: Technology Impact Review
Proposals that have a technology component or require technological support (e.g., require new hardware, require new or enhanced software, require campus-based customization, etc.) shall be referred by the UPBC to the Information Technology Committee, which shall consult with the UPBC, as necessary. Upon the completion of ITC review, the ITC shall make a recommendation to the UPBC and the UPBC shall evaluate the recommendation and update the online tracking system.
Step 4: UPBC and CFO Review
Following review by the Facilities Planning Committee, Information Technology Committee, the UPBC, working in close collaboration with the CFO (who sits on the UPBC in an ex officio capacity) shall fully evaluate the proposal to determine its fiscal viability. In so doing the UPBC shall evaluate the proposal within the context of the existing Strategic Plan, other proposals making their way through the Integrated Planning Pathway, and existing programs on campus. The CFO shall ensure the budget is complete and includes appropriate known costs and reasonable estimates of unknown costs. Following its thorough evaluation, the UPBC shall notify the Faculty Senate, which may at that time opt to act in its advisory capacity. If the Senate so opts, it shall report its recommendation to the IPC before action is taken by the IPC on the proposal. If at the end of the Step 4 review the proposal is deemed not viable, the UPBC shall inform the Proposal Author(s).
Step 5: IPC Review
Proposals which have received a positive recommendation by the UPBC shall proceed to the IPC for further review and evaluation. If a proposal is not advanced, an appropriate IPC member shall inform the Proposal Author(s). Members of the IPC may opt to consult with the Faculty Senate at this point in the process.
Step 6: Presidential Recommendation
Proposals that receive a positive endorsement by the IPC review, shall be sent to the University President along with an advisory opinion on whether the University should proceed with the proposed program, project, or initiative. The President may, at his/her discretion, consult with the Executive Committee to obtain further input on the proposal as well as consider external factors that may have a bearing on the proposed initiative. The President shall have final decision-making authority on proposals that reach this Step. The President may opt to grant approval for the proposed initiative to commence immediately, may refer it to any of the aforementioned bodies for further review, may defer action, or may decline to act on any proposal.
Step 7: UPBC Informed of Final Disposal of the Proposal
Following Presidential action, the UPBC is informed of the presidential decision on the project. The UPBC shall update the tracking mechanism and inform the Faculty Senate. The UPBC shall include an inventory of all proposals received and the disposition of same via its annual report to the Senate.