Certificate Program Proposal Template

Instructions and Tips

  • This template is for Basic and Advanced Certificates. Since most certificates are Special Session (offered via IES), the template follows their proposal process. For state-side proposals, marketing and budget sections are not required.
  • Be sure to read the Special Session Program Proposal Guidefirst. The guide provides an overview about the process for proposing a program. It makes several references to this program proposal template document.
  • The template includes the major sections and sub-sections that need to beaddressed in the proposal. Within those sections, we provide instructions and examples of what to include or address. Be sure to delete all the instructional information when submitting the proposal.
  • The template includes a number of tables. In some of the tables, there is example data. You can directly edit the table within the template by replacing the example data with your program information. Alternatively, you can use the Excel versions of the tables – a link is always provided to the full Excel spreadsheets. The advantage of the Excel spreadsheet is that it contains more tools and functions (e.g., calculated sums, pre-filled drop-down menus, etc.) than the tables inserted into the template. If you decide to work with and use the Excel versions of the tables (which we recommend), just copy and replace the appropriate cells/tables that are in the template.
  • If you have additional information/documentation that would be helpful to your proposal (e.g., a market report), attach it or provide a link to it.
  • The full program proposal package should have the following documents:
  • Certificate Program Proposal (this form)
  • CIES Program Review Form(for Special Session proposals)
  • Finance and Administration (F&A) fee proposal executive summary (instructions can be found at (for Special Session proposals)
  • Submit completed Proposal packet to the Graduate and Undergraduate Programs office at
  • Please feel free to consult with GUP or IES (finance/budget specific questions) if you have any questions about the proposal.

We look forward to learning more about your program and collaborating with you on its development.

<Enter Title of Proposed Program Here>

Date: <Enter Date Submitting Proposal Here>

Proposer’s Information

Name:

Email:

Phone number:

Department:

College:

Program Launch Timing Estimate (Month, Year):

I. Program Purpose

Provide a program overview here with a rationale, including a brief description of the program, its purpose and strengths, fit with institutional mission, and a justification for offering the program at this time. The rationale may explain the relationship among the program philosophy, design, target population, and any distinctive pedagogical methods including delivery of instruction. This section should address questions such as:

  • What are the goals and objectives of the program?
  • What is unique and distinctive about your program?
  • What niche does it fill?Which business, industry, or public sector does this program affect?
  • What professional development and/or educational needs will the program meet?
  • How does the program provide value to the department, college, and SJSU?

Statement of Meeting Executive Order 1099 Requisite Conditions

Describe how the programmeets the requisition conditions for extended education opportunities outlined in Article 5 of Executive Order 1099.

II. Program Administrative Information

First, summarize the key proponents of the program and denote whether there is support for the proposed program from administration (e.g., College Deans, Provost, etc). Address questions such as:

  • Who is the "champion" of this program? Faculty? Chair? Dean?What is their commitment level?
  • Who is the program lead– the individual who will take this program from initial stages (e.g., proposal phase to implementation)?
  • What personnel (program manager, program coordinator, instructional technologists, instructional designers, student advisors, etc.) will be needed to administer the program for the long term? What resources are already in place that will contribute to the sustainability of the program?

Key Contacts

In this sub-section, list the contact information for thekey personnel responsible for the program proposal and/or management of the program. The proposer (as noted on the cover page) and first person listed will be the main contacts for CIES and other reviewers of the proposal.

1) First and last name

Title

Program Role/Responsibility

Unit Name (e.g., Department or School)

College

Phone number

Email address

2) First and last name

Title

Program Role/Responsibility

Unit Name (e.g., Department or School)

College
Phone number
Email address

III. Program Structure: Coursework, Instruction, Admissions, Evaluation

In this section, summarize the overall program structure, such as:

  • program outcome – e.g., degree, certificate, eligibility for credential, etc.
  • length of program – i.e., expected number of terms/years to complete the program
  • program model – e.g., cohort vs. non-cohort, online vs. on-ground, etc.
  • course/degree prerequisites prior to entering (being admitted) in the program

Then provide details below in the areas of coursework, instruction, admissions, and evaluation.

Coursework

In this sub-section, summarize the program’s coursework including the number of courses and units, sequencing of courses (if any), length ofcourses, and delivery method for each. Summarize all activities for program completion, including requirements, electives, prerequisites and/or co-requisites. Then delineate the courses in table format. Review and edit example below or see template at2013-12-03_Special_Session_Proposal_Excel_Sheets under the blue Course List tab.

Existing or New / Course# / Course Name / Course Type / Units / Mode of Delivery / Timing notes: When will the course be taught (year, semester)? How often? / Requirement notes: Pre-requisites, optional/required for degree, etc.
Existing / SMPD 283A / Regulatory Affairs I / Lecture / 3 / Online / Offered once a year in the fall / Pre-req. for SMPD 283B
Existing / BUS 286 / Project Management / Lecture / 3 / Online / Offered once a year in the fall
Existing / SMPD 281A / Clinical Development I / Lab / 2 / Hybrid / Offered once a year in the fall
Existing / SMPD 283B / Regulatory Affairs II / Lecture / 3 / Online / Offered once a year in the spring

Certificate Degree Template (Required for Catalog)

Name of Certificate:

Units:

Course Number: Course Name / Units
Certificate Pre-requisites / 3
Certificate Requirements / 15

Instructors

In this sub-section, describethe instructional staff, addressing questions such as:

  • What number and level of expertise of faculty will be required to deliver the program?
  • Will the entire faculty be SJSU affiliated or will you need to hire “external” instructors (e.g., professionals from a specific industry)?
  • Are there opportunities to use faculty from other departments or areas within SJSU? If so, describe.
  • If proposing an online program, are there faculty within the department/college that can teach the courses in an online delivery format? Or will faculty or experts need to be recruited and/or trained (e.g., for online teaching)?
  • Does SJSU have adequate institutional support such as from MLK Library or academic technology?

If you have already identified instructors for you program, list them here in table format. Reviewand edit example below or see template at2013-12-03_Special_Session_Proposal_Excel_Sheets under the blue Instructor List tab.

Instructor First Name / Instructor Last Name / Instructor Email Address / Instructor Phone / College or Institution (if not SJSU affiliated) / Department / Course Number(s) to Teach
John / Doe / / 4-0000 / Science / MDPM / SMPD 283A
Jane / Doe / / 4-0001 / Science / MDPM / BUS 286
Julie / Doe / / 408-123-4567 / Roche / NA / SMPD 281A

Student Admissions

In this sub-section, explain the admissions requirements for your program including degree or course requirements for admission, admissions time-frame (when will you be accepting applications), acceptance of Open University students, etc. Also explain your process for student admissions.

Assessment

In this sub-section, explain the strategies that will be used to evaluate the quality, success, and learning outcomes of the program.What mechanism(s) will you put in place so assessment can nurture program development and improvement? How will you evaluate faculty teaching the courses? How will you evaluate the student’s success in the courses and in the program as a whole, and their “experience” with the program? When and how often will you do the course/program assessment?

IV. Market Research and Analysis (Required for Special Session)

A successful self-supporting program requires a market niche and an ongoing pipeline of interested students. The program should broaden theexisting student population of SJSU and supplement its existing programs.Supplementing existing programs may include: preparing students for graduate programs, serving the workingprofessional, providing continuing education, or education about new skills/knowledge or emerging fieldsof study. The proposal must include market research and analysis that supports the feasibility/viability of the program before investing resources and the extensive development of a full program.

You will need to describe the analysis performed and results obtained to determine that an appropriate market is available. If there is a current state-side academic program that currently exists, please note the extent to which the enrollment will be affected after the new program is available. In this section, address the following:

Audience-Demand

  • Who is the target market? What are their attributes? Educational /career goals? Segment of industry?
  • What is the size of the market – current, in 3 years, in 5 years?
  • Where are they located geographically? Are you considering the international market?
  • Do you have access to databases of potential students / customers? If so, specify the databases.
  • What are the relevant social, social, professional, or industry organizations for outreach and networking purposes?
  • What are the best methods of reaching/communicating with the target market?
  • What instructional delivery method (e.g., online, hybrid, or in-person) is appropriate for the market? Explain.
  • To what extent will the enrollment for the current state-support program be impacted?

Competition

  • What universities or entities, have already developed or deliver the program (i.e., your competitors)? Where are they located?For each, describe the enrollment of these programs – e.g., the number of students/participants.
  • Describe your competitors’ successesand/or failures.
  • What is the competitor's price (program or course fees)? How are your proposed program/course fees going to compare to your competitors?
  • What are your competitive advantages or disadvantages for the proposed program? How will you overcome any disadvantages?
  • For each competitor, what instructional delivery methods do they use - face to face, hybrid, completely online?

If you conducted a formal market analysis with a comprehensive report, append/attach it to this documentor provide a link to it.

V. Financial Plan (Required for Special Session)

You will need to develop a financial plan and budget for the program, including a timeline for reaching financial stability. Work with your college/department analyst on this section. CIES can also assist. In this section, first summarize your financial model to ensure that your program is sustainable and under what conditions (enrollment targets, fees, cost minimization efforts, required resources, etc.) it would remain viable for the long term. If you have external funds, e.g., from a grant, explain how you will be using the funds, as well as the program’s ability to continue to operate when the funds are no longer available.

In addition to the narrative summary, provide a table such as the one below showing your balance (revenue minus the total of costs and expenditures) over three (3) years. Review and edit example below.

Item / Year 1: 20XX-XX / Year 2: 20XX-XX / Year 3: 20XX-XX
Revenue
Mandatory Costs to Infrastructure Units
Expenditures: Personnel
Expenditures: Operating
Balance / $0.00 / $0.00 / $0.00

The information that you provide in the sub-sections below should provide the details of the financial plan and budget.

Revenue

In this sub-section, you will need to detail the program revenues. First, provide a summary table of the three (3) year projected revenues, followed by details for each of the three (3) years. Be sure to explain in detail significant year to year changes - e.g., projected increase in enrollments/headcount. Below you will see example tables to display program revenue. Edit the tables below, or use the2013-12-03_Special_Session_Proposal_Excel_Sheets under the orange Revenue Summary Years 1-3 tab first then paste your tables here. Note that if you use the Excel template, the Revenue Summary Years 1-3 (Tab 3) will be auto-populated if you complete Years 1-3 first (Tabs 4-6 in the spreadsheet).

Year / Revenue / % Revenue Change
Year 1: 20xx-20xx / $159,000.00
Year 2: 20xx-20xx / $371,000.00 / 133%
Year 3: 20xx-20xx / $424,000.00 / 14%
Total: 3 Years Revenue / $954,000.00

Year 1 (20XX-XX): Details

Term / Course Number / Course Name / Course Type / Units / Fee/Unit / Headcount / Revenue
Fall / SMPD 283A / Regulatory Affairs I / Lecture / 3 / $600.00 / 15 / $27,000.00
Fall / BUS 286 / Project Management / Lecture / 3 / $600.00 / 15 / $27,000.00
Fall / SMPD 281A / Clinical Development I / Lab / 2 / $700.00 / 15 / $21,000.00
Spring / SMPD 283B / Regulatory Affairs II / Lecture / 3 / $600.00 / 15 / $27,000.00
Spring / BUS 224C / Managerial Accounting & Financial Aspects of Medical Product Development / Lecture / 3 / $600.00 / 15 / $27,000.00
Spring / SMPD 281B / Clinical Development II / Lab / 2 / $700.00 / 15 / $21,000.00
Summer / SMPD 285 / Internship or Practicum / Supervision / 1 / $600.00 / 15 / $9,000.00
Total / 17 / $159,000.00

Year 2 (20XX-XX): Details

Term / Course Number / Course Name / Course Type / Units / Fee/Unit / Headcount / Revenue
Fall / SMPD 283A / Regulatory Affairs I / Lecture / 3 / $600.00 / 20 / $36,000.00
Fall / BUS 286 / Project Management / Lecture / 3 / $600.00 / 20 / $36,000.00
Fall / SMPD 281A / Clinical Development I / Lab / 2 / $700.00 / 20 / $28,000.00
Spring / SMPD 283B / Regulatory Affairs II / Lecture / 3 / $600.00 / 20 / $36,000.00
Spring / BUS 224C / Managerial Accounting & Financial Aspects of Medical Product Development / Lecture / 3 / $600.00 / 20 / $36,000.00
Spring / SMPD 281B / Clinical Development II / Lab / 2 / $700.00 / 20 / $28,000.00
Fall / SMPD 286 / Statistics in Clinical Trials / Lecture / 3 / $600.00 / 15 / $27,000.00
Fall / BUS 210 / Developing & Managing People / Lecture / 3 / $600.00 / 15 / $27,000.00
Fall / SMPD 289A / Clinical Trials I / Lab / 2 / $700.00 / 15 / $21,000.00
Spring / SMPD 287 / Informatics in Medical Product Development / Lecture / 3 / $600.00 / 15 / $27,000.00
Spring / BUS 284C / Managing Medical Product Development / Lecture / 3 / $600.00 / 15 / $27,000.00
Spring / SMPD 289B / Clinical Trials II / Lab / 2 / $700.00 / 15 / $21,000.00
Summer / SMPD 285 / Internship or Practicum / Supervision / 1 / $600.00 / 35 / $21,000.00
Total / 33 / $371,000.00

Year 3 (20XX-XX): Details

Insert Year 3 table here.

Mandatory Costs to Infrastructure Units

The financial model needs to includethe revenue sharing plan between the program and the “infrastructure units”. Historically, all units that provide services to self-supporting programs receive cost-recovery funds based on a common formula so as to avoid annual negotiations with individual units and the program. In this sub-section, insert a table (cost template in Excel format is also available 2013-12-03_Special_Session_Proposal_Excel_Sheetsunder the purple Mandatory Costs tab showing the disposition of revenue to the supporting units:

SJSU Unit / Percentage / Yearly Cost / Total
Year 1: 20XX-XX / Year 2: 20XX-XX / Year 3: 20XX-XX
Central IES Services / 19.0% / $30,210.00 / $70,490.00 / $80,560.00 / $181,260.00
Student Affairs Services / 1.5% / $2,385.00 / $5,565.00 / $6,360.00 / $14,310.00
University Services / 11.0% / $17,490.00 / $40,810.00 / $46,640.00 / $104,940.00
State Charges/Contingency / 0.5% / $795.00 / $1,855.00 / $2,120.00 / $4,770.00
Total Mandatory Costs / $50,880.00 / $118,720.00 / $135,680.00 / $305,280.00

Expenditures

In this sub-section summarize the expenditures at start-up (the initial year) as well as the following two (2) years. You will need to conclude with a statement on the program’s viability over three (3) years – that is, its ability to cover all expenditures for program operations. See Excel template at2013-12-03_Special_Session_Proposal_Excel_Sheets under the orange, purple, and green tabs.

Personnel Costs

In general, your most significant expenditure will be personnel related. In this sub-section, first explain your instructional and staff support costs. These include salaries and benefits (if applicable). To estimate these costs, it is important to address key questions first such as:

  • What is the payment schedule to pay instructors? For example, are you using the “California State University Salary Schedule Per Unit Rate” – the 2322 salary schedule?
  • If you are using non-SJSU faculty to teach, will they be “consultants”? If so, what will be their salary or salary range?
  • What staff do you need to support and operate the program – e.g., program director/manager, administrator/coordinator, student assistants, etc.? And how many hours will be required of them? Do you need to pay staff benefits?

Note that if you have identified the instructors for all courses,you should be able to closely estimate instructor salary costs – e.g., if using the 2322 salary schedule table, for each instructor, identify his/her rank and the projected number of students for the course to get the salary per unit value, then multiply that value with the number of units – this will give you the cost of instruction for each course.

After summarizing your personnel costs, provide a table highlighting the overall expenses such as the one below. Also see Excel template (Tab 8 - Personnel Costs Years 1-3) at2013-12-03_Special_Session_Proposal_Excel_Sheets under the green tab Personnel Costs Years 1-3.

Personnel / Year 1: 20XX-XX / Year 2: 20XX-XX / Year 3: 20XX-XX / Total
Faculty Salaries
Staff Salaries
Benefits
Student Assistant Salaries
Total Personnel Costs

Operating Costs

In this sub-section, summarize your costs in operating the program. Common cost categories are included below (edit as needed). Also see Excel template (Tab 9 - Operational Costs Years 1-3) at 2013-12-03_Special_Session_Proposal_Excel_Sheets under the green tab Operational Costs Years 1-3.

Item / Year 1: 20XX-XX / Year 2: 20XX-XX / Year 3: 20XX-XX / Total
Marketing and communications
Market research / $0.00
Collateral (print and online) / $0.00
Advertising / $0.00
Facilities and equipment
Classroom rental / $0.00
Parking / $0.00
Studio supplies / $0.00
Laboratory supplies / $0.00
Hardware / $0.00
Software / $0.00
Hospitality and travel / $0.00
Services
Marketing (e.g., recruiting) / $0.00
Transcription services / $0.00
Instructional development / $0.00
Content development / $0.00
Total / $0.00 / $0.00 / $0.00 / $0.00

Cost Sharing