Updated January 29, 2024
In addition to the proposal process for a new program, you will be required to complete a budget template, cost analysis, and consult with the budget office on the financial plan. Consultation with the Budget Office should start in the initial stages when developing the program. Several financial reviews and revisions take place before reaching the final process. The final financial review for the Budget Support Memo takes a minimum of 4-6 weeks prior to the submission to senate.
The importance of the initial consultation is to evaluate financial viability of the program prior to moving on to the next stages in the process.
Below, you will find budget & cost analysis templates, timeline & expectations, and administrative resources available for campus units to support the development of budget for new programs.
Budget and Cost Analysis Templates for New Program Development
Budget Office New Program Template(s): Please select the appropriate template based on your offering:
State Supported Program
- Graduate Degree Program Financial Plan Template
- Undergraduate Degree Program Financial Plan Template
Self-Supporting Program (SSGPDP)
- Self-Supporting Graduate Professional Degree Program Financial Plan Template (Existing Program)
- Self-Supporting Graduate Professional Degree Program Financial Plan Template (New Program)
In addition, the following template from UCOP is required to be completed for SSGPDPs:
Cost Analysis Template (SSGPDP)
General Approval Process & Timeline Expectations
The example below outlines the general key steps of the new program budget template approval process and timeline for a new program with a focus on launching a new major in Fall 2026.
(The purpose of this example is to provide a general understanding of the timeline and necessary steps in this process. There is currently no set timeline in place, however this provides a realistic guidance for this process.)
