Policies Regarding Degree Programs Abroad

Degree granting units at Northern Illinois University may sponsor existing organized degree programs intended primarily for non-US citizens or US students not normally enrolled at NIU, where most of the required coursework is provided at sites outside the U.S., under certain conditions, as outlined below. This policy and its procedures apply to existing degree programs that have previously gone through the normal NIU curricular processes. New degree programs, before they can be considered under this policy, must first go through those curricular processes.

• Each planned degree program must conform to the "Principles of Good Practice in Overseas International Education Programs for Non-U.S. Nationals" that are included in the "Handbook of Accreditation" of the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
• The planned degree program and its component courses must conform to established NIU policies.
• The planned degree program is taught in English, involves a maximum feasible number of the unit's own faculty members, and is consistent with the unit's and the university's missions
• At least half of the courses to be offered in the planned program shall be taught by NIU regular faculty members
• The delivery of the planned degree program proposal must be reviewed and approved by the International Programs Advisory Council
• The delivery of the planned degree program must be reviewed and approved by the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost
• The planned degree program must be reviewed and approved as an item of "Institutional Change" by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

• Adopted by the International Programs Advisory Council, March 31, 2000 
• Endorsed by the Council of Deans, May 24, 2000