The growth criteria for additional Ph.D. program majors, originally circulated in the minutes of the Committee's meeting of November 14, 2000, were approved (with slight rewording) at the Committee's meeting of February 5, 2001.

Criteria for considering potential additional majors within the School of Business Ph.D. program include:

1. Consistency with the existing program description presented on pp.161-162 of the 2000-2001 Graduate Bulletin, especially the extent to which required courses focus on "basic theories, methodologies, and techniques needed to conduct research" such as the existing 700 level courses.

2. The extent to which the proposed major incorporates outcome assessment objectives for teaching and research comparable to those in the existing program, such as preparation of teaching skills through a teaching mentorship.

3. An operational plan and mission statement consistent with those of Virginia Commonwealth University and its School of Business.

4. Thorough market need assessment, including placement opportunities for graduates.

5. Resource analysis, for example, funding prospects for graduate assistantships.