The Board of Regents must approve for KCTCS institutions all programs new to the KCTCS catalog as presented by an initiating college(s) that lead to the awarding of an associate in arts degree, associate in science degree, associate in fine arts degree, associate in applied science degree, or a diploma not embedded in an associate degree.

In order to enhance the System's responsiveness to business and industry pursuant to KRS 164.580 and upon recommendation by the KCTCS Provost, the KCTCS President may approve any associate in arts degree, associate in science degree, associate in applied science degree, or a diploma not embedded in an associate degree previously approved by the Council on Postsecondary Education. The KCTCS President may also approve new credit certificate programs and embedded diplomas upon recommendation by the KCTCS Provost. The KCTCS Board of Regents must be informed of these approved programs and certificates at its next regularly scheduled meeting following the KCTCS President's approval.

In accordance with KRS 164.580, new programs must be responsive to the needs of students and employers, avoiding unnecessary program duplication, and increasing inter-institutional collaboration. New programs must adhere to all KCTCS policies and procedures and all applicable Council on Postsecondary Education policies and procedures. If a KCTCS institution seeks to offer a new accredited program which will require dedicated general fund appropriations for capital or operating expenses beyond the system’s regular appropriations, the KCTCS President shall submit the program proposal to the Board of Regents for review and approval. The Board’s review shall included but not be limited to the factors identified in KRS 164.583(4)(a)(1)-(10). Upon board approval, the proposed program shall be submitted to the Council on Postsecondary Education for consideration in the system’s budget request for the next biennial budget.

As the chief executive officer of KCTCS, the KCTCS President is authorized to promulgate administrative procedures to implement this policy.