As program requirements change, sample plans will also change. Each sample plan is effective starting in a specific academic year. Once a sample plan has been approved it can remain in effect for multiple years if the department does not have any new changes that would require an updated sample plan. 

The Sample Plan review period begins in late November/early December and continues to May. Each department may have its own unique way of developing their sample plans. These informal workflow processes are not captured in Universal Workflow but should be complete in time for the initiator to submit workflow forms to update or create the appropriate plans. 

All sample plans for the upcoming year must be finalized in time to be published in the General Catalog for the upcoming year. Departments may initiate plan updates prior to catalog copy completion, however, to ensure accuracy, the Sample Plan team will not return the sample plan to the initiator for review until their catalog entries are finalized.