Council on University Programs

The Council on University Programs (CUP) is a standing committee of the Academic Coordinating Commission (ACC). CUP functions as a college curriculum committee for programs not affiliated with a college, and as such is a standing committee of the ACC. CUP  also oversees curricular review and approval of Western on the Peninsulas programs. 

Curricular authority over university-wide programs not affiliated with a college is vested entirely in the Council on University Programs. However, as these units often collaborate with units in the traditional department and college structure (via cross-listed classes, classes included in majors or minor, etc.), implications regarding repeatability, prerequisites, equivalency or other implications for majors must be referred to relevant department units. This means that some curriculum undergoes dual curricular review by the department-college and CUP. 

CUP's responsibilities include: 

• Reviewing and approving curricular proposals from an interdisciplinary perspective
• Advising the Academic Coordinating Commission on all curricular matters related to united that are not housed in the traditional college structure
• Ensuring the quality of interdisciplinary and university-wide programs that report to the Provost’s Office (or designee)
• Reviewing and approving curricular proposals from an interdisciplinary perspective 

CUP membership consists of faculty and staff responsible for instructional and curricular quality in units that are not housed in traditional department and college structures. Because these units are often very small with limited resources (including personnel), not every unit that reports to CUP is expected to provide a member on a yearly basis. Voting members include:

• At least five (5) faculty or instructional staff representatives from the following units:
  • Center for Canadian-American Studies
  • Institute for Critical Disability Studies
  • Institute for Energy Studies, Marine & Coastal Sciences Program
  • Morse Leadership Institute
  • Ray Wolpow Institute
  • Salish Seas Institute
  • Sustainability Engagement Institute
• Faculty or instructional staff designee from the Global Engagement Office
• Faculty or instructional staff designee from the Honors College
• Faculty or instructional staff designee from non-Bellingham-based programs (e.g., Western on the Peninsulas & Everett)
• Faculty or instructional staff designee from ACC (appointed by ACC for a one-year term)

CUP meets as required fall and winter quarters, and may meet in spring, if necessary. 

CUP AY 2025 - 2026 Membership