This paper presents the methodology developed by the State University System of Florida (SUS) to propose new programs and evaluate their viability prior to approval. Universities must initially request that programs for development be placed on the 5-year strategic plan. Once on the SUS strategic plan, universities may submit proposals following a prescribed format that includes: program description; institutional mission; planning process and timetable; assessment of need and demand; curriculum; institutional capability; assessment of impact on programs currently offered; community college articulation; assessment of applicable accreditation standards; and productivity. A review format consisting of 25 criteria (and standards for each criteria) is used. Once a proposal is submitted, Board action on new degree proposals consists of one of the following: no action, no action with an invitation to resubmit, planning authorization, and implementation authorization. Universities must demonstrate through the proposals that sufficient resources have been committed to the program to ensure its quality. A new system to follow up on programs through the program review process is being developed. Appended are: the new degree proposal format; criteria and standards for evaluating new degree proposals; and a sample chart of ratings on the 25 criteria. (Contains 10 references.) (SM)