The document proposes revisions to the program approval process for public higher education institutions in Massachusetts. Key changes include: 1. Requiring institutions to indicate how new program proposals align with their strategic plan in their letter of intent. 2. Circulating letters of intent to the Advisory Committee on Academic Programs and the Statewide Policy Committee for comment. 3. Having the Board of Higher Education review proposals to ensure alignment with system goals and consideration of factors like regional economic needs and affordable costs. 4. Establishing a timeline for implementing the new process starting in March 2017.