Program Review is a systematic way to meet both the legislative and University intent to assess the quality of our academic degree programs while determining ways to improve the quality of education, research and service. The seven-year review period enables degree programs to better align their goals and plans with those of the college and University. This process is designed to build a better understanding of the whole program among faculty, staff and University leadership.

The program review process is composed of three elements:

1) Self-Study by Department: The Self-Study is a comprehensive report on the total academic program focused on each of the degree programs. It contains the department vision, mission, goals, and recommendations based on an analysis of the program information and measurable indicators that place the program within the context of the University and the discipline.

2) External Consultant: An external consultant and/or a specialized accreditation visit provides an objective outsider's view on the quality of the program.

3) Executive Vice Provost's Recommendations: The Executive Vice Provost provides written recommendations to the unit regarding the future directions of the academic program based on the findings of the Self-Study and the reports of the external consultant and Executive Program Review Committee. The Executive Vice Provost Recommendations place Program Review in the context of future planning, University academic themes, strategic initiatives and budgetary decisions.

Information about each of these elements of the Program Review process can be viewed from the tabs along the top of this page. Additional pages contain information resources and historical archives valuable to self-study participants.

Program review focuses on evaluating degree programs for continuous quality improvements. An indication of success for the program review process is that the questions and larger issues it raises trigger the faculty, Dean, Provost and staff to conduct additional evaluations and assessments.