Program Reviews

A program review is a formal evaluation of an academic program that happens every five to ten years. Program reviews are typically large comprehensive reports that examine:

• Student enrollment, retention, and graduation data.
• The curriculum – including program outcomes, courses, syllabi, program entrance and graduation requirements, capstone projects, and more. The curriculum is also evaluated against recent scholarship and developments in the field, and it is often compared to the curriculum at other institutions.
• Student learning outcomes and assessment data. Trends in assessment reports are reviewed more comprehensively.
• Other available data about the program (with the help of the Institutional Research Office).
• Faculty qualifications and needs.
• Program costs, marketing and recruiting strategies, advising, fundraising, facilities, resources, and other needs.
• Conclusions and goals for improvement.

Program reviews are often written in stages, through several drafts, and collaboratively by program coordinators, department chairs, and faculty. They also incorporate data and input from assessment coordinators, the Institutional Research Office, the Business Office, Marketing, and Recruitment. Outside reviewers (faculty or administrators from other institutions) may also be invited to evaluate aspects of the program, particularly the curriculum and student learning outcomes.

Program reviews are usually submitted to the academic dean, the Vice President of Academics, and an assessment dean or an assessment committee. The report is reviewed by each of these groups, and they provide feedback and recommendations for improvement. If all goes well, program coordinators will identify a few ways to improve the program. However, administrators may decide to eliminate the program, if the review identifies major problems and no plans for improvement.

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In one of my previous leadership positions, I managed the university’s program review process, so I am very familiar with all stages of the program review. I can help write or review sections of the report, evaluate the curriculum, summarize scholarship about trends in the field, analyze assessment data, serve as an outside reviewer, and identify opportunities for improvement.

I have conducted program reviews for academic programs in the Humanities, Arts and Sciences, Business, Nursing, and Allied Health programs.

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