Program Review
The primary purpose of program review is to improve academic programs and it is assumed that this will occur through the processes of: collecting evidence relative to quality; shared reflection regarding a program’s current status and future directions; and constructive feedback through peer and administrative review.Definition of Program Review
A process with a focus on
ongoing program improvement,
student learning outcomes,
and integration of academic reporting
Narratives, planning and decisions emerging out of the program
review process are important commentaries on the quality of academic
programs that are not duplicated elsewhere. Thus, it is appropriate
for program review to be used as one—often very important—piece of
information about academic programs in the context of institutional
planning and financial decision-making.
Programs Scheduled for Review
The schedule linked here and to the left displays a list of those programs scheduled for review during academic years 2004-2005 through 2010-2011. If you have any questions/concerns about this schedule, please contact Denise Webster or Leslie Devine at 989-774-3632.
Program Review Guidelines
There are six components to the Program Review process. Be certain to review the Guidelines to gain an understanding of each of these components:
As described in the Guidelines, the Academic or Department Audit is an essential component of the process. To help prepare for that audit, please review this document early in the process.
Also mentioned in the Guidelines is the need to identify Library needs. Therefore, a Library Survey form should be completed, discussed and included as documentation for criterion in the academic program review process.
Suggested Timeline for Program Review Activities
We've put together recommendations to assist academic departments and colleges as they begin to plan for program review. In most cases, programs will need to go through a full review. A suggested timeline and flowchart are linked below:
Units that seek and maintain specialized accreditation with an organization that is a member of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors will be allowed to engage in an abbreviated program review process. A timeline and flowchart for this abbreviated process are linked below:
External Review
The documents below will assist in the planning for the External Review component of CMU's Program Review process:
Program Review Documents
The documents referenced on the left are also linked below for convenient retrieval.
Results of the program review survey can be found below