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.Purpose 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 right 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 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.
Institutional data and some survey results are compiled into a standard data set for each program undergoing review. This evidence addresses in part the program review criteria, and should be used to supplement the program’s and college’s own data, and analyzed within the self study. To complete the data for interdisciplinary programs, the director will need to contact Academic Affairs to supply details before some reports can be run.
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:
