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Division of Academic Affairs Division of Academic Affairs

Academic Program Review FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of Academic Program Review (APR)?

All programs must be reviewed to ensure the quality of scholarship, teaching, scientific inquiry, and community enrichment across the University, whether it is through academic program review or accreditation per the Board of Governors Statute, 2.43.02. In addition, regular review of programs is part of the Criteria for Accreditation's standards of quality by which the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) determines whether an institution merits accreditation or reaffirmation of accreditation.  Programs that are accredited do not have to participate in academic program review, however, they may participate if accreditation is not sufficient.

  1. Which voice or audience should be prioritized?

The current structure emphasizes the External Evaluators over internal voices and emphasizes reports from the evaluators over input from program members.

  1. What is the role of data in the APR process?

Currently, a limited amount of data regarding student enrollment is provided to the program undergoing review during the self-study preparation process. However, a new dashboard for APR with student data and a resource page was implemented in AY2020. Any other data used during APR is the responsibility of the program.

  1. When is my program up for review?

The APR calendar is available here. It is updated every year.

  1. What do I need to do if my program does not renew accreditation?

Please contact the APR office to be added to the schedule for review. A meeting will be scheduled to review the process. 

  1. Is assessment important for Academic Program Review?

Yes, you will be asked to provide information in the self-study in regards to how assessment has contributed to your program. If you need assistance in accessing your assessment data, please contact Cathy Barrette, Director, Assessment.

  1. Will APR be used to eliminate my program?

    The purpose of Academic Program Review is to ensure continuous improvement. It is not used for program elimination.

  2. What happens after the final review of my program?

    Programs chairs/directors will work with their deans to develop action plans for addressing recommendations from the reviewers.

  3. Are there any examples of improvements for participating in APR?

Some actions resulting from APR:

  • Assessment improvement: Mathematics developed a more structured program assessment plan that includes sending out surveys to graduate program directors, advisors, and graduates.
  • Curricular improvement: African American Studies added an introductory and theories and methods course; Classical and Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures restructured their programs to preserve minors and create interdisciplinary area studies majors with language requirements.
  • Strategic hiring actions: Chemistry hired an additional advisor and a grant contract officer; Art and Art History hired a tenured faculty specializing in the Black diaspora.
  • Facility improvements: Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies provided updated computers to faculty and staff. Anthropology will seek to improve their space by combining departments into a single space.
  • Marketing and recruitment: Industrial and Systems Engineering increased its efforts to recruit qualified undergraduates by adding two new concentrations, revamping their website, and increasing engagement through social media. The Linguistics department is working on promoting the program by revising the MA program and seeking more financial aid sources.