V403.01.02 Academic Program Review Procedure

Following the approved Program Review and Biennial Program Updates (BPU) Rotation Schedule, academic program faculty will ensure the quality and continuous improvement of academic programs at Valley City State University (VCSU) through regular and systematic program reviews and updates. Reviews and updates will be submitted in the campus assessment system, following the approved outline, by February 15.

Biennial Program Updates (Years 2 and 4):

The intent of updates is to maintain focus on program goals, quality, and priorities, leading up to a comprehensive program review in year 6 of the cycle. BPUs will cover the previous two academic years of program information.

Programs will provide updates on progress made towards addressing the recommendations from the previous comprehensive review.
The updates will include any significant discussion and changes in program curriculum, faculty, resources, or student outcomes.
A brief report summarizing the updates will be submitted to the institution’s assessment director and VPAA in the campus assessment system, following the approved review outline, by February 15.

Comprehensive Program Review (Every 6 Years):

The intent of the comprehensive review is to thoroughly consider all aspects of the program, including an assessment of program quality, means to improve program quality, alignment with the university's mission, and program productivity. Completed in year 6 of the cycle, program reviews will cover the previous six academic years of program information.

Each comprehensive program review will be conducted by the program faculty, relevant dean or chair, and include an external consultation or review (see below).
The review will include diverse assessment activities such as alumni and student surveys, assessments of student learning outcomes, graduates’ performance on professional or graduate record examinations, or other appropriate methods.
The review will follow the approved standardized outline/template and will be submitted to the institution’s assessment director and VPAA in the campus assessment system, following the approved review outline, by February 15.
The assessment director will meet with the program leader(s) to discuss the results.
A report summarizing the findings and follow-up activities will be submitted to the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) by the institution’s assessment director within three months of the review's completion.

External consultation or review:

Contributes expertise in the relevant academic discipline or field;
Provides an objective assessment of the program's strengths, opportunities, and areas for improvement;
Offers recommendations for enhancing program quality and effectiveness; and
Contributes to the final written report summarizing the review findings and action plan.

Selection of the external consultation or review must ensure there are no conflicts of interest with the program being reviewed and could consist of:

Review and advice from the program advisory council or other representatives of the employers of program graduates;

A site visit and/or review by a qualified consultant from another institution or professional organization;

A review by one or more faculty members from another program within the institution; and/or

A relevant specialized accreditation self-study or evaluation, provided it addresses all aspects of the approved outline. Requests for extensions due to differing state or national accreditation cycles must be communicated to VCSU’s assessment director.