Annual Program Review

Annual student learning assessment promotes ongoing improvement in academic programs and student support services by:

• Requiring all programs to identify the outcomes desired for students/graduates, and the methods by which achievement of those outcomes might be supported and measured. Typically, five to seven Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) have been identified by the faculty of each program.
• Collecting and evaluating reliable data upon which to measure whether our students are achieving those SLOs or whether our methods are contributing to or detracting from that achievement. Additionally, metrics of year 1 to 2 student persistence, graduation rates, and course DFW rates are reviewed to provide greater understanding.
• Establishing annual program action plans to achieve and maintain high-quality teaching and student support services.
• Providing assessment process feedback to improve program-level work. Annual Student Learning Assessments submitted by each program are reviewed by the University Assessment Committee (UAC) made up of faculty and staff from across the University with expertise in assessment. UAC feedback focuses on the assessment process for nine components of quality Annual Program Assessment. UAC feedback for each component and the overall submission (including comments and ratings of Accomplished, Developing or Emerging for each component) reinforces strong assessment protocols in place and provides support for improved assessment strategies when appropriate.
• Quality assessment components include: 1) Status of Action Plan(s) from previous reporting cycles; 2) Response to University Assessment Committee Review from previous cycle; 3) Mission Statement; 4) Goals; 5) Student Learning Outcomes; 6) Measures; 7) Results/Findings; 8) Discussion; and 9) Plans for the Next Assessment Cycle. II. Academic Program Review, cyclical reviews (five-year) of programs provide the opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of the quality of the program and opportunities for improvement and innovation.

Annual Program Review Deadlines

• Sept. 30 — Departmental review of annual program assessment results. The deadline facilitates the completion of the annual assessment report, which includes a report of faculty discussion and review of assessment reports.
• Oct. 15 — Annual program assessments are due to the provost's office. Provides the basis for curriculum modifications and/or new programs.
• May 30 — Collection of student learning outcomes data for annual program assessment. The deadline facilitates the achievement of student artifacts necessary for annual program review.

Review our full list of curriculum and assessment deadlines for more information.

Curriculum and assessment deadlines

Assessment Resources