University Objectives of Program Review

· The University of Colorado Board of Regents and the Colorado Commission on Higher Education requires regular review of all academic programs. These reviews are conducted on a 7-year cycle that started in Academic Year 1980-81. Reviews involve systematic procedures designed to identify strengths and weaknesses of academic programs. They result in recommendations for program development and modification. The ultimate goal is promoting and maintaining high-quality academic programs that are administered efficiently, consistent with the Institution’s role and mission. The Board receives periodic reports based on and resulting from the reviews.

· The Boulder Campus Pursuit of Excellence Task Force Report (5/94) reaffirmed the basic premise of the UCB process, namely, "Program Review facilitates planning by the unit, campus, and university administration to inform decisions regarding resource allocation, faculty staffing, program focus, admission standards, curriculum content, and other academic matters."

· A Program Review Panel (PRP) is appointed to conduct the review process and to make recommendations for program improvements. Implementation of PRP recommendations is contingent on availability of resources and consistency with Campus plans.

Program Review Panel Membership

· The Associate Vice Chancellor for Faculty Affairs, acting as the designee of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, serves as PRP Chair, without voting rights.

· A number of faculty members equal to the number of units to be reviewed in a given year comprises the voting members of the Panel. They are chosen from a list jointly arrived at after consultation by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and the Boulder Faculty Assembly. Each faculty member serves a three-year term with reappointment possible. The Panel Chair designates each of the faculty members as a primary liaison for one unit under review.

· Two students, an undergraduate appointed by the University of Colorado Student Union (UCSU), and a graduate student appointed by the United Government of Graduate Students (UGGS), are non-voting members on the Panel.

· Non-voting observers are the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and the Chair of Boulder Faculty Assembly (or designee).

· An Assistant to the Chair coordinates and documents all proceedings.

Program Review Panel Responsibilities

· Consult with units on each stage of the review process, in a timely, fair, and professional manner.

· Select and notify units to be reviewed two years hence.

· Select an Internal Review Committee for each review comprised of three regular UCB faculty and one graduate student and one undergraduate student. These individuals may not be directly associated with the unit they review.

· Invite nationally recognized individuals in the same discipline, from outside institutions, to conduct the external review of each unit. Normally, two external reviewers are invited.

· Establish guidelines to be followed by this review committee.

· Ensure the receipt and distribution of data and written reports required of each committee and distribute Final Reports.

General Program Review Reports And Procedures

· A Self-Study Report conducted internally by the unit submitted to the Chair of the Panel by the first weekday in February (i.e., February 1st, 2nd or 3rd, as appropriate).

· A campus-level study conducted by an Internal Review Committee, with a written report submitted by the first weekday in April.

· An External Review, with a written report submitted within ten days following the External Review Committee visit to the Boulder Campus.

· The PRP Liaison to a unit drafts the Final Report. It is discussed by the Panel and a final draft of the Report is sent to the unit for comment. Their response is considered, changes may be made by the PRP, and the Report is submitted to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

· The Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs then meets with appropriate deans to discuss the Final Report. Each may attach comments to the Report, and/or ask the Panel to reconsider any aspect of it. Upon formal receipt of the Report by the Vice Chancellor, it becomes a public document and is submitted to the Chancellor and to the Regents.

· A Program Review may be scheduled to coincide with professional accreditation reviews as long as the goals and requirements in this document are addressed.

· The Panel Chair will request nominations from the unit for the various committees and for the names of professional organizations in their discipline well in advance of the review year.

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