Academic Program Review
Academic Program Review is an opportunity for programs to step back, examine evidence about their students and curriculum, and identify priorities for the next stage of the program's development. In accordance with policies from the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, Augusta University's program review process combines quantitative and qualitative evidence to help programs evaluate viability, productivity, and quality and identify actions that support continuous improvement and student success.
Academic Planning supports programs throughout the process from preparation and data analysis through the development of action plans and follow-up.
Program review is organized around three key dimensions that provide a framework for evaluating program performance and identifying opportunities for improvement: viability, productivity, and quality.
Viability
The program's ability to be sustained either totally or in an altered form (e.g., curriculum change, level change, etc.).
Productivity
The program's ability to ensure each student reaches their primary educational goal to earn a degree.
Quality
The program’s excellence in meeting the expectations of the program’s discipline and
in
upholding the university’s mission, vision, and values.
KEY DATES
- Focus Review Draft Submission - November 23
Academic Partner Endorsement
Types of Reviews
Augusta University uses two types of program review: Regular Reviews and Focus Reviews. Each type of review serves a distinct purpose and follwos a different process based on the program's needs and review reuqirements. Additional details about the purpose, expectation, and process for each review type are provided below.
REGULAR REVIEW
A comprehensive review and planning exercise conducted every five years to evaluate program quality, viability, productivity, and alignment with institutional priorities.
- Schedule: Every five years
- Focus: Viability, productivity, and quality
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Timeline: One academic year
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End Product: Five-year action plan
FOCUS REVIEW
A targeted review for programs that need additional support or focused attention to address specific viability and productivty concerns and develop an actionable improvement plan.
- Schedule: Every five years
- Focus: Viability and productivity
- Timeline: One academic semester
- End Product: Three-year action plan.
Program Review Journey
Kick-Off Meeting
The Academic Program Review process begins in the Fall with a Kick-Off meeting for the college, department, and program leadership; the Associate Provost for Curriculum and other Academic Affairs leadership; and selected staff. This meeting provides a broad introduction to the process and the expectations of the programs.
Step 1
Orientation Meetings
Next, program-specific orientations are held in the weeks following the Kick-Off to provide the programs with the program review reporting template, the data sets, and any additional support. During the next few months, the academic planning staff check in with the program leadership as needed to assist in completing the program review template.
Step 2
Close Out Meetings
Finally, a Close-Out meeting is held with the Provost, Academic Affairs leadership, and the program leadership to discuss the viability, productivity, and quality evaluations made by the program.
Step 3Important Links
Academic Policy 2.3.6
Click here to view the Academic and Student Affairs Handbook