Purpose

Comprehensive Program Review (CPR) is a set of procedures to evaluate the effectiveness of academic programs through a systematic review. Its purpose is to address the quality, viability, and productivity of efforts in teaching and learning, scholarship, and service as appropriate to the institution's mission. The review of academic programs shall involve analyses of both quantitative and qualitative data. Institutions must demonstrate that they make judgments about the future of academic programs within a culture of evidence. (See the Board of Regents CPR Policy 3.6.3: Comprehensive Academic Program Review)

Introduction

The goal of academic program review at Georgia College & State University is to improve programs using information gathered and analyzed during a cyclical review process. The program review process allows GCSU to assess changes in programs, to examine their strengths and weaknesses, and to identify areas for strategic change. The aim of program review is to ensure the continuous improvement of programs, rather than to demonstrate a program's high quality. The process outlined in this document has been developed to adhere to the policy outlined by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents and SACSCOC accreditation requirements while simultaneously recognizing the unique mission of our institution.

The expectation for Comprehensive Program Review is that it is everyone’s responsibility. Program faculty, coordinators, and department chairs should work together to analyze data, make meaning of the analyses, determine strengths and challenges and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Program faculty, with program coordinators, must collaborate to set short- and long-term goals and should engage in data-informed decision making for the improved quality, productivity, and viability of GCSU's academic programs.

Program Review and Institutional Effectiveness

Academic program review is one of several interrelated components of GCSU's overall institutional effectiveness plan. Program review is grounded in a culture of evidence, and relies upon tracking key performance indicators, assessing outcomes, and analyzing data to improve the quality of programs. Program review incorporates and builds on other related and ongoing report processes, including data from annual reports, assessment of learning outcomes in the SMART reporting structure, and relevant accreditation processes.

Planning and conduct of academic program reviews is used for the progressive improvement and adjustment of programs in the context of the institution's strategic directions. Adjustments may include program enhancement, maintenance at the current level, reduction in scope, or, if fully justified, consolidation or termination.

Aggregate data are compiled in the Office of the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs on the basis of program reviews and other related reports, and is used for overall planning efforts. The Office of the Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs incorporates these data into an overall analysis of institutional effectiveness and makes recommendations for long-range planning and improvement.