Program Review Policy
University Policy 224
1. Introduction
1.1 The purpose of this policy is to ensure that academic programs are being reviewed regularly for quality, efficiency and productivity in accordance with UNC Policy 400.1.V. This policy establishes the procedures, responsibilities, and schedule for academic program review.
2. Scope
2.1.This policy applies to all academic programs. Each program will be reviewed on a seven-year cycle.
3. Definitions
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
A sequence of courses and related activities that result in the awarding of an academic credential. For the purposes of this policy, these include bachelor’s, master’s, specialists, and doctoral degrees.
APPALACHIAN
Appalachian State University, a constituent institution of The University of North Carolina, with its main campus located in Boone, North Carolina. This includes any officially designated location, program, or activity of Appalachian.
APR
Academic Program Review.
COLLEGE
Instructional college of an academic program.
IRAP
Appalachian’s Office of Institutional Research, Assessment and Planning.
PCR
Periodic Comprehensive Review. This is the process by which Appalachian will comply with the program review (APR) policy requirements.
REVIEW CYCLE
For policy compliance, programs must be reviewed at least once every seven years from the date of the preceding review or from the implementation date of a new academic program. Programs that are accredited with an accreditation cycle that is different from a seven-year cycle may be accommodated based on that cycle. IRAP and Academic Affairs will work with the college or program to determine the cycle.
4. Policy and procedure statements
4.1 IRAP will manage the program review cycle and publish this on the IRAP website.
4.2 IRAP will facilitate each program review and work with those conducting the program review.
4.3 Review criteria is based on PCR standards which are published on the IRAP website. The standards include institutional standards as well as items required by UNC System policy.
5. Responsibility
IRAP is responsible for managing the program review cycle and PCR guidelines.
Department chairs are responsible for facilitating academic program reviews for their department’s programs, and faculty must participate in the process. The department chair is responsible for ensuring that the report is shared with IRAP, the college dean and department faculty. Upon completion of the review, the report will be submitted to the college dean for review and signature.
Deans are responsible for ensuring that every academic program within their college completes the program review process.
The Provost is responsible for overseeing the program review process to ensure compliance with the policy. The Provost will review department reports on academic programs and continuous improvement plans. The Provost recommends expansion, contraction, elimination, or no action for each program to the Chancellor. The Provost shall consult with appropriate academic leadership regarding the findings of the report and provide opportunity for feedback before submitting final recommendations to the Chancellor.
The Chancellor is responsible for expanding, contracting, or discontinuing programs based upon the review of academic programs. Based on the final recommendations, the Chancellor shall take appropriate actions as needed for program continuous improvement, expansion, contraction, or program discontinuation The Chancellor shall submit a summary report to the Board of Trustees for review. Final reports shall be forwarded to the UNC System Office.
The Board of Trustees is responsible for reviewing summary reports submitted annually to the UNC System Office.
6. Additional References
APPENDICES
RELATED POLICIES
UNC Policy 400.1.V, Policy on Academic Planning
7. Administrative Unit Contact
Institutional Research, Assessment and Planning
828-262-4090
History
Original Effective Date: December 6, 2024 [BOT Approval]
Revised: