Academic Program Review Details

Academic program review is part of the College‘s overall planning process. It is designed to assist the College in systematically evaluating the effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of each program. The Academic Program Review Process includes the following steps:

I. Preparing a Program Profile

The academic dean will select a team chair. The chair should be a faculty member or dean from the program area. A review team must be identified and should include members who can provide a broad-based perspective to all areas of the program being reviewed. Program profile information will be submitted to "open" the review.

II. Completing a Self-Study

The self-study will be the foundation for the review and is a basis for future improvement plans. This part of the process will examine seven specific categories:

    * WITC Program Statistics
    * Curriculum
    * Assessment of Student Learning
    * Advisory Committees
    * Equipment and Facilities
    * Faculty Professional Development
    * Collaboration Across the College

III. Analyzing the WTCS QRP Scorecard

The Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) has developed a quality review process (QRP) to assist colleges in collecting data to help evaluate themselves in the context of the entire state system. They have developed “scorecards” that include indicators that are based upon the priorities of the college, system, and strategic directions related to federal grant requirements. Areas in this section will include:

    * Analyzing scorecard data
    * Defining best practices and innovative activities
    * Developing potential actions for future improvements
    * Identifying future trends and external factors

IV. Developing an Improvement Plan & Final Portfolio

Based upon the analysis of the data collected during the Self-Study and WTCS QRPDS Scorecard Analysis, teams select final actions for improvement and complete a plan for implementing those improvements
over the next two years. Specific priorities may also be determined by the Division or College.

Once the improvement plan is developed and finalized, programs submit a Program Review Portfolio that includes all pieces of the review. These portfolios become the College‘s official record of the program review activities
and results.

V. Feedback on the Academic Program Review Process

Feedback from all stakeholders is requested each year. This feedback is used to improve the process of academic program review and is essential to assure the process is both meaningful and effective.

VI. Implementing Improvements and Progress Reports

During the two years following the review, the program will implement the action items listed on the improvement plan. During this time, the program will provide periodic reports on progress on the action items and associated results.