Program Review
Program Review Overview
Program review is one mechanism by which Western University of Health Sciences routinely evaluates degree and co-curricular programs and associated services to ensure they reflect the standards for quality that are embedded in our mission and values. This evidence-based process engages the faculty, administration, staff, students, and community and professional constituents with the intention facilitating a number of activities and goals to:
- assist programs in developing or improving appropriate means for assessing student learning outcomes
- better align department, college, and institutional goals and plans
- assist in making curricular and other changes to improve program and student learning outcomes
- identify potential cross-program collaborations
- inform the university’s overall decision-making, strategic planning, and budgeting processes
- integrate professional and specialized accreditation reviews with the university’s oversight of and planning for its programs
- conform to WASC standards for accreditation and expectations for a satisfactory program review process
- conform to federal guidelines for institutions of higher education
WesternU’s program review process consists of the following six milestones:
Milestone |
Activities |
|
1 | Planning and Preparation | Kickoff meeting to establish timelines, roles and responsibilities. |
2 | Research | Standard data and reports from service units. Additional research planned as needed. |
3 | Self-Study | Self-study report developed. Formative feedback on draft reports. Involvement of cross-section of stakeholders. |
4 | External Review | External site visit and team report. |
5 | Internal Review | Visit results reviewed by Academic Affairs. Development of action plan to address goals set by review. |
6 | Annual Follow-Up | Joint review by program administration and Academic Affairs. Update of action plan recorded. |