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.

 

 

Academic Program Review at a Glance

 

 

 

Co-Curricular Program Review at a Glance