1. 1 Southern Connecticut State University Graduate Council Academic Standards Committee Procedures for Southern Connecticut State University

2. 2 What is a A Program Review? A Program Review is a scheduled evaluation of a department’s or program’s graduate degree program(s) according to prescribed standards set by the Academic Standards Committee (ASC) with the approval of the University’s Graduate Council.

3. 3 What is the Department’s Responsibility? Each department/program is responsible for conducting a self-study of its graduate degree program(s) in strict accordance with the standards set by the Academic Standards Committee.

4. 4 What is a Self-Study? A process, not an EVENT. Reflects a commitment to providing students with a quality educational experience. A form of assessment. Describes, evaluates, and subsequently improves the quality of a degree program. An unwavering commitment to quality improvement.

5. 5 What is the Self-Study Process? A systematic and thorough examination of all of a program’s components in light of its stated MISSION. Allows a program to determine the success it is having in accomplishing its self-established goals and objectives through careful evaluation of input obtained from individuals and groups directly and indirectly involved with the program. Involves the identification of a program's strengths and weaknesses Delineates a time-phased, action plan necessary to address weaknesses and sustain successes.

6. 6 What is the Outcome of the Self-Study? The Program Report Program Review Department X May 20___

7. 7 What must the Report Contain? The Report is a stand-alone, written account of the outcomes of the self- study.The Report is a stand-alone, written account of the outcomes of the self- study. It contains the department’s/program’s responses to each of the ASC standards with required, supportive documentation.It contains the department’s/program’s responses to each of the ASC standards with required, supportive documentation.

8. 8 1.Failure to respond to each standard with all required documentation. 2.Submission of incomplete or inaccurate data (i.e., admission data based on graduate applications received versus completed files). 3.Confusion regarding program goals and expected student outcomes. 4.Presentation of inappropriate measures for student outcomes (should include measures beyond grades and course completions) 5.Failure to identify the source of student outcomes. 12 Most Common Errors 12 Most Common Errors

9. 9 6.Lack of evidence that admission criteria are part of the actual admission process. 7.Failure to provide rubrics for decision- making (i.e., admissions, grading of culminating experiences, etc.). 8.Failure to provide specific advisement and tracking procedures. 9.Failure to address the Program’s last time- phased action plan. 10.Failure to provide sample course syllabi that meet the Minimal Elements in a Graduate Syllabus. 12 Most Common Errors, Cont’d 12 Most Common Errors, Cont’d

10. 10 11.Failure to provide evidence of a process of systematic assessment. 12.Failure to provide a time-phased action plan for quality Program improvement. 12 Most Common Errors, Cont’d

11. 11 What is the Purpose of the Appearance Before the ASC Committee?

12. 12 It’s Not an Inquisition

13. 13 It’s Not an Interrogation

14. 14 It’s an Opportunity to Seek Clarification The appearance before colleagues on the ASC provides: committee members with an opportunity to seek clarification of items in the self-study report so that their decisions are based on accurate information.committee members with an opportunity to seek clarification of items in the self-study report so that their decisions are based on accurate information. departments/programs with feedback that can strengthen programs.departments/programs with feedback that can strengthen programs.

15. 15 What are the Possible Outcomes of the ASC Review? ContinuingConditional 2 1 Not Accepted Interim Report Accepted 3 4 Recommendation to Discontinue Program

16. 16 1.Clearly stated program mission and goals 2.Clearly stated expected student outcomes and methods of measurement 3.Specific entry and exit requirements [Rubrics] 4.Appropriate number of qualified students [Completed files only] 5.A clear presentation of statistical data concerning admissions [three-year average of at least 10/year), graduations [three-year average of at least 3/year], courses cancelled, and other relevant statistics What are the Standards?

17. 17 6.Student advisement [published office hours consistent with course offerings] and tracking procedures [three to five year course rotation plan is published and followed. Sufficient courses are scheduled each semester to permit a matriculated student to follow his or her planned program of full or part time, and some provision for summer coursework]. 7.A clear statement of students’ rights and responsibilities 8.Appropriate number of qualified faculty [at least three qualified, tenure track faculty are teaching in the program on a regular rotation; no faculty member teaches a majority of the courses (excluding thesis, special project and IDS) in a typical students’ program] [at least one tenure track faculty member who holds the appropriate degree in the discipline is responsible for the program. There is an appointed coordinator with sufficient reassigned time to carry out these responsibilities] [Use Template] What are the Standards?

18. 18 9.A consistently high level of instruction and assignments [See Minimum Elements – slide 19] 10.Evidence of faculty and student research, scholarship, and/or creative activity 11.A climate of intellectual/professional curiosity and achievement 12.Adequate library resources for graduate study 13.Adequate non-print resources, such as audio-visual, computers, labs, practica 14.Periodic review and evaluation procedures What are the Standards?

19. 19 15.Regular and systematic alumni follow-up a.Systematic data concerning graduates in regularly obtained, reviewed, and used to improve the program [demographic and statistical documentation of the ability of the program to sustain itself effectively] b. Presentation of the results of the graduate program survey by students c. Presentation of the results of the graduate program survey by faculty d. Evidence of analysis of a-c e. Relationship between graduate and undergraduate programs What are the Standards?

20. 20 16.Analysis of program strengths and weaknesses 17.Action plan for the future [Use Template] What are the Standards?

21. 21 Graduate Course Syllabi

22. 22 Summary It is expected that department’s will: Conduct an ongoing and thorough program assessmentConduct an ongoing and thorough program assessment Submit a written report in strict adherence to ASC standards and requests for specific documentationSubmit a written report in strict adherence to ASC standards and requests for specific documentation Appear before the ASC to respond to questionsAppear before the ASC to respond to questions