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Program and Unit Review

Our academic programs engage in comprehensive evaluation through either programmatic and professional accreditation review or WCU’s internal program review process. Additionally, our student support services and administrative units also participate in periodic reviews of their operations and strategic direction. Program reviews occur on a 5-to-7-year cycle.

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Program Review Schedule can be found on our SharePoint site (WCU log-in required).

Frequently Asked Questions

Our office conducts internal program reviews for all programs/units which are not externally accredited. If your program/unit has external or professional accreditation, it will not need to undergo our program review process.

For those program/units participating in our internal review process, the requirements are that each program/unit write a self-study narrative that evaluates its progress compared with a number of academic or operational standards.

Additionally, each program/unit will identify potential internal and external reviewers, who will then be invited to review the self-study and meet with the program/unit, as well as various campus stakeholders. At the end of the process, these reviewers will provide feedback and make recommendations to the program/unit under review.

Review the section below for important documents needed for your program/unit review.

WCU program reviews occur online (virtually). In exceptional cases, a program/unit may ask the Office of Institutional Assessment for an in-person review, and those requests will be approved on a case-by-case basis.

Exceptional cases include:

  • Programs/units that have unique facilities and equipment that are integral to the program.
  • Programs/units that heavily interact with local cultures, structures, and/or biological organisms unique to the area.

To apply for an in-person review, the Director/Department Head must submit a written request (two pages maximum) detailing the reasons an in-person review would add substantial value to their program’s review process.

All applications for in-person review are due to the Office of Institutional Assessment at the same time the program/unit submits their list of potential program reviewers which typically occurs at the beginning of the semester PRIOR to your scheduled review. Any applications for in-person review received after this date will not be considered.

 

Program Review Resources

Program Review Handbook for Academic Programs This 8-page handbook outlines all aspects of the program review process.

Self Study Guidance - Academic Programs This document outlines the Self Study Report component of program review.

Unit Review Handbook for Support Services and Administrative UnitsThis 8-page handbook outlines all aspects of the program review process.

Self Study Guidance - Support Services and Administrative Units This document outlines the Self Study Report component of program review.

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