UNIVERSITY COUNCIL
PLANNING AND PRIORITIES COMMITTEE
REQUEST FOR INPUT
PRESENTED BY:
John Rigby, Chair, Planning and Priorities Committee
DATE OF MEETING:
June 19, 2008
SUBJECT:
A Framework for Assessment: Beyond Systematic
Program Review
COUNCIL ACTION:
For discussion only
DISCUSSION SUMMARY:
Council input is sought on the proposed framework, which presents a broadly-based
structure for future assessment. The framework follows upon the adoption in 1999 of
Systematic Program Review (SPR) and the completion of the first six-year cycle of
program reviews in 2005.
The proposed assessment framework moves beyond the Systematic Program Review
(SPR) focus on instructional programs to include assessment of processes and
administrative units and coordination of the review process with the planning and
accreditation processes which exist. The framework is conceptualized in terms of three
types of assessment activities: academic assessment (teaching, learning, research
performance, outreach and engagement); operational assessment (unit and organizational
effectiveness); and reputational assessment (local, national, international). Systematic
graduate program review to support the University’s goal of becoming a major presence
in graduate education is a priority within the framework outlined. Undergraduate
curriculum review will no longer be systematic, but will be undertaken at the
recommendation of the Provost and Academic Programs Committee, or voluntarily as
part of the unit’s preparation for Integrated Planning.
The guiding principles of the proposed assessment framework support assessment aligned
with institutional goals and priorities, with responsibility for assessment initiatives vested
at a variety of levels within the University. Reflecting the university-wide importance of
assessment to support quality improvement, quality assurance, and accountability,
University Council, University Senate, and the Board of Governors will share collective
responsibility for the process and be apprised of outcomes.
BACKGROUND
Following completion of the cycle of SPR reviews, a review of the SPR process was
undertaken, as set out when the process for Systematic Process Review was approved in
1999 “using a mechanism to be determined by Council no later than June 30, 2004.” The
Planning Committee agreed that the process should closely follow the process for
program reviews in general, and accordingly a self-study was prepared, a site visit with
external consultants arranged, and survey of program heads completed. In March, 2005,
the Planning Committee circulated the SPR Self-Study Document and reviewers’ report
to the Committees of Council, Deans, and Department Heads, and invited comment on
how systematic reviews of the University’s programs should be done in the future. On
April 21, 2005, Council was engaged in a discussion on the future of a university-wide
review process.
The Planning and Priorities Committee reviewed the initial drafts of the assessment
framework document on April 13, and June 23, 2006, and consultation continued with
Council Committees throughout the Fall of 2007 and Spring of 2008. Recently, the
Planning and Priorities Committee considered the assessment framework at its May 21
and June 4, 2008, meetings. At the June 4th meeting, a motion was carried to approve in
principle the process outlined in A Framework for Assessment: Beyond Systematic
Program Review and request the document be submitted to Council for discussion.
Council approval of the assessment framework will be sought in the Fall of 2009.
ATTACHMENTS:
A Framework for Assessment: Beyond Systematic Program Review draft dated
June 9, 2008