DEVELOPING AND PILOTING A PROGRAM REVIEW PROCESS
2011 UPDATE REPORT WITH REVIEWER RESPONSE
Project Details
Title
Developing and Piloting a Program Review Process
Category 1-Helping Students Learn
Timeline
Planned Project Kickoff
02-26-2010
Target Completion
02-26-2011
1.
Status
Updated
Reviewed
REVIEWED
09-16-2011
09-21-2011
Created
02-17-2010
Last Modified
09-21-2011
Project Accomplishments and Status:
Answer:
Accomplishments The Committee charged with the development and implementation of a process
for reviewing programs worked diligently throughout the year developing a
process for program review. The resulting document provides not only for the
review of academic programs but also for the review of the various support
services provided by the college.
Current Status It was determined by the committee that the process which had been developed
should be field tested before finally being fully implemented. Therefore two
programs are, at this writing, conducting pilot reviews, one academic program and
one support service.
Review:
This is an important action project and connects with AQIP Category (1) Helping
Students Learn. As mentioned in your initial project, an evaluation of each
program every three years will ensure that students are getting the best possible
education. In your initial project, you also pointed out how important evaluations
are for academic programs and student support areas when deciding on a budget.
AQIP Categories (5) Leading and Communicating and (7) Measuring
Effectiveness are being used as you conduct the implementation phase of the
evaluation project. The decision to start with one academic and student support
area is an excellent idea. With the evaluation process of your programs you
are (3) Understanding Students' and Other Stakeholders' Needs, this is important
as students move forward with degrees and careers.
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2.
Institution Involvement:
Answer:
Maintaining Focus It appears that in regard to this Action Project the initial formation of the
committee was key to maintaining the overall focus of the committee. Members
chose to be on the Committee, they were not appointed or “pushed” into serving.
By choosing to serve they were demonstrating a belief that the review of
programs was important and that they wanted to have influence on the review
process format. While it was determined to keep the committee small it was also
decided that it should represent a cross section of the campus. It has appeared that
each member believed they were providing important value to the process.
Maintaining Involvement Between meetings of the Committee , the committee chairperson maintained
contact with the members through email by requesting comments/reaction to
issues related to the development of the review process.
Review:
These are excellent steps to get the input and support of the institutions employees
(AQIP Category (4) Valuing People). Your meetings and connection by e-mail
between the meetings, kept the process moving at a good rate. Category (5)
Leading and Communicating are used in the process as it is important to make
sure everyone involved is aware of the steps as you begin implementing the
evaluation program. It is very exciting that everyone volunteered to be on this
committee and saw how important this project is to the students and the college.
3.
Next Steps:
Answer:
Pilot process:
Currently there are two Pilot Reviews in process; the Digital Media Technology
academic program and the Information Technology service department. At the
conclusion of each of these reviews the following will take place:
1.
The Committee will assess the process by reviewing each phase of the
implementation endeavor. This will be conducted through interviews with
the individuals who completed the review of the program or service.
Written comments/reactions from the participants will also be gathered.
2.
Reaction to the process will also be received from the Vice President for
Learning.
3.
Based on the data gathered from the interviews and written reactions,
aspects of the process that indicate necessary modifications need to be
made will be reworked.
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4.
Upon the completion of these modifications, the process will be presented
to the President for full implementation.
Review:
Principles of Collaboration, Involvement, and Information are all being used in
your effort to implement a new program evaluation process. It appears you have
a great four step process at the conclusion of each program evaluation to
determine what changes may need to be made. AQIP Category (7) Measuring
Effectiveness will be used as you gather and analyze your data.
4.
Resulting Effective Practices:
Answer:
The Committee created to develop an effective review process was no different than
most committees assembled on a college campus. Every member was already busy
and did not need one more thing to do. Making use of technology became essential
to completing the task. Technology was used extensively from scheduling face to
face meetings to reviewing and critiquing narrative to holding e-meetings.
Review:
It appears you are using AQIP Category (9) Building Collaborative Relationships
as you use technology and get creative in findings ways to meet and work
together on this project around everyone’s busy schedules.
Your target date for completion was set for February 26, 2011. It appears that this
institution has achieved progress towards the completion of the project. The
feedback you get from the two test areas will be important as you make any
possible changes to the evaluation process and implement it on a larger scale.
5.
Project Challenges:
Answer:
While the use of electronic media has been extremely helpful, the issue of time
continues to be a challenge.
Review:
It appears you are facing a major challenge that seems to be present at almost
every school, time to devote to an important project. It is great that you have
worked so hard despite this challenge.
Congratulations to you on your research and work. Please keep AQIP apprised of
your movement towards your completed evaluation process. The specifics of
what is included in your evaluation (for example what questions are asked) could
serve as a valuable model for other schools needing to improve programs.
aqip\program-review-update-review-2011.docx\oct’11\kp\kme
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