Addressing AAS Goal: Plan for Evaluating Graduate Program Array 2013-14
The broad purpose of this process is to review the current graduate program array—looking for areas of potential
revisions in current array and exploring potential areas of expansion in near term (3-5 years). The School of Graduate
Studies will meet with the leadership teams of all four academic colleges during spring and/or fall terms 2013 as
schedules allow. It is anticipated that each meeting will last approximately 60-90 minutes, though colleges with
multiple graduate programs (College of Business and Economics, and the College of Education and Professional
Studies) may require more than one meeting.
College Meeting Attendees:
Dean of School of Graduate, Associate Dean of School of Graduate Studies, Dean of Academic College, Associate
and Assistant Deans of College, Graduate Coordinators, relevant Department Chairs, and others deemed appropriate
by the academic dean.
Examining Current and Exploring the Expansion of Graduate Program Array
Tentative Agenda
Reviewing Current Graduate Program Array:
1. Why was the program established? What were the program’s original expectations and how have those
expectations changed over the years?
2. How has the program evolved over the years? What is the degree to which the program has adapted to
meet change?
3. What external indicators are there to show the need for and attractiveness of the program?
a. Enrollment trend data for each program over the past ten years (and emphasis area data as available)
(data from Institutional Research)
b. Number of applicants and admits over the past five years (data from Graduate School)
c. Number of graduates produced by the program over the preceding ten years.
4. What would be the impact if the program was altered or eliminated? For instance, what other programs
make an indirect claim on this program’s resources, or benefit from the existence of this program?
Discussion of serendipitous benefits of offering program to the department or college.
5. What changes would improve existing program?
a. Discussion of the external (i.e., changing demographics, employment trends and needs related to the
program) and internal variables (i.e., staffing, space, facilities, other resources, college/department
impingements, etc.) identified as influencing program enrollment and growth potential.
b. Discussion of strategies for making current graduate programs more relevant? Resources necessary for
improving program vitality (i.e., faculty, marketing). Strategies for making programs more visible.
Resource needs.
6. Enrollment goals for next 3-5 years?
7. New degree program ideas related to current programming? (e.g., professional doctorate)
Expanding Graduate Program Array?
1. Finding “spaces” for new program ideas: U.S. Department of Labor data projections; cultural and
demographic changes; and new graduate programs added across UW System in past decade.
2. Ideas for new graduate programs?
a. Opportunities and interests in interdisciplinary graduate programming among one or more departments
inside the college (and/or) out or off-campus.
b. New program ideas worthy of market research? Timelines? Leaders? Necessary support?
3. Impingements on expanding graduate program array? Resources necessary to support expansion?
4. Viability of launching self-supporting programming?
A summary report, including conclusions and recommendations for each college will be prepared, in consultation with
academic deans, by 1 December 2013.