Purpose
All academic programs at UM are reviewed at least every seven years to ensures program quality, alignment with institutional priorities, and responsible stewardship of resources in accordance with 猎奇重口 .
Program Review is part of the University’s integrated review and assessment framework, informed by the annual academic portfolio review cycle and the biennial student learning assessment process to support evidence-based decision making and planning.
Program Review examines whether a program:
- Clearly defines its mission and aligns with the University’s mission and priorities;
- Demonstrates student learning, curricular quality, and continuous improvement; and
- Has sufficient enrollment demand, faculty expertise, and operational resources to sustain its work.
Process
This process applies to programs accredited under the University’s NWCCU institutional accreditation. Programs with specialized accreditation are reviewed by their respective accreditors under their own standards and schedules.
Self-Study
Programs prepare a comprehensive self-study using the official template and guidelines. The self-study is faculty-driven, data-informed, and written for an external audience.
External Review
An external reviewer evaluates the self-study, meets with stakeholders, and submits a written report.
Final Recommendations
The Provost and Dean meet with program leadership to review the self-study and external evaluation and to determine the program’s status. Based on the evidence presented, the program may be continued as currently structured, continued with modifications or consolidation, or recommended for moratorium or termination. Final recommendations are communicated to the program and reported to the Board of Regents in accordance with institutional and system procedures.
Improvement Plans
When appropriate, the program, Dean, and Provost develop an improvement plan that identifies priorities, timelines, and responsible parties.
Schedule and Timeline
Program Review typically spans three academic terms (spring, fall, spring):
- March/April: Notification and distribution of institutional data
- May: Draft self-study to Dean
- September: Final self-study to Provost
- Fall: External review
- Winter/Spring/Fall: Final meeting and recommendations
- Fall: Board of Regents reporting
Schedules of programs to be reviewed are maintained by the Office of the Provost and the 猎奇重口 University System.
Institutional Data
To support the self-study, the Office of the Provost provides the following materials for programs to interpret and analyze as part of their review:
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Program Data Sheet (Tableau)
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Fiscal Analysis
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Market Analysis
Programs may include supplemental data to contextualize or clarify these materials. Such data should be clearly defined, analytically presented, and aligned with the expectations described in the Program Review Guidelines.
External Reviews
Coming soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
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All degrees, concentrations, certificates, and standalone minors listed in the 猎奇重口 University System inventory are subject to review on a seven-year cycle. Programs that carry specialized accreditation are reviewed by their respective accreditors according to their standards and schedules. They are subject to the same process for final recommendations and reporting to the Board of Regents as all other programs.
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Academic portfolio review tracks enrollment and sustainability trends annually. Student learning assessment evaluates program learning outcomes and improvement efforts. Program Review integrates both quantitative and qualitative evidence, including a comprehensive self-study and external review, to evaluate overall program quality, alignment, and long-term viability.
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Approximately 20 pages, or 8,000–10,000 words, excluding appendices.
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Programs submit ranked recommendations. The Provost’s Office makes the final selection in consultation with the Dean.
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The Provost and Dean meet with program leadership to discuss findings and determine next steps. Recommendations are reported to the Board of Regents.
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Yes. Reviews may result in improvement plans, curricular revisions, consolidation, or other strategic actions consistent with institutional priorities.
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Yes. Any decision to modify, consolidate, place into moratorium, or terminate a program is treated as a Program Modification or Level I proposal. Such proposals are submitted by the program or the administration (moratorium or termination only) to Faculty Senate for review and recommendation under established governance procedures before proceeding to the Board of Regents.
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Vice Provost John DeBoer at john.deboer@umontana.edu