Policy & Governance

Program Review supports the ongoing quality and effectiveness of Cal State LA’s academic programs. The process provides an opportunity for programs, colleges, and the University to examine academic quality using both qualitative and quantitative evidence and to identify opportunities for continued development and improvement.

University Program Review policy emphasizes the maintenance and strengthening of curriculum while considering student needs, professional preparation, the needs of the community and society, and the effective use of University resources.

Program Review may inform decisions and recommendations related to:

• Curriculum and academic program planning
• Student learning and success
• Faculty and student needs
• Program resources and priorities
• Long-range planning and program development
• Modification or strengthening of academic programs

Program Review is intended to be a comprehensive process that draws upon professional judgment, evidence, and discussion rather than relying on any single measure of program quality.

Cal State LA’s Program Review policy establishes a periodic review process for academic programs using both qualitative and quantitative information. Review cycles are coordinated across academic programs and colleges, with consideration given to related disciplines, graduate and undergraduate programs, and specialized accreditation schedules.

Program Self-Study

Programs scheduled for review prepare a self-study through consultation among faculty and other appropriate participants. The self-study examines program goals, curriculum, student learning, student success, program effectiveness, resources, and plans for continued improvement.

Programs with Specialized Accreditation

Specialized accreditation and University Program Review serve related but distinct purposes. Programs that have recently completed a professional or disciplinary accreditation review may be able to use accreditation materials as part of a modified Program Review.

When accreditation materials do not address all University Program Review expectations, programs may be asked to provide additional information through a modified self-study.

External Review

Program Review includes independent external evaluation. External reviewers provide disciplinary or professional perspectives on the program and review relevant materials before providing findings to the University and the academic program.

Programs that have recently completed an external specialized accreditation review may not require a separate external review when the applicable Program Review requirements have already been addressed.

The Program Review Subcommittee (PRS) supports Cal State LA’s academic Program Review process through the University’s shared governance structure. The Subcommittee reviews Program Review materials and makes reports and recommendations through the Educational Policy Committee.

Charge

The Program Review Subcommittee is charged with:

1. Implementing Trustee policy concerning the review of degree programs.
2. Reporting and recommending to the Educational Policy Committee proposed policies related to Program Review.

Membership Structure

The University policy provides for participation by faculty, students, and University administration. The membership structure includes:

• One tenured faculty member from each college, elected for staggered terms. Faculty in the University Library and Student Affairs are treated as a college for this purpose.
• One tenured faculty member elected annually by the Educational Policy Committee from its membership or the membership of one of its other subcommittees.
• An additional tenured faculty member from the college housing the program under review, excluding faculty from the program being reviewed.
• One eligible student member selected annually by the Associated Students, Inc.
• The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, or designee, serving ex officio as executive secretary and as a non-voting member.

Role in the Review Process

The Program Review Subcommittee considers the program’s self-study, planning materials, external review report, and other relevant evidence. The Subcommittee develops findings and recommendations and provides the program and college an opportunity to respond.

The resulting report and response are submitted through the Educational Policy Committee and may be used to support academic planning, program development, resource discussions, and follow-up activities.

The following roster was published on the previous Program Review website and is retained for historical and institutional reference. It should not be interpreted as the current membership of the Program Review Subcommittee.