Program Review follows an established cycle and includes a series of activities such as self-study, external review, institutional evaluation, and follow-up. This section provides the current Program Review schedule, key steps in the review process, timelines, and information about the roles and responsibilities of participating programs.
Academic programs at Cal State LA undergo periodic review according to an established University schedule. The Program Review schedule identifies programs preparing for or participating in review during each academic year.
Current Program Review Schedule
The current Program Review schedule will be posted here when available.
Previous Program Review Schedules
Cal State LA academic programs participate in periodic Program Review as part of the University’s commitment to academic quality and continuous improvement. University policy provides for the qualitative and quantitative review of each academic program at least once every five years.
Program Review cycles are coordinated across colleges and academic programs, with consideration given to related disciplines, graduate and undergraduate programs, and specialized accreditation schedules when applicable.
Programs should consult the current Program Review schedule to determine when their next review is planned.
The steps below provide a simplified overview of the Program Review process. Specific requirements, activities, and timelines may vary depending on the program and review cycle. Programs should consult the current Program Review guidance and University policy for complete requirements.
1. Scheduling & Preparation
Academic programs are placed on the University Program Review schedule and begin preparing for review. Programs identify appropriate participants, gather relevant evidence and institutional data, and review current Program Review expectations and guidance.
2. Self-Study
The program conducts a comprehensive self-study that examines areas such as student learning, curriculum, student success, program effectiveness, resources, and opportunities for continued improvement. The self-study provides the foundation for subsequent stages of the review.
3. External Review
External reviewers provide an independent evaluation of the program. Reviewers examine the self-study and supporting materials and may meet with faculty, students, staff, and administrators as part of the review process.
4. University Review
The Program Review Subcommittee reviews the program’s self-study, the external review, and other relevant materials. The Subcommittee develops findings and recommendations for consideration through the University’s academic governance process.
5. Response & Follow-Up
The program and college respond to the findings and recommendations from the review. Program Review outcomes may inform curricular planning, assessment activities, resource decisions, and other actions intended to support continued program improvement.
Academic programs that maintain specialized or professional accreditation continue to participate in Cal State LA’s Program Review process. When appropriate, programs may use materials from their most recent accreditation review to support a modified Program Review self-study.
The modified self-study is intended to reduce unnecessary duplication by identifying where information required for Cal State LA Program Review is already addressed in the program’s accreditation materials. Programs may need to provide additional information when University Program Review requirements are not addressed through the specialized accreditation process.
Program Review schedules for externally accredited programs may also be coordinated with the review cycle of the program’s accrediting organization.
Resources for Modified Program Review
- Templates & Guidance — Modified self-study template and related Program Review resources
- Program Review Workshops — Workshop materials for the modified self-study process
- Policy & Governance — University Program Review policy and governance information
- Specialized Accreditation — Information about programs with disciplinary or professional accreditation
Programs preparing for Program Review can find additional guidance, templates, workshop materials, and policy information throughout the Program Review section. The resources below are intended to support programs at different stages of the review process.
- Templates & Guidance — Access the Program Review handbook, self-study templates, modified review materials, and assessment planning resources.
- Workshops — Review workshop materials related to Program Review orientation, self-study preparation, data use, and meaningful assessment.
- Policy & Governance — Review University policy, Program Review Subcommittee information, committee responsibilities, and related governance materials.
What is Program Review?
Program Review is a periodic process through which Cal State LA academic programs examine program quality, student learning, curriculum, student success, resources, and opportunities for continued improvement. The process brings together program self-reflection, evidence, external perspectives, and University review.
Program Review supports academic quality and continuous improvement. It provides programs with an opportunity to evaluate their strengths and challenges, examine evidence of student learning and success, and identify priorities for future planning and improvement.
University policy provides for the qualitative and quantitative review of academic programs at least once every five years. The timing of individual reviews is identified through the University Program Review schedule.
The current Program Review schedule is posted at the top of this page. The schedule identifies programs participating in upcoming review cycles.
The self-study is a program's examination of its goals, curriculum, student learning, student success, resources, effectiveness, and plans for improvement. Programs use institutional data and other evidence to reflect on their performance and identify areas for continued development.
Program Review involves faculty and program leadership, college and University administrators, external reviewers, and the Program Review Subcommittee. Students, staff, alumni, or other members of the University community may also contribute information or perspectives during the review process.
External reviewers provide an independent perspective on the academic program. They review the program's self-study and supporting evidence and may meet with faculty, students, staff, and administrators before providing observations and recommendations.
The findings and recommendations produced through Program Review are considered by the program, college, and University. They may inform curriculum development, assessment activities, academic planning, resource discussions, and other efforts to strengthen the program.
Programs with professional or disciplinary accreditation continue to participate in Cal State LA's Program Review process. When appropriate, recent specialized accreditation materials may be used as part of a modified Program Review so that programs do not unnecessarily duplicate work. Additional information may still be required to address University Program Review expectations.
No. Program Review focuses on the quality and effectiveness of individual academic programs. Institutional accreditation evaluates the University as a whole and is conducted through the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Some individual programs also maintain specialized accreditation through professional or disciplinary accrediting organizations.
Templates, the Program Review handbook, modified self-study materials, and assessment planning resources are available on the Templates & Guidance page. Workshop presentations and related materials are available on the Workshops page.
Programs should consult their department chair, college leadership, or the University office responsible for Program Review for questions about their review cycle, requirements, or submission process.