Section 3: Assessment in Practice: Program Viability Review

Introduction & Overview

As part of the academic program review process, programs may be identified for a Viability Review at the request of the dean, vice president/provost, the College Area Review Committee (CARC), or the senior vice president for academic affairs.

Who Participates in a Program Viability Review?

Triggers for program viability review include both quantitative (e.g., enrollment and awards) and qualitative (e.g., relevance of field) metrics. Within the 6-year assessment cycle, certain programs may fall below specific benchmarks set for institutional performance within these categories. When this happens, the program may be identified to complete the viability process.

The Program Viability Review Process

This review can occur at the end of regular academic program review cycle or during other designated times. The report (see form below) is completed by the program and is submitted in the same way that the CAR report is submitted: via the Dean for review/approval, the Provost for review/approval, and to the Office of Assessment for presentation and review by the College Area Review Committee (CARC). Usually, this Review is initiated and runs in conjunction with a program’s CAR process and is submitted as an attachment to the CAR report itself.

Program Viability Report Form

Below are the typical questions that make up the viability report form. For a copy of the most current viability report template, please visit the Assessment Repositorynew window in Blackboard and click on the main menu to the left for “Assessment Resources, Forms, Toolkits and Templates.”

1. (Enrollment) Number of students actively seeking completion of program or certificate in this current academic year.
2. (Awards) Graduation numbers from the last 5 years.
3. Number of credits to complete program.
4. Four-year schools where the program has articulations (if, applicable).
5. Economic and employment projections for program (Brief description; Can use previous EMSI report).

1. What is the uniqueness of this program? What does this program offer that others do not?

1. How does this program address community needs and contribute to the local economy?
   Additional Questions
2. What can the program do to increase graduations? Please be specific with planned actions and potential timelines.
3. Could elements of this program be combined with another program? Please explain.
4. Impact on Courses if program is discontinued
   1. Program course
   2. Other programs that use the course
   3. Impact on program if course is eliminate