Provost

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which programs submit?

  All credentialed programs, including concentrations, certificates, and standalone minors.

• Does each program need its own narrative?

  No. Academic units decide how they submit. A narrative file may cover several programs, or a unit may submit more than one narrative if that serves its programs better. The curriculum map workbook has a separate sheet for each program.

• Do we have to address every learning outcome?

  Not in every cycle. A program may report on a portion of its outcomes in a given cycle. Your assessment plan should build toward your next Program Review. That cycle is eight years. Plan to have all or most of your outcomes assessed in time for your next Program Review if possible. We understand that might not be feasible for programs with a Program Review scheduled in the next few years. Plan for what will be meaningful to your program. A plan may not yield data before the next submission, and that is acceptable.

• Why are Sections 5 and 6 in the template if we do not complete them now?

  They show what your plan is building toward. You will complete them in January 2029.

• Should the curriculum map list every course?

  Yes, including electives. Listing all courses lets faculty check the curriculum design against the outcomes and confirm that every course serves a purpose. Not every course will map to every outcome.

• How is SLA different from Academic Portfolio Review and Program Review?

  Academic Portfolio Review tracks enrollment and sustainability trends each year. SLA evaluates program learning outcomes and improvement efforts. Program Review, every eight years, integrates both with a full self-study and external review. SLA is a step toward Program Review. A full program assessment is not reasonable within a two-year window.

• What about programs flagged in the OCHE pilot?

  Programs flagged in the OCHE Ongoing Program Review pilot respond through a separate process and do not complete Section 4.1.

• Who sees our submission?

  The AAC reviews it and provides feedback. Submitted documents are posted on SharePoint, will be available to campus, and must meet electronic accessibility standards. Academic units may submit updated plans based on the feedback received. AAC feedback is not shared with campus.

• Will these templates change?

  Most likely. We expect to refine the templates based on what we learn this round. The intent is to improve the process, not expand it, so any changes will be made with continuity of work in mind.