Program-level assessment at Chesapeake College is an essential process aimed at continuously evaluating and improving the quality of all academic programs, including degree options, certificates, and Letters of Recognition. Conducted on a five-year cycle, the Academic Program Review process ensures that programs meet student and community needs, align with the college’s mission, and maintain high standards of quality and vitality.

Academic Program Review Process

Program review is a collaborative effort involving all appropriate faculty members within a department. This process includes an internal evaluation of programs, assessments of program and student learning outcomes, and analysis of course content and instructional methods to ensure they meet current and future demands.

Key objectives of the program review include:

  • Evaluating the quality and relevance of programs and services.
  • Assessing how well student learning outcomes are being achieved.
  • Ensuring alignment with the college’s mission.
  • Gathering feedback from students, graduates, community members, advisory boards, and external agencies.

Stages of Program Review

Program reviews are conducted over two years and consist of five key stages:

  1. Design and Plan (Fall – Year One): Develop the structure and approach for the program review.
  2. Data Collection and Analysis (Fall/Spring – Year One): Gather and analyze data on student performance, curriculum, and program outcomes.
  3. Draft and Recommend (Summer/Fall – Year Two): Prepare the program review report, develop recommendations, and propose action plans for improvement.
  4. Presentation and Implementation (Spring – Year Two): Present the review to the Academic Programs and Curricula Committee (APC) and begin implementing the action plans.
  5. Reassessment (Beginning Spring – Year Two): Review progress and adjust action plans as needed to continue improving the program.

Components of the Program Review Report

The final report for each program review includes the following sections:

  • Program Profile: Mission, goals, student demographics, faculty details, and a cost/benefit analysis.
  • Program Content: Curriculum design, external accreditation, distance education, course-level assessment results, and market trends affecting the program’s future.
  • Program Outcomes Assessment: Stakeholder feedback, program results, modifications, and future recommendations.
  • Executive Summary: Highlights of collaboration, strengths and weaknesses, action plans for improvement, and a summary of data and lessons learned.

Oversight and Reporting

Faculty, in collaboration with the Director of Academic Assessment, analyze assessment data and summarize findings. The results are shared with the relevant academic dean for review and approval. Once finalized, the report is submitted to the APC for evaluation. The committee’s role is to ensure the thoroughness of the review, assess program quality, and track the implementation of any curriculum changes. Any recommendations with institutional impact are forwarded to the Academic Programs & Assessment Council for consideration.

The Academic Programs & Curricula Committee (APC) oversees the academic program review process, ensuring that the review is comprehensive, data-driven, and aligned with the college’s continuous improvement agenda. The committee also schedules follow-up reports and monitors the implementation of proposed changes.