Agenda Item 7034
December 7, 1998
SUBJECT: Proposed New Policy on Review of Instructional Programs
PROPOSED ACTION
That the Board adopt, after any desired amendments, the proposed new policy on Review of Instructional Programs.
RELATED BOARD POLICY OR PLANNING DIRECTIVE
This topic was made a policy-development priority by Board vote in November 1997.
RATIONALE
The proposed policy would establish principles for review of the effectiveness of College programs by the administration and faculty. While the Board would not be directly involved in the reviews, which will primarily result in recommendations for improved program performance, Board approval would be required for any major changes in program status. This is consistent with the Board focus on ends ("What, for whom, and at what cost") urged by the policy-governance model.
The current draft has been revised in response to the comments made at the 10/19/98 committee-of-the-whole meeting as well as some of the suggestions subsequently made by the administration and faculty. The revisions add language tracking SACS criteria on this topic and providing that Board actions on recommendations to change program status will be based primarily on the extent to which the recommendations are consistent with Board policy.
BUDGETARY CONSIDERATIONS
The policy has no direct budgetary impact.
SPONSORS
Carol Nasworthy, Trustee
Hunter Ellinger, Trustee
ATTACHMENTS
Revised draft policy from sponsors
Draft presented by Richard Fonte, President
Draft presented by Frank Friedman, Executive Vice President,
Academic and Student Affairs
Draft presented for discussion at 8/17/98 and 10/19/98 meetings
Planning Directives
Policy C-3. Duties and Responsibilities, College President
Policy A-4. College Ends
Policy C-1. General Executive Directives and Limitations
Policy E-3. College Budget
Policy E-1. Master Planning
Policy D-1. Statement of Instructional Philosophy
Policy D-4. Principles for Assessment, Placement, & Developmental Courses
SACS Criteria 4.2.4, Graduate Instruction
SACS Criteria 3.1. Planning and Evaluation of Educational Programs
D-7. REVIEW OF INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS
(PROPOSAL)The President shall ensure that a comprehensive system that reviews the effectiveness and efficiency of instructional programs in light of the College's mission is implemented. The purpose of such reviews is to systematically and regularly gather and analyze both qualitative and quantitative data in order to facilitate the continuous improvement of each program, to guide resource allocation, and to assist the administration and Board in making decisions about program status.
Program reviews shall include these analyses, as well as any further information needed to meet accreditation or regulatory requirements:
[a] relevance of the program to College mission and desired ends as declared by policy,
[b] responsiveness to community needs and satisfaction of community demand,
[c] accessibility to students, with identification of unnecessary barriers,
[d] student outcomes, including participation and successful-completion rates
[e] measures of program quality and educational value added,
[f] adequacy of program resources and efficiency of resource use,
[g] comparison of program performance and cost to.students with that of alternate local
suppliers, and
[h] direct and indirect program-related revenues and costs to the College.
Based on the above analyses, the President shall provide a summary recommendation on program status to the Board, whose approval is required to initiate or discontinue a program, to substantially change its scope, or to change it between college-credit and non-college-credit status. Such approvals shall be primarily based on the extent to which the recommendation is found to be consistent with principles and goals established by policy, and the Board will update and clarify its policies as needed so that they provide a predictable and consistent basis for such decisions.
Copies of reports on program reviews shall be provided to the Board, faculty, and interested community members.
PROGRAMMATIC DECISION-MAKING
Here are two options that focus on the second question of board role in discontinuation, and initiation of new programs. I would recommend the second option. The second option is, in my opinion, more in keeping with a policy governance approach. I have provided language in the 2nd option of a specific role in the budget development process that relates to the area of expansion or deletion of a program. I believe this is the proper way to deal with this issue rather than on an individual program basis. I do believe that the language in the above policy states what principles the administration will follow in recommending either continuation or program closure. This is the essential purpose and benefit of board policy
Option 1 ending: (This language is intended to link the recommendations to the analysis and require a justification based upon the analyses.)
The President is required to provide a summary recommendation to the board based upon the above analyses to begin a program, continue or discontinue a program. Board action shall either approve or disapprove of recommendations by the President on either beginning, continuing and discontinuing a program.
Option 2 ending: (This language differentiates the board and presidential roles on beginning, continuing (and expanding) or discontinuing programs)
The President is required to provide an annual summary report to the board on the program review process and of any actions the president has taken to either continue or discontinue any program. However, no new program shall be initiated without the approval of the Board. Significant expansions of programs following a program review process based on the above analyses shall be included as a separate recommendation in the budget development process. The President shall also provide information to the board based upon the above analyses of any program discontinuation as part of the budget development process.
D-7. REVIEW OF INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS (PROPOSAL)
The President shall ensure that the College implements a comprehensive instructional program review system. The purpose of the program review system is to systematically gather and analyze both qualitative and quantitative data in order to facilitate the continuous improvement of each instructional program and to assist the administration and the Board in making decisions about the future of each instructional program.
The program review system shall include the following analyses:
[a] program relevance to College mission and responsiveness to community needs;
[b] student access;
[c] program quality;
[d] student outcomes;
[e] adequacy of program resources;
[f] program cost and affordability.
The final report on each program shall be used to improve program performance, to guide resource allocation, and as the basis for recommendations to the Board on changes in program status.
Board approval is required to initiate or discontinue a program. Approvals shall be primarily based on the extent to which such administration recommendations are found to be consistent with principles and goals established by policy. The Board will update and clarify its policies as needed so that they provide a predictable and consistent basis for such decisions.