Academic Assessment
Institutional Research, Assessment and Planning (IRAP) supports academic assessment work across campus by leading projects that support continuous improvement of student learning. Student learning is defined by the institution’s learning outcomes highlighting the knowledge and skills expected of our graduates. We ensure high quality and sustainability of our academic programming through cyclical program review, and by maintaining campus accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Our goal is to be a guiding partner in creating sustainable assessment frameworks across programs.
Program Review at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is intended to facilitate the continuous improvement of all academic programs. Programs complete a comprehensive self-study and reflect on their achievements, progress, areas for improvement, and goals for the future. The process provides an opportunity for programs to talk about trends, issues, and progress over time, and to discuss these areas with their Dean/s and the Provost.
Purpose
The Academic Program Review process at UWW facilitates meaningful self-evaluation of the effectiveness and quality of academic programs. The key objectives of program review include:
- Alignment with institutional mission and priorities.
- Assessment of program effectiveness to determine the overall impact on student learning, success, and satisfaction within their programs of study.
- Identifying needs and unique circumstances of specific programs.
- Identifying strengths and weaknesses that may require further planning to better serve students and meet institutional goals.
- Continuous Improvement to support program quality, relevance, and sustainability over time.
By engaging in regular program review, institutions can adapt to changing educational needs, maintain academic excellence, and meet the evolving demands of students and society.
The Universities of Wisconsin and Higher Learning Commission both require systematic and continuous review of academic programs. The links below can direct you to specific information regarding these requirements:
Regent Policy Document on Academic Program Review [External link]
Higher Learning Commission Criteria for Accreditation [External link]
Process
Academic programs will be reviewed on a 7-year cycle. The review schedule can be found under “Review Schedule and Evaluations.” Programs under review will receive communication regarding upcoming due dates beginning a year and half before their review cycle. This communication will come directly to program chairs and coordinators from the office of Institutional Research, Assessment, and Planning. Specific resources to guide programs through the review process can be found under “Self-Study Resources.”
Self-Study
When a program is scheduled for Program Review, it prepares a self-study. Authors often begin by consulting the self-study and final report from the previous Program Review report.
In its self-study, the program covers the following areas:
- program purpose and overview, including program mission, goals, and accomplishments
- assessment of curriculum and student learning
- student recruitment, enrollment, retention and graduation
- resource availability and development
The program submits a self-study draft to the dean by May 1; it submits a final version to the Undergraduate or Graduate Program Review Committee by August 1.
Committee Draft Report
The Program Review Committee goes through a systematic process of evaluating a self-study. Each member evaluates the self-study through a Qualtrics survey, and the committee meets to discuss survey output. In a (draft) report on the self-study, which it submits to the dean and program coordinator or department chair, the committee recommends one of the following results:
____Continuation without qualification. Next self-study will be a shortened one focusing on the Recommended Actions from the current report.
____Continuation with minor concerns. Progress report may be required, at the discretion of the Program Review Committee.
____Continuation with major concerns in one or more of the four areas. Submit progress report(s) addressing the concerns as directed by the Program Review Committee. Progress reports must be submitted to the College Dean, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and the Program Review Committee.
____Insufficient information in the self-study to decide; revise and resubmit.
____Refer to Provost for Action.
This list of recommended results does not work as a grading scale. For example, “Continuation without qualification” is not equivalent to an A, and the requirement for a program to submit a progress report does not, in itself, suggest a below average program. However, the process does affirm a program receiving the result of "continuation without qualification" as exemplary.
Face-to-Face Meeting
The program coordinator/department chair, college dean, provost, and members of the Program Review Committee meet face-to-face to discuss the committee's draft report and determine recommended actions and results. The process is meant to be collaborative; during this meeting, parties may discuss discrepancies in how they understood or assessed the program.
Committee Final Report
In its final written report, the review committee summarizes the discussion at the face-to-face meeting, lists program strengths and weaknesses, and makes final determinations on recommended actions and a recommended result.
The Undergraduate Program Review Committee and Graduate Program Review Committee each use a Qualtrics survey to evaluate self-studies. The evaluation criteria are listed below for Undergraduate, Graduate and Accredited Program self-studies. If you have any questions please reach out to assessment@uww.edu for additional assistance.
The Program Review portal is where faculty will search for reports, submit reports, review status of reports, and can view past submissions. Please note, reports are initiated by the Office of Academic Assessment. Program Coordinators and/or self-study authors will receive an email when the portal is ready for the program's submission. Instructions to create a self-study on the review portal [PDF].
Access to the Program Review Portal
The following are some resources authors commonly draw upon as they craft their self-studies:
Dashboards
Time and Credits to Degree Dashboard
- UWW Mission, Vision, Values: Information here can support the section of the self-study document that asks about program “Alignment within the University.”
- UWW Strategic Plan: Information here can support the section of the self-study document that asks about program “Alignment within the University.”
- University Wide Survey Results:Contains results from a number of important surveys, including National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), Faculty Survey of Student Engagement (FSSE), and Senior Outcomes Assessment Survey (SOAS). The Survey Results information can be used to support the description of “Program Goals and Accomplishments,” and “Assessment of Student Learning.” Additionally, there may be information reported that indicate students’ plans after graduation.
- UWW Learning Outcomes: Information here can support the section of the self-study document that asks about program “Assessment of Student Learning.”
- Bureau of Labor Statistics [External link]: Information here can support the section of the self-study document that asks about program “Demand for Graduates” (under Trends section).
- Career Statistics: Information here can support the section of the self-study document that asks about program “Demand for Graduates” (under Trends section).
For additional assistance with completing a self-study, contact the Office of Institutional Research, Assessment, and Planning (Assessment Email, 262-472-5671).
The table below displays the 7-year cycle of self-studies along with any additional reports that are required. Find your undergraduate major or graduate program to view the dates of previous, upcoming, and future reports. Self-studies are due to the College Dean by May 1st of the review year and to the Program Review Committee by August 1st of the same year.
Click on "Final Eval" to view the most recent summary report for your program. You can find the "Recommended Actions," conclusions, Face-to-Face meeting summary, and details about additional reports that may be due. For a copy of the full evaluation report and detailed comments or any progress reports, please reach out to the assessment office. This table is updated annually at the end of the review cycle.
Key: SS = Self-Study SS* = Short Self-Study
| College | Program | Previous SS due to PR Committee | Most Recent Evaluation | Most Recently Received | Next Due |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Program | |||||
|
COBE |
Accounting (BBA) |
2023-24 |
SS 2023-24 |
SS* 2030 |
|
|
COIS |
Applied Arts and Science (BAAS) |
New Fall 2020 |
1st SS 2028 |
||
|
COAC |
Art & Art Education (BA, BFA, BSE) |
2019-20 |
SS 2019-20 |
SS 2027 |
|
|
COLS |
Artificial Intelligence (BS) |
New Fall 2026 |
1st SS 2033 |
||
|
COIS |
Associate Degree (AA) |
New Fall 2020 |
1st SS 2027 |
||
|
COLS |
Biology (BA, BS, BSE) |
2020-21 |
Final Eval |
SS 2020-21 |
SS 2025 |
|
COBE |
Business Analytics (BBA) |
New Fall 2020 |
1st SS 2028 |
||
|
COEPS |
Business Education (BSE) |
2021-22 |
SS 2021-22 |
SS* 2028 |
|
|
COLS |
Chemistry (BA, BS, BSE) |
2021-22 |
SS 2021-22 |
SS 2026 |
|
|
COAC |
Communication and Journalism (BA, BS) |
2020-21 |
SS 2020-21 |
SS* 2026 |
|
|
COEPS |
Communication Sciences and Disorders (BA, BS) |
2022-23 |
SS 2022-23 |
SS* 2030 |
|
|
COLS |
Computer Science (BA, BS) |
2022-23 |
SS 2022-23 |
SS 2029 |
|
|
COLS |
Criminology (BA, BS) |
2024-25 |
SS 2024-25 |
SS 2031 |
|
|
COLS |
Cybersecurity (BS) |
New Spring 2022 |
1st SS 2029 |
||
|
COEPS |
Early Childhood/Early Childhood Special Ed (BSE) |
2020-21 |
SS* 2020-21 |
SS 2026 |
|
|
COEPS |
Early Child Care Education (BA, BS) |
2025 1st SS |
|
|
SS 2025 |
|
COBE |
Economics (BA, BBA, BS, BSE) |
2020-21 |
SS 2020-21 |
SS* 2026 |
|
|
COEPS |
Elementary Middle Education (BSE) |
2022-23 |
SS 2022-23 |
SS 2028 |
|
|
COLS |
English (BA, BS, BSE) |
2021-22 |
SS 2021-22 |
SS 2027 |
|
|
COBE |
Entrepreneurship and Innovation (BBA) |
2024-25 |
SS 2024-25 |
SS 2031 |
|
|
COLS |
Environmental Science (BA, BS) |
2022-23 |
SS 2022-23 |
SS 2027 |
|
|
COLS |
Film Studies (BA, BS) |
2024-25 |
SS 2024-25 |
SS 2031 |
|
|
COBE |
Finance (BBA) |
2020-21 |
Final Eval |
SS* 2020-21 |
SS 2025 |
|
COLS |
General Education Program |
2021-22 |
SS 2021-22 |
SS* 2026 |
|
|
COBE |
General Business (BBA) |
2021-22 |
SS 2021-22 |
SS 2028 |
|
|
COLS |
Geography (BA, BS, BSE) |
2020-21 |
Final Eval |
SS* 2020-21 |
SS 2025 |
|
COLS |
Health and Leadership Studies (BS) |
New Fall 2024 |
1st SS 2030 |
||
|
COLS |
History & Social Studies (BA, BS, BSE) |
2024-25 |
SS 2024-25 |
SS 2031 |
|
|
COEPS |
Human Performance (BS) |
2022-23 |
SS 2022-23 |
SS 2029 |
|
|
COBE |
Human Resource Management (BBA) |
2022-23 |
SS 2022-23 |
SS 2027 |
|
|
COBE |
Information Technology (BBA) |
2021-22 |
SS 2021-22 |
SS* 2028 |
|
|
COLS, COBE |
Integrated Science Business (BBA, BS) |
2020-21 |
Final Eval |
SS 2020-21 |
SS 2025 |
|
COBE |
International Business (BBA) |
2022-23 |
SS 2022-23 |
SS 2027 |
|
|
COLS |
International Studies (BA, BS) |
2023-24 |
SS 2023-24 |
SS 2030 |
|
|
COLS |
Japanese Studies (BA) |
2021-22 |
Final Eval |
SS 2021-22 |
SS 2025 |
|
COLS |
Legal Studies (BA, BS) |
New Fall 2021 |
1st SS 2028 |
||
|
COLS |
Liberal Studies (BA, BS) |
2020-21 |
SS 2020-21 |
SS* 2026 |
|
|
COBE |
Management (BBA) |
2023-24 |
SS 2023-24 |
SS 2030 |
|
|
COBE |
Marketing (BBA) |
2023-24 |
SS 2023-24 |
SS 2030 |
|
|
COLS |
Mathematics (BA, BS, BSE) |
2024-25 |
SS 2024-25 |
SS 2031 |
|
|
COAC |
Media Arts and Game Development (BA, BS) |
2021-22 |
SS 2021-22 |
SS 2029 |
|
|
COIS |
Medical Sciences (BS) |
New Fall 2025 |
|
|
1st SS 2031 |
|
COAC |
Music (BA, BM) |
2024-25 |
SS* 2024-25 |
SS 2031 |
|
|
COBE |
Occupational Safety (BS) |
2023-24 |
SS 2023-24 |
SS 2028 |
|
|
COEPS |
Physical Education (BSE) |
2022-23 |
SS 2022-23 |
SS* 2029 |
|
|
COLS |
Physics (BA, BS, BSE) |
2024-25 |
SS 2024-25 |
SS 2031 |
|
|
COLS |
Political Science (BA, BS, BSE) |
2021-22 |
SS 2021-22 |
SS 2027 |
|
|
COLS |
Professional Writing and Publishing (BA, BS) |
New Fall 2022 |
1st SS 2028 |
||
|
COLS |
Psychology (BA, BS, BSE) |
2022-23 |
SS 2022-23 |
SS 2029 |
|
|
COLS |
Public Policy and Administration (BS) |
2022-23 |
SS 2022-23 |
SS* 2029 |
|
|
COLS |
Social Work (BA, BS) |
2023-24 |
SS 2023-24 |
SS* 2032 |
|
|
COLS |
Sociology (BA, BS, BSE) |
2024-25 |
SS 2024-25 |
SS 2031 |
|
|
COLS |
Spanish (BA, BS, BSE) |
2020-21 |
Final Eval |
2020-21 |
SS 2025 |
|
COEPS |
Special Education (BSE) |
2020-21 |
Final Eval |
SS 2020-21 |
SS 2025 |
|
COBE |
Supply Chain Management (BBA) |
2022-23 |
SS* 2022-23 |
SS 2028 |
|
|
COAC |
Theatre & Dance (BA, BFA, BSE) |
2023-24 |
SS 2023-24 |
SS 2030 |
|
|
COLS |
Women's and Gender Studies (BA,BS) |
2024-25 |
SS 2024-25 |
SS* 2031 |
|
| Graduate Program | |||||
|
COLS |
Applied Biotechnology (MS) |
New Fall 2020 |
1st SS 2027 |
||
|
COEPS |
Applied Kinesiology (MS) |
New Fall 2022 |
1st SS 2031 |
||
|
COBE |
Business Administration (DBA) |
2019-20 |
Final Eval |
SS 2019-20 |
SS* 2025 |
|
COBE |
Business Administration (MBA) |
2024-25 |
SS* 2024-25 |
SS 2031 |
|
|
COBE, COEPS |
Business Education (MS) |
2021-22 |
SS 2021-22 |
SS* 2028 |
|
|
COAC |
Communication (MS) |
2023-24 |
SS 2023-24 |
SS* 2030 |
|
|
COEPS |
Communication Sciences & Disorders (MS) |
2022-23 |
SS 2022-23 |
SS* 2030 |
|
|
COLS |
Computer Science (MS) |
2022-23 |
SS 2022-23 |
SS 2027 |
|
|
COEPS |
Counseling (MS) |
2024-25 |
SS 2024-25 |
SS* 2031 |
|
|
COLS |
Cybersecurity (MS) |
New Spring 2020 |
1st SS 2025 |
||
|
COBE |
Data Analytics |
New Fall 2020 |
1st SS 2025 |
||
|
COEPS |
Early Childhood & Education Policy (MSE) |
New Fall 2022 |
1st SS 2028 |
||
|
COEPS |
Elementary Middle Education (MSE) |
New Fall 2025 |
|
|
1st SS 2031 |
|
COBE |
Environmental Safety & Health (MS) |
2023-24 |
SS 2023-24 |
SS 2029 |
|
|
COBE |
Finance (MS) |
New Spring 2019 |
|
1st SS 2026 |
|
|
COEPS |
Higher Education Leadership (MSE) |
New Fall 2020 |
1st SS 2026 |
||
|
COEPS |
Instructional Design and Learning Technology (MS) |
New Fall 2020 |
1st SS 2028 |
||
|
COBE |
Marketing (MS) |
New Spring 2021 |
1st SS 2027 |
||
|
COEPS |
Professional Studies (MS) |
2020-21 |
SS 2020-21 |
SS 2029 |
|
|
COEPS |
Reading Instruction & Dyslexia Intervention (MSE) |
New Fall 2024 |
|
1st SS 2031 |
|
|
COBE |
School Business Management and Leadership (MS) |
2023-24 |
SS 2023-24 |
SS* 2030 |
|
|
COLS |
School Psychology (EdS, MSE) |
2022-23 |
SS 2022-23 |
SS* 2029 |
|
|
COLS |
Social Work (MSW) |
2023-24 |
SS 2023-24 |
SS* 2032 |
|
|
COEPS |
Special Education (MSE) |
Nov. 1, 2020 |
Final Eval |
SS 2020 |
SS 2025 |