Academic program review
What is Academic Program Review?
Every academic program offered at UAF is reviewed at least once every four years by a peer committee from the same college or school. The committee provides feedback regarding the program's effectiveness in the following categories: centrality to the university's mission, quality and distinctiveness within the UA system, student demand, employment opportunities for graduates, productivity, efficiency and total cost.
Program Review Cycle & Reporting Requirements
- Year One: Development/Reflection
- Year Two: Mid-Cycle
- Student Learning Outcome Assessments (SLOA) and Plans
- Review of Student Success Data
- Summary Reports
- Goals for Improvement
- Year Three: Development/Reflection
- Year Four: Full Review
- Student Learning Outcome Assessments (SLOA) and Plans
- Review of Student Success Data
- Summary Reports
- Response to Assessment & Previous Reviews
- Connectivity to UAF's Mission
- Goals for Improvement
- Economics, BBA
- Climate and Atmospheric Sciences, BS
- Marketing & Digital Design, OEC
- Tribal Stewardship, OEC
Review Process
After the Mid-Cycle report is completed, it is reviewed by the Faculty Fellows and the Vice Provost.
Once a Full review is completed, it is seen by the Peer Committee, deans, vice provost, and Faculty Fellows.
- A Peer Committee consists of four faculty members from the college or school chosen by the dean or director, one faculty member from outside the department and a dean or director from outside the school or college.
If selected by the Peer Committee or dean, then the review is sent to the University Wide Committee for further review.
- A University Wide Committee consists of a faculty representative from each school and college and three administrative representatives.
Recommendation by the University Wide Committee is sent to the Provost, who presents the recommendation to the Chancellor's Core Cabinet before it is submitted to the Faculty Senate.
Faculty Senate has the opportunity to approve or to suggest revision or disagreement, but the final decision lies with the chancellor.
APR Process Development
Academic Program Review is continuously refined through faculty, staff, and administrative feedback. This section provides information about recent efforts to improve the APR process, including Faculty Senate actions, feedback sessions, and committee work.
Faculty Senate Ad Hoc Committee
In 2026, the Faculty Senate established an Ad Hoc Committee to evaluate the current Academic Program Review process and develop recommendations for future improvements. Committee materials, updates, and supporting documents may be posted here as they become available.