Academic Program Review Regulation 126

I. Purpose

To ensure that students are being prepared in alignment with the University’s mission, vision, and values, it is necessary for departments to engage in a systematic review that engages in the thoughtful, reflective study of the design and delivery of their programs. This policy ensures the continuous improvement and alignment of academic programs with the mission of the University to maintain relevance, quality, and effectiveness. Reviews will guide the strategic priorities of the academic unit in program revision and resource needs and should primarily provide perspectives useful to the academic units whose programs are under review and to their respective college deans. Reviews should also give those outside the academic unit an informed overview of the strengths, challenges, and needs of academic units.

The Academic Program Review (APR) process should include faculty from each academic unit and other stakeholders as necessary to comply with UNCSA’s commitment to shared governance.

II. Scope

This policy provides guidance for the periodic programmatic review of all UNCSA academic degree programs in accordance with UNC Policy 400.1.

III. Definitions

Academic Program/Academic Unit – For the purpose of this policy, academic programs include the eight (8) UNCSA Postsecondary bachelors and masters degree programs as identified within the UNC System Academic Program Inventory.

IV. Policy

A. The UNC System Policy on Academic Program Planning went into effect on May 23, 2024. The University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) has adopted its own Policy on Academic Program Planning and Review that our academic units will follow. It is modeled after the UNC System policy and tailored to address needs as identified by UNCSA.

B. The Provost’s Office and the Director of Academic Planning and Institutional Research have been given delegated authority to oversee the academic program planning and review processes as described in this policy. Any modification to or deviation from this policy and its accompanying processes must be approved by the Provost or their designee.

C. At the designated intervals, the academic program review should include evaluation of:

1. Enrollment, and impacting factors thereof;
2. Relevant faculty and staff metrics;
3. Workforce demand;
4. Student outcomes;
5. Program costs and budget considerations;
6. Overall contribution of academic programs to the UNCSA mission and values;

D. Other considerations as mandated by UNC Policy 400.1 and as identified by the Chancellor, Provost, or designees.

E. The Chancellor shall be prepared to take action to expand, contract, or discontinue academic programs based on the APR. The APR process will be inclusive of faculty from the respective academic units as part of the institution’s commitment to shared governance.

F. Summary reports will be reviewed by the UNCSA Board of Trustees and submitted to the UNC System President on an annual basis.

G. Additional (ad hoc) reviews may be conducted as necessary based on emerging needs or directives from the Chancellor or designee.

V. Revision History

December 6, 2024 – Adopted by Chancellor as part of UNCSA Policy Manual.