60 likes | 224 Views
The new VSC Policy 101 Process. Where we were Where we are Where we want to be. VSC Policy 101 Background. Policy provided for periodic (every 5 years) review of academic programs Programs generated reports that were reviewed by Dean, President, VSC Committee, and Board of Trustees
E N D
The new VSC Policy 101 Process Where we were Where we are Where we want to be
VSC Policy 101 Background • Policy provided for periodic (every 5 years) review of academic programs • Programs generated reports that were reviewed by Dean, President, VSC Committee, and Board of Trustees • Report addressed program mission, enrollment, financial status, graduates, and many other things
The Problems with “Old” Policy 101 • Process made programs feel they had to defend their programs’ existence, whereas purpose was program improvement • Financial and other data were hard to obtain or understand or agree with • Reports were cumbersome, and for nationally accredited programs, were duplicative • Very few people participated (often only a department chair) or even knew about it • There was almost no follow-up, so process seemed meaningless
What’s Being Done to Fix 101? • VSC assembled a committee comprising all 5 colleges to overhaul the policy and procedures • Grant-funded effort by Davis Foundation • Pat Menchini, Leslie Hills, and Scott Sabol were Vermont Tech’s members • Focus groups galvanized understanding of shortcomings and good parts of the process • Policy 101 got rewritten and so did the template for writing reports
The “new” Policy 101 • Focus on program review and continuous improvement plans (PReCIP) • Educational/learning outcomes are the primary thrust • Punitive language and program cost-effectiveness no longer part of the process • Report template simplified and clarified • Especially simple for accredited programs • More flexibility • Improvements of review committees • Emphasis on follow-up actions elevated
What’s Next? • 2012 cycle will serve to test the new policy, report template, and follow-up actions • All program members should feel comfortable with helping to develop the report • Mentoring program, outcomes assessment, and other assistance still be developed through 2012 • 2012 programs will help mentor the 2013 programs