Academic Program Review

The Academic Program Review (APR) process at New Mexico State University is a nine-month, Canvas-based process designed to systematically evaluate academic programs. It is designed for departments to continuously: 

  1. Align programs with NMSU's mission and goals: This includes seeking feedback, guidance, and support to continually improve program quality, effectiveness, and relevance based on student outcomes and stakeholder input. 
  2. Ensure compliance and transparency: Maintain accurate public and student information about programs adhering to state and federal regulations. This includes all information posted in the academic catalog, websites, syllabi, and any other guiding document. 
  3. Assess student success: Analyze enrollment, retention, graduation rates, and other metrics to identify areas for improvement and inform program enhancements. 

Timeline

Fall 2025

August 2025: Why is Academic Program Review critical?

Tasks: Identify Assessment Liaison and General Education Liaison. Identify, assign, and report Assessment Liaison and General Education Liaison if not already in place. These individuals will be added to the Canvas course. 

Who: Department Heads

September 2025: Summer and Fall Syllabi Review and Submission

Summer and Fall Syllabi Survey. Collect and review all department syllabi for the summer and fall 2025 semesters. 

Who: Department Heads

October 2025: Annual Academic Departmental Assessment - Connection to Institutional Mission and Goals

AADA File Submission Survey. Submit the Annual Academic Departmental Assessment (AADA) reports, including one (1) assessment plan per program.

Who: Departmental Assessment Liaisons

November 2025: General Education and Viewing a Wider World

GE and VWW Course Alignment: Progress and Update Reports. Indicate the progress on all General Education and Viewing a Wider World courses in the department.

Who: General Education Liaisons 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why have a well-documented cyclical APR process?

New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of the nation's seven accreditors of higher education. HLC requires institutions to conduct regular program reviews.

Why does APR process cover items outside the traditional program review process, such as state and federal compliance?

HLC accreditation is one of three essential components of program integrity, alongside state and federal regulations. While these areas operate independently, compliance with all three is crucial for maintaining HLC accreditation. NMSU's mission is fundamental to achieving and sustaining this accreditation, ensuring academic quality. To align with these requirements, the APR incorporates elements related to state and federal compliance in addition to HLC standards.

Why Do academic departments review student-related metrics as part of the APR?

Analyzing student enrollment, retention, and graduation rates is essential for enhancing academic programs. These metrics offer crucial insights into program health and effectiveness. Combined with assessment data, they enable programs and stakeholders to identify trends, make informed decisions, and focus improvement efforts strategically. By pinpointing student challenges and successes, programs can implement targeted interventions to elevate the overall educational experience and boost student outcomes. This data-driven approach aligns with the continuous improvement imperative of HLC accreditation.

Who is involved in this APR process?

Department Heads are our main point of contact, but they are encouraged to include a Program Assessment and general Education liaison to provide them support throughout the process. During the process, we include tasks that support faculty involvement and encourage Department Head to meet with their faculty and discuss different areas relevant to program alignment with out NMSU's mission and compliance with federal and state regulations. 

What else do I need to know about this process?

Unlike typical APR processes, this approach offers departments ongoing feedback, guidance, and support. Our accreditation and assessment team, along with dedicated support committees and campus resources, provide continuous assistance throughout the process.