Annual and Comprehensive Program Review

Scope

This policy applies to all academic degree programs.

A foundational principle of Indiana University is its enduring partnership across its units, including faculty and librarians, to collectively advance the institution's mission. The establishment, revision, and retirement of academic policies will occur with consultation and input from the University Faculty Council.

Pursuant to Indiana Code (IC) 21-38-11, faculty governance organization actions are advisory only. 

This policy shall supersede all campus, school and college, program, department, center, institute, and unit policies on any core or regional campuses of Indiana University. 

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Policy Statement

Pursuant to IC 21-41-17 and IC 21-18-9, each campus must, at a minimum, do the following: 

Annual Review

Each campus must annually review the number of graduates according to the degree completion thresholds as defined by Indiana law, and propose any necessary adjustments to remain in compliance, as needed.

Comprehensive Program Review

Review Standards

1. Each campus must, at least once every seven years, plan and conduct a comprehensive review that, at a minimum, must report:
   • Enrollment and Number of Graduates
   • Program Quality and Effectiveness
   • Strategic Fit
   • Findings and Recommendations

Note: For programs with external accreditation, the materials submitted may also be used in the comprehensive program review, provided the review cycles align and do not at any time exceed seven years. However, the accreditation by external bodies may not replace a comprehensive program review, as required by Indiana law.

b. Each campus must develop procedures to evaluate the effectiveness of the campus' degree programs to address the quality of teaching and learning, scholarship, service as appropriate to the campus' mission, and in relation to appropriate standards to the discipline.

c. The comprehensive program review must include an enrollment analysis that addresses program viability and incorporates both quantitative and qualitative data.

Use of Findings

Findings and recommendations from the comprehensive program review must be used for the improvement and adjustment of degree programs in alignment with Indiana University’s strategic plan and/or applicable Indiana law. Pursuant to Indiana law, possible outcomes may include plans to:

• Enhance the degree program
• Maintain the degree program
• Reduce the scope of the degree program
• Consolidate or eliminate the degree program

Reporting Requirements

Each completed comprehensive program review must be:

• Submitted to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.
• Published on the applicable Indiana University website.

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Reason for Policy

As a public institution, Indiana University is committed to long-term development and to responding responsibly to evolving conditions in higher education. This commitment includes ongoing efforts to support broader educational objectives, including the development and maintenance of academic programs that serve workforce needs.

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Definitions

Annual Review: The review of the number of graduates according to the degree completion thresholds as defined by Indiana law.

Comprehensive Program Review: Formal, seven-year review of program areas and the degrees within that area.

Degree Program: A credential conferred by a university as official recognition for the completion of a program of studies, including certificates with 13 or more credit hours, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, education specialists, and doctoral degrees.

Strategic Fit: The extent to which an academic program advances the campus mission, supports regional workforce and community needs, and aligns with the campus’ contributions and areas of excellence.

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History

(University Faculty Council, April 13, 1993)

June 2025 – Substantive revisions and update Responsible Office and Responsible Administrator

April 2026 – Substantive revisions

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