Academic Program Policies

Consistent with its mission, the Vermont State Colleges system (VSC) is dedicated to providing

academic programs that are of high quality and remain current. Policy 101 ensures that VSC institutions regularly engage in practices designed to foster the continuous improvement of programs. Through the procedures outlined in this policy, faculty involved in delivering VSC academic programs periodically, systematically, and collaboratively review evidence regarding their effectiveness in achieving desired student learning outcomes and commit to making the changes needed to ensure continuous program improvement.

Academic Program Review determines the extent to which degree programs: 

1. Assist in meeting regional, state, and/or student needs
2. Integrate liberal, professional, and career study
3. Maintain currency 
4. Achieve defined student learning outcomes as demonstrated through valid and reliable assessment processes
5. Utilize effective strategies for continuous improvement
6. Help students prepare for life after graduation

Each spring, the Council of Presidents recommends to the VSC EPSL Committee the programs to be reviewed in the following year. A report is then drafted, gathering information, five-year improvement plans, feedback from faculty and external partners, and more, and reviewed by the institution’s Chief Academic Office and approved by the President. Programs are clustered by discipline on a system-wide basis, reviewed by committees, recommended to the Council of Presidents, and then presented to EPSL. Each year, EPSL will review the summary results and recommendations, and report on its review to the Board of Trustees. 

The needs of our students are ever-changing as they prepare for meaningful careers, responsible citizenship, and an evolving society. Technological advancements and innovation are creating new opportunities every day. Additionally, employers across Vermont and beyond are increasingly demanding a highly skilled and credentialed workforce.  

VTSU must be responsive to those demands. Yet before a new academic program is approved, it must undergo a careful review and vetting process to ensure it is in alignment with the University and system mission, provides a clear and viable career path for graduates, complements or extends the existing educational offerings within the VSC, is financially viable, demonstrates market demand, assists the State in meeting its needs, and is able to be offered in multiple learning formats.

The VSC Board of Trustees encourages institutions to pilot concepts as concentrations, certificates, or minors to test market demand, viability, and alignment with state and regional needs. The President requests program ideas be added to the agenda of the Chancellor’s Cabinet. If pursued by the Chancellor’s Cabinet, the President then provides an Initial Program Proposal in alignment with Policy 102 for refinement and feedback. If approved, programs are then submitted to the VSC EPSL Committee for review and recommendation to the Board of Trustees. If forwarded by EPSL, the full Board of Trustees reviews the New Program Proposal and makes a final decision about whether or not to approve the new program. 

Annual Review of Existing Programs is a cyclical process for evaluating and continuously improving the quality and relevance of VTSU’s academic programs. This process, mandated by the VSC system Board of Trustees and our accreditors, ensures programs are of high quality, remain current and competitive, and are cost effective. 

Therefore, each summer, VTSU evaluates enrollment, retention, graduation, workforce alignment, and cost effectiveness data. This is aggregated into a draft report that considers what programs to add, discontinue, consolidate, or shift online based on the needs of our students and the demands of employers. The draft report is developed in partnership with academic deans, department chairs, faculty and staff over several months to allow for ample review, input, and discussion from all parties.

A final report of the institution’s plans to adjust its program offerings based on this review is provided to the system Board of Trustees in November, at which time the President also shares the final report with faculty for consideration. The Faculty Assembly votes on the report and makes a recommendation in February, with final approval by the President in March and notification to NECHE in April. After April, implementation may begin, although timing varies by the program and its specific recommendations.