APR at JMU
James Madison University (JMU) recognizes the need for APR to demonstrate program effectiveness for students, to provide data necessary for allocation of resources and to be responsive to constituents throughout the university community. Each area within the Division of Academic Affairs conducts an APR; the type of APR depends on the type of unit conducting the review. For descriptions of the four types of APRs, see below.
APR is a continuous process that recognizes the importance of faculty reflecting on the effectiveness of how they advise and teach, resulting in continual modifications to courses and programs. This continuous process is reinforced at JMU through:
- University mission, vision, values and performance measures as documented in the JMU-STAR Tool
- University six-year plan and Institutional Performance Standards (IPS)
- Core Qualities
- Academic unit and college annual planning and reporting processes
- Student outcomes and Assessment Progress Template (APT)
APR Resources
Academic Program Review (APR) within the Division of Academic Affairs is an essential component for the advancement of the academic mission of James Madison University. The APR process supports institutional and program accreditation processes, including Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). A national movement toward promoting outcome assessment has shaped how faculty members approach the review of their programs, particularly in relation to student learning outcomes assessment.
To improve the quality of teaching and learning, APR should increase faculty members’ awareness of their educational goals and practices. It should encourage identification of successful areas of the program as well as those requiring change.
To be effective, an APR requires:
- a clear specification of desired educational outcomes
- evidence of achievement
- documentation of strategic planning and its implementation
James Madison University firmly believes that periodic structured reviews are necessary for thoughtful reflection on program outcomes and for possible external consultation on key program issues. The APR process should not be initiated or viewed solely as a response by administrators to external constituencies or a crisis situation, but to the ultimate goal of improving the program.
APR Schedule (updated October 2022)
APR Guidelines (updated October 2024)
Degree Granting and Other Academic Area APRs are reviews conducted internally by undergraduate and graduate degree-granting academic programs or other areas in academic affairs that support student learning outcomes, such as University Advising and Learning Centers. Degree Granting and Other Academic Area APRs follow the guidelines in the Internal Self-Study Report. This comprehensive review seeks assessment and/or evaluative information about the entire program or unit. As appropriate, information should be provided for both the academic unit and the involved academic program in situations where an academic unit includes multiple academic programs (e.g. Department of Graduate Psychology). This is especially relevant for sections.1, 2 and 9. Degree Granting and Other Academic Area APRs must be conducted every eight years with an interim report due about every four years.
Stages of Degree Granting and Other Academic Area APR
Instructions and Timelines - Spring
Instructions and Timelines - Fall
Internal Self-Study Report (PDF)
Internal Self-Study Report (Word)
External Accreditation APRs are reviews conducted by outside agencies. A review by an accrediting agency may be substituted for the Degree Granting and Other Academic Areas Review if it is outcome-based, demonstrates substantial JMU faculty involvement and includes an on-campus visit from the accrediting agency. Student learning outcomes and assessment must be part of the External Accreditation APR. Use of an external accreditation review (in place of a Degree Granting and Other Academic Area APR) must be approved by the Provost.
The External Accreditation APR must meet all the requirements for a Degree Granting and Other Academic Area APR to be used in place of the traditional comprehensive APR. For requirements not covered in an accreditation report, the program will provide supplemental documentation. Additionally, programs that receive external accreditation must submit a mid-point interim report to the Office of the Provost.
Stages of External Accreditation APR
Checklist for External Accreditation APR
Internal Self-Study Report (PDF)
Internal Self-Study Report (Word)
Academic Administrative Area APRs are reviews conducted on programs in the Division of Academic Affairs that support academic programs but do not offer degrees or are not driven by student outcomes. These guidelines are negotiated prior to the start of the self-study by the involved administrative unit and representatives chosen by the Provost from the supervising vice provost, director and others. Recommendations by national organizations/professional bodies should be considered in developing guidelines. The schedule for Academic Administrative Area APRs is determined by the Division of Academic Affairs and the individual administrative unit. They must conduct an APR every eight years with an interim report due about every four years.
Stages of Academic Administrative Area APR
Instructions and Timelines - Spring
Instructions and Timelines - Fall
Internal Self-Study Report (PDF)
Internal Self-Study Report (Word)
An Independent Certificate (IC) is a program where the graduate courses are taught completely separate from a graduate program. The courses in the certificate program do not fulfill requirements for a graduate degree. An Independent Certificate Review will be conducted. An Embedded Certificate (EC) is when courses fulfill partial requirements for a graduate degree; Students may complete the certificate as part of the graduate program. An embedded certificate is included in a program’s scheduled academic program review.
Questions about APR?
If you have questions about the APR process, contact Kathryn Brown.