Academic Program Review Bachelor of Science Self-Design Bachelor of Arts Liberal Studies: Self-Design Presented to: Granite State College Executive Committee December 15, 2008

A Landmark Review Just like the Self-Design major that it reviews, this Self Design Program Review differs from standard program reviews at Granite State College. While the program review policy guides this review as all others, this particular program demands a customized approach. First, the entire notion of individualized learning is inextricable from the roots of GSC itself, and the program review examined the long history of this program in the course of forming its recommendations. Over the past ten years, task forces have improved specific aspects of the program, but the comprehensive review of 2008 represents a re- engagement with the program’s early innovation and a recommitment to its academic promise. As the review commenced, formation of the program’s academic experience statement and program outcomes and review/discussion at Academic Planning Committee proved critical in guiding the review team through its work. As the program review moves through GSC’s governance structure, we seek to articulate a shared vision for the future role of the program at our institution.

Overview of Program Review Goals Articulate the self-design academic experience Develop program outcomes Explore academic integrity and individualized learning Integrate individualized learning options Highlight the critical role of advising Clarify the role of self-design in teacher preparation Affirm the program’s commitment to NEASC standards Create a comprehensive reference document for program administration and assessment

Self-Design Program Review Phase I:Information gathering Phase II: Analysis & Synthesis Phase III: Development of the report and recommendations External Review Phase IV: Governance Academic Planning Executive Committee President’s Cabinet

Self-Design in GSC Enrollment Mix: Bachelor Degrees

Snapshot of Self-Design Degrees Awarded FY06 Child and Family Studies19.3% Social Science18.3% Early Childhood Education14.0% Health Care related10.8% Education, adult learning related 9.7% Management related 8.6% Criminal Justice 6.5% Emergency Services 3.2% Information Technology 1.0% Library/Media Studies 1.0% English, Humanities 0.0%

Self-Design Major Areas Snapshot of approvals on file, September 2008 English14.8% Elementary Education13.2% Social Science12.2% Child and Family Studies 8.5% Management related 7.7% Science 7.7% Education, Adult Learning 6.9% Humanities 4.9% Health Care 4.2% Information technology4.1% Emergency Services 3.9% Early Childhood Education3.6% Fine Arts, Music, Applied Art3.2% Communications 2.0% Mathematics1.6% Criminal Justice1.2% Library, Media Studies0.4%

Surveys: May, 2008 Response Rate: Learners32% Alumni27% Faculty54%

Recommendations - Immediate Change title of the major to Individualized Studies Develop comprehensive data management system for Individualized Studies Discontinue program-specific application fee for students applying to templated program areas Reinstate policy permitting validation of transcripts from non-regionally accredited colleges when student can demonstrate attainment of college level outcomes

“Individualized Studies” Program Name Denotes high level of institutional support for students (versus misperception of self design as “do-it-yourself” and “self-help”) Underscores collaborative approach among student, Academic Affairs, and faculty Better aligns with academic experience and program outcomes (“truth in advertising”) Corresponds with most common nomenclature for program of its type and with best practices in the field of adult learning

Recommendations: Develop comprehensive strategy for advising in individualized learning Review Self-Design Seminar: SDLR 550 (Individualized Studies Seminar) Expand core faculty model to support individualized study in the disciplines Fully integrate individualized studies’ three main aspects: – Prior Learning and Validation – Individualized Learning major – Contract learning

Recommendations: Full implementation of comprehensive strategies for: Advising Faculty involvement Outcomes assessment (including e-portfolio)

Implementation and Communication Implementation steps completed to date: see pages 43 – 44 of Program Review report Implementation updates to GSC Academic Planning throughout 2009 Communication plan in development for early 2009 implementation via Marketing/Outreach

Focusing Questions for Today’s Discussion 1. Does the Program Review report articulate a vision of individualized studies within the College’s mission? 2. Does the Executive Committee support Academic Affairs’ vision of individualized studies as reflected in the recommendations?

Granite State College Mission The mission of Granite State College is to expand access to public higher education to adults of all ages throughout the state of New Hampshire. The college achieves this mission by offering degrees and contract programs of excellence that serve our communities through learner responsive curricula, innovative teaching methods, and ongoing assessments of learning outcomes…