Review of graduate certificate programs on a 10-year cycle and a positive recommendation of the GFC is required for program continuation. Without this recommendation, a sunset provision will become effective, resulting in the discontinuation of the certificate program. The GFC empowers the Graduate Program Review Committee (GPRC) to synchronize the review of graduate certificate programs with the review of the closely-related graduate degree program when and if the GPRC deems it beneficial to both programs with the consent of both programs.
Potential outcomes/recommendations of the review include
- Continue the program as is.
- Continue the program with changes to the curriculum to reflect new directions in the field, articulation with other certificates or degrees, or development into a degree program.
- Discontinuation.
- No action, in which case the sunset clause will be invoked.
The following procedures are established for this review.
Certificate Review Process
Certificate Directors will be notified of the review requirement and provided with the self-study template and data from the Graduate School. Self-studies will be due six weeks after receiving data.
One member of the Subcommittee on Graduate Program Review Committee (GPRC) will be assigned to each certificate and will provide a written assessment of the program based on:
- Information in the self-study
- An interview with the certificate program director
The Graduate School will provide a template for the GPRC report. Internal reviewers are expected to complete their report within 6 weeks of receiving the self-study. The report will be shared with the Certificate Director, who will be invited to the GPRC meeting at which the certificate review will be discussed.
Based on this report and the discussion at the meeting, the GPRC will make a recommendation to the GFC regarding continuation of the certificate. If the GPRC or the GFC is unable to act by May, the sunset provision shall be extended by one year.
Certificate Self-Studies
In completing the self-studies, certificate programs are encouraged to conduct a thorough and participatory examination of the current status of the program. The process is intended to provide an opportunity to look at all facets of program operation and outcomes, and engage in critical self-examination. Certificate program faculty should be forthright in identifying strengths and weaknesses and assessing continuing need for the certificate.
Format for Certificate Full Self-Study
Discussion points are included to guide certificate programs in identifying issues that ought to be considered in drafting the self-study. Please provide sufficient analysis, explanation, and elaboration for those outside your program to understand it.
The Certificate Program
Description and Evaluation
- Describe the certificate program with particular attention to its special features and strengths. If the certificate qualifies for Title IV financial aid, list the occupations that the certificate prepares students to enter. Comment on any changes in the certificate program since its last review, and implementation of recommendations from the previous review.
- Discuss challenges that have arisen over the past ten years, and describe steps that have been contemplated or taken to address those challenges.
- Discuss the certificate in the context of any new trends in the field.
- Discuss the current and anticipated future demand for the certificate. How does the certificate contribute toward overall student recruitment and retention, including creation of gateways into existing UWM graduate degree programs?
- Describe how the certificate fits with college or campus strategic plans and program arrays. How does it support research and/or interdisciplinary collaborations?
- Describe how the certificate articulates with other certificates or degree programs. Are there plans to growth the certificate program into a graduate degree program?
Administration
- Describe the administrative and governance structure of the certificate program, including information on budgetary authority.
- How is the certificate program’s structure articulated with its department, school or college (including school or college Graduate Program Committee) or for multi-institutional certificate programs, with external partners? If applicable, discuss any problems of authority or responsibility within the program.
- How does the structure promote the achievement of the certificate program’s objectives?
- Discuss recruitment strategies.
- Describe the admission process.
- Describe the advising system within the program. How is student progress toward the certificate monitored?
- Discuss any issues related to interaction with the Graduate School in certificate program administration.
- Provide a list of advisory/steering committee members, and information on the frequency of meetings and what actions have been taken in the last 10 years.
Curriculum
List qualifying courses and provide information on the frequency of certificate course scheduling.
Required Certificate Courses Offered Since the Last Review
| Course Number | Course Title | Semester Offered | Instructor’s Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| – | – | – | – |
| – | – | – | – |
| – | – | – | – |
| – | – | – | – |
| – | – | – | – |
Are any changes to required or elective courses being contemplated? If so, explain the reasons for these changes.
Faculty
Provide a list of instructional faculty who are involved with the certificate program, and identify those who have graduate faculty status.
Students
Applications and Admissions
Assess the number and qualifications of applicants and admits to the certificate over the past 10 years, and provide demographic information regarding diversity. Have any significant trends in application patterns been discerned?
Enrollment and Completion
(Data will be provided by the Graduate School)
| Academic year (e.g. 10-11) | # who were enrolled in program | # who completed program |
|---|---|---|
| – | – | – |
| – | – | – |
| – | – | – |
| – | – | – |
| – | – | – |
What is the average time to completion and what percentage of students complete the certificate program each year?
Post-completion achievements
Comment on the special achievements of those who complete the program, including employment and/or other opportunities.
Resources
Discuss and prioritize any particular resource issues affecting the certificate program (e.g. finances, facilities, office space, clerical support, library collections and services). What might make the program stronger? How might this be achieved? What strategies have been applied or could be applied to improve or acquire the desirable resources?
Other
Provide any other information you think would be helpful in assessing your certificate program.