The right mix of academic programs : making decisions to add, cut, grow, or shrink departments and degrees / Scott Carlson.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Carlson, Scott, author.

Gardner, Lee, author.

Contributor:

James Hosmer Penniman Book Fund.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Universities and colleges--Curricula--Evaluation.

Universities and colleges.

Universities and colleges--Departments--Evaluation.

Degrees, Academic--Evaluation.

Degrees, Academic.

Physical Description:

33 pages : color illustrations, color charts ; 28 cm.

Other Title:

Chronicle of higher education. The right mix of academic programs

Place of Publication:

Washington, D.C. : Chronicle of Higher Education, [2019]

Summary:

"Mounting financial pressures and increased competition for students are pushing more colleges to re-evaluate their academic programs. The sometimes sprawling number of programs may not serve the mission, match demand, or make financial sense. But before proposing -- or even considering -- changes to the academic lineup, campus leaders need to take stock. A strategic review should gauge each program's importance to the institution, measure student interest and outcomes, and fully account for revenues and expenses.This Chronicle issue brief explains how to approach a program audit or prioritization process and where to go from there. Collaboration between the administration and the faculty is key, as is balancing business and academic mind-sets. This brief explores how to cut, adapt, and expand programs, as well as optimize course scheduling. Campus leaders who adjust their mix of offerings can shore up finances while better promoting students' educational and career opportunities."--Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Introduction

Section one : Taking stock. Examine the whole academic portfolio

Section two : Making cuts. Involve the faculty in decision-making from day 1

Section 3 : Deciding where and how to grow. Analyze the market for new programs

Section 4 : Optimizing course schedules. Align courses with student demand

A final word.

Notes:

Lee Gardner, a senior writer at The Chronicle who covers college management, contributed to this report.

Includes bibliographical references (page 33).

Local Notes:

Acquired for the Penn Libraries with assistance from the James Hosmer Penniman Book Fund.

OCLC:

1139914648