Program Assessment & Review

Ensuring Academic Quality Through Program Assessment

At Glen Oaks Community College, assessment is about one thing: student success.

We are committed to making sure every academic program helps students gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities they need to reach their goals—whether that means transferring to a four-year university, earning a credential, or starting a career in southern Michigan or northern Indiana.

Program assessment and program review ensure we deliver on that promise.

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What Is Program Assessment?

Every academic program at Glen Oaks has clearly defined Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs).

Program Learning Outcomes describe what students should know and be able to do when they complete a degree or certificate. These outcomes are developed by full-time faculty who are experts in their fields.

Program assessment measures how well students are achieving those outcomes.

How Student Learning Is Measured

The College uses multiple tools to assess program outcomes, including:

• In-class assignments
• Capstone projects and courses
• State-level or national exams and certifications
• Industry-recognized credentialing assessments

With the completion of curriculum mapping, Glen Oaks links specific Common Course Outcomes (CCOs) to each Program Learning Outcome. This allows the College to use course-level assessment data to strengthen program-level assessment.

This process ensures that what happens in each class supports the overall goals of the program.

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What Is Program Review?

Program Review is a more comprehensive evaluation process that occurs on a five-year rotating schedule.

During Program Review, faculty and administrators outside the discipline examine:

• Program structure and curriculum
• Enrollment trends
• Community need and student demand
• Degrees and certificates awarded
• Program costs
• Job placement and employment outcomes
• Student learning outcomes

In the year leading up to Program Review, faculty conduct a systematic review and analysis of assessment findings and Program Learning Outcomes. This ensures that improvements are data-informed and aligned with student success goals.

Program Review supports Glen Oaks’ commitment to transparency, continuous improvement, and workforce alignment across the region.

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Program Assessment & Review Schedule

The College follows the schedule below for Program Assessment and Program Review cycles.

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Why This Matters to Students and the Community

Program assessment and review ensure:

• Programs stay aligned with workforce needs in Michigan and Indiana
• Curriculum remains current and industry-relevant
• Students graduate with measurable, career-ready skills
• Continuous improvement supports transfer and employment success

This structured process reflects Glen Oaks’ mission to provide opportunities for academic and lifelong success through excellence in teaching and comprehensive support services .

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often are programs reviewed?
A: Each academic program participates in a five-year rotating Program Review cycle.

Q: Who develops Program Learning Outcomes?
A: Full-time faculty who are subject-matter experts in each discipline define the outcomes.

Q: How does assessment improve my education?
A: Assessment ensures courses align with program goals, identifies areas for improvement, and strengthens career and transfer readiness.

Q: Are industry certifications included in assessment?
A: Yes. Many programs use state or national certification exams as part of their assessment process.