Program Planning

Program review and planning, as required by both the CSU system and WASC Senior College and University Commission, is a structured and systematic process that ensures continuous improvement and alignment of departmental goals with institutional objectives, fosters accountability and transparency, and enhances the quality of the programs.

At SJSU, program planning is a future-oriented process based on assessment, guided by the 2017 Program Planning Guidelines [pdf], and carried out within the framework of the University Policy S17-11 [pdf]. Program planning is required for all SJSU programs every seven (7) years, mid-cycle for any program with an accreditation cycle of eight or more years, or in alignment with the programmatic (specialized) accreditation cycle, as per University Policy S17-11 [pdf].

The process includes all programs in the department including baccalaureate degrees, minors, graduate degrees, certificates, and credential programs as well as programs shared with other departments.  

All SJSU programs use assessment information to develop multi-year, typically seven (7) years, action plans that guide department decisions and priorities regarding curriculum and program development and revision, scholarship, resource management, faculty and staff hiring, student recruitment and retention, and partnerships with stakeholders including employers and the public.

While leadership for the program plan resides with the department chair, all faculty, administrators, students and staff at the department, college, and university levels are critical stakeholders for its development and successful completion.

The Program Planning Committee provides support, education, coordination and collaboration to departments and external reviewers throughout the program planning process.  The Committee facilitates discussions with the departments and Provost to develop and recommend action plans for implementation.

2022-2023 Program Planning Guidelines Review Process

In the 2022-2023 academic year, the Program Planning Committee reviewed the guidelines. Department chairs, school directors, associate deans, and deans received a survey in February 2023 requesting feedback on how to make the process more meaningful and focused on student and department success.

Once the committee finalizes the draft guidelines [pdf], they will be shared with the Curriculum and Research Committee for final approval per University Policy S17-11 [pdf].

To share your feedback, email your college representative or the co-chairs of the Program Planning Committee. 

Program Planning Records  

Archived Program Planning materials including department self-studies, external reviewer reports, or Action Plans are maintained in Nuventive. 

College Assessment Facilitators, Department Chairs/School Directors, Assessment Coordinators, and Faculty may request user access for programs within their college by completing and submitting a Nuventive Request Form.

Credit Hour Audits

The Academic Scheduling and Space Management team submits Class Meeting Time Reports to the college administration each term. College credit hour tracking reports are available upon request.

SJSU faculty and staff: Please visit our Institutional Effectiveness Resource site for Program Planning for additional support and information, including procedures, extension requests, and schedules.

Please visit our Institutional Research and Strategic Analytics for data, information, research and dashboards specific to SJSU as well as California State University (CSU) systemwide.