Program, Degree and Discipline Review (PDR) Process

See also: PDR Handbook | Self-Study Sample Reports

The Nevada System of Higher Education is committed to being accountable to the citizens of the state. Truckee Meadows Community College is committed to being accountable to its students, the community and the system. One of the ways to show accountability is to periodically review the work that we do. This review is accomplished through different means: Northwest Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities; the program accreditation where applicable; outcomes assessment; and program and discipline reviews. Each means has its own end and so does program and discipline review.

There are many reasons to undertake a program and discipline review process:

• Revitalization
• Renewal
• Self-evaluation
• Redirection
• Accountability
• Improvement
• Expansion
• Quality
• Downsizing
• Budgeting
• Changing mission
• Accreditation

While program and discipline reviews follow a certain schedule, their real purpose should be an opportunity for programs and disciplines to take a critical look at themselves and document their successes, opportunities, weaknesses and challenges. Reviewing a program, as assessing a program, should be done for the real benefit of the program, its students and its audience. This principle should guide this process.

The review process is characterized by the following: Study-Review and Validate-Recommend-Act. It is important that each academic dean be involved in the program and discipline review process within his/her disciplines from start to finish. While a schedule exists for the review of programs, periodic updates may be required of programs that are in need of improvement.

For more information about the program, degree and discipline review process, please contact us.