Review of existing academic programs advances the vision of the university “to be a premier learner-focused public comprehensive university, a nationally recognized leader for its continuous record of excellence in undergraduate and graduate education” (see Mission, Vision, and Core Values).
Many of the university’s professional programs are accredited by specialized agencies and organizations recognized by the US Department of Education (see Accreditation), and review of such programs is governed by the standards, practices, processes, and timelines of their accreditors. Academic programs that are not accredited are reviewed by external evaluators on a ten-year cycle, with regular internal monitoring between external reviews as reported in the home departments’ annual reports.
Existing academic program review – whether of accredited or non-accredited programs – examines inputs, outputs, and outcomes with the intent of assuring the university, its students, and the public of healthy, sustainable, and academically vital programs of study.
UCA’s Existing Academic Program Review (EAPR) processes follow the Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE) Policy on the Review of Existing Academic Programs approved by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB) on January 24, 2025, in accordance with A.C.A § 6-61-214.