Program goals, as distinct from student learning outcomes, are broad educational goals of the program and its programmatic elements such as, but not limited to, the following:
- Completion rates or number of graduates
- Faculty activities
- Program activities
Broadly, you can think about program goals in terms of:
- Service delivery (e.g., participation numbers, number of students/community members served)
- Revenue generation (grants, sponsorships, etc.)
- Community outreach (community service, volunteer hours)
- Faculty engagement (publications, conference presentations/attendance, etc.)
- Educational goals (# of students doing X or Y)
Program Goals are measured by establishing specific actions that will provide objective data to inform the department or program on the progress they are making toward achieving their goals. Goals also have a time-frame associated with them (e.g., annually, triennially, etc.).
Examples of Program Goals:
- The department will prepare students for graduate school.
- Students will study with faculty members who are accomplished in their area of specialization.
- The department will offer classes in these 5 areas.
- The department will provide access to industry-standard resources.
- The department will contribute to interdisciplinary programs.
Just like student learning outcomes, the assessment of program goals needs to be documented using Activity Tracking Forms.