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West Virginia University Office of the Provost

Graduate Program Portfolio Review

In spring 2021, the Office of the Provost began extensive data-gathering efforts to identify academic programs of concern and areas of opportunity. Data included program enrollment and graduation rates as well as analyses of job market and the competitive academic landscape. Academic leaders were also asked to provide additional information and context. This initial effort began with undergraduate, terminal master’s and professional master’s degree programs. By fall 2021, final recommendations were shared with the Board of Governors.

Since then, the review has expanded to include non-terminal master's and PhD programs. Throughout the fall 2022 semester, the Provost's Office continued conversations with colleges regarding their graduate education portfolio to identify concerns and opportunities. In spring 2023, the Provost’s Office notified academic units of its preliminary recommendations.

Appeals Process

As per WVU Board of Governors rules, every academic unit is given the opportunity to appeal any recommendation made through program review, including recommendations to reduce or eliminate their programs and/or majors through a formal appeal process. After receiving the recommendation, department/program leaders have one week to declare their intent to appeal the recommendation.

Continuance at the Current Level of Activity

Programs and majors with this recommendation have completed the review process and no further action will be required of them

  • MA Special Education
  • MA Communication Studies
  • MS Journalism

Continuance at the Current Level of Activity with Specific Action

Programs and majors with this recommendation have completed the review process but are required to provide additional information to the Provost’s Office regarding one or more of the program review areas by a specified future date. A report is available for each in the linked PDF.

* Note: Although original memos attached here indicate specific timelines for program improvement plans, those deadlines are suspended indefinitely as team members respond to current budget challenges and prepare to conduct a deeper analysis of all programs in the academic portfolio.

Development of a Cooperative Program 

Programs and majors with this recommendation have completed the review process and will be merged with an existing program and/or major or into a new program and/or major. A report is available for each in the linked PDF.

* Note: Although improvement plan deadlines are being delayed for programs identified under continuance with “specific action,” the development of cooperative programs are moving forward as planned.

Discontinuance 

Programs and majors with this recommendation have completed the review process and will be deactivated and no longer admitting students after the start of the 2023-24 academic year. Some programs and/or majors may be reorganized into new programs and/or majors, replacing the discontinued programs and/or majors. A report is available for each in the linked PDF.

* Note:  Although improvement plan deadlines are being delayed for programs identified under continuance with “specific action,” the discontinuance process is moving forward as planned. Recommendations will be shared with the Board of Governors for decision making at the June 23, 2023, board meeting.