Legislative mandate - in order to develop processes to strengthen Academic Senates, Title 5 was adopted. This Title identifies who we are, as well as our responsibilities and powers. Language in the regulations requires governing boards (out Board of Trustees)
to consult collegially with the Academic Senate on academic and professional matters. This regulation which has the effect of law means the Academic Senate must play a central role in the development of program review.

As a local issue, we the faculty have an obligation to our students to provide them with the best courses and programs and it is critical that we look at ourselves to determine how we are doing and if any changes or additions are necessary.

In order for program review to be effect, it must also be taken one step further. It must become part of our institutional planning and budget, which happens to also be an academic and professional matter.

Program review at CSM is part of an overall process of evaluating the viability and effectiveness of all programs at the college. Program review is really part of an overall effort to look at curriculum development, program reviews and program viability collectively. This is a more long-range approach to evaluating the effectiveness and longevity of our instructional programs here at CSM. Program reviews are now being scrutinized in much more detail then ever before, to determine program needs in terms
of instructional equipment, future staffing needs and curriculum development. This document is the single most important tool we have in planning the growth of our instructional programs. The viability studies help us to look critically and proactively at these programs, to make sure they are current with both college and community needs. Leadership responsibility for this process comes primarily from the Committee on Instruction, and is overseen by the Academic Senate.