University of Wisconsin Stout | Wisconsin's Polytechnic University

Function of the Committee

The committee provides advice and assistance to the program director in matters related to development of curriculum and on procedural matters for the program.

Program committees meet at least once each semester or more frequently, as the need arises. Meetings (face-to-face or teleconference) are convened and chaired by the program director, and minutes of each meeting are furnished to the college dean. The program director is responsible for keeping the program committee informed of program status. The program director consults the committee on short- and long-range goals and projections for the program. Any curricular changes proposed for the program are considered by the committee. The recommendation of the committee is then presented, along with the program director's recommendation, and the proposed changes are considered in the college and divisional curricular processes.

Related links:

• Relationship between Department Chairs and Program Directors
• Program Director Responsibilities

Composition of the Committee

The committee should be composed of members who can provide advice and assistance to the program director in the development and improvement of that program. Membership may change as needed for advice and assistance. Such needs may relate to curriculum and courses, advising of students, program assessment and review, determining projections of student needs, and prediction of placement and future job markets for graduates.

The committee membership should be broadly based to include both internal and external stakeholders: faculty and academic staff from across colleges, students, alumni and employers. Ex-officio representatives from Student Services, Enrollment Services and other administrative support units may also be included.

Committee members are recommended by the program director and approved by the dean of the college responsible for the program. Program directors are responsible for notifying committee members of their appointment. Appointments are effective at the beginning of the academic year. The term of office is one year; appointments are renewable.

Committee membership is announced at the beginning of each school year by the appropriate academic dean.

List of program committees

Click on the program name to see a drop-down list of committee members.