Abstract
Problem and purpose. California state law and regional accrediting agencies mandate that the California community colleges integrate planning into campus-wide decision making and resource allocation. This study examines how the colleges have used academic program review for this purpose. Methodology. This study used ex post facto, descriptive, and case study research. A sample survey was sent to the 108 California community colleges. The questionnaire examined several areas of program review use: (1) program improvement, (2) decision making, (3) program elimination, (4) allocation and reallocation of resources, (5) demonstration of accountability to outside agencies and local publics, and (6) the balance between quantitative and qualitative data use. The results of the sample survey were used to select two California community colleges as models for linking program review findings to campus-wide decision making and resource allocation. Findings. Over 92 percent of the California community colleges engage in program review. The primary focus of program review is program improvement. While the product of program review is considered useful for campus-wide decision making and resource allocation, it is used less frequently for this purpose than for program improvement. The program review process is seldom used for program elimination, although program review findings contribute to these decisions in some schools. Program review is frequently used to demonstrate accountability to accrediting agencies. The sample survey was used to select two contrasting colleges as case studies. These colleges successfully link program review with resource allocation. Conclusions and recommendations. California community colleges actively engage in program review. Program review's driving force is program improvement, although decision making and resource allocation are also significant. Program review is not extensively used to reduce or eliminate programs. Leaders may use the data produced by program review to make decisions on program reduction or elimination. Program review plays a significant role in demonstrating accountability to outside agencies, especially local accrediting bodies. Qualitative and quantitative data is blended in the program review process. Other recommended areas of study include: (1) development of additional models, (2) relationship to student learning outcomes, and (3) the affect of the current California educational crises on the program review process.