Consultant Report Format for New Programs - Program Evaluation and Recommendations

Sep 1, 2026

Upload by Sarah

A structured consultant report format for evaluating proposed new academic programs at Rutgers. The document sets university-wide expectations for academic excellence, community impact, strategic priority alignment, and commitments to educational access, diversity, equity, and inclusion. It instructs consultants to submit an assessment with clear recommendations and a cover letter including conflicts, reviewed program details, submission and site-visit dates. The report outline covers program objectives and academic rigor, educational curriculum evidence, required elements, and student equity, accessibility, admissions, transfer, advisement, and learning outcomes.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatDOCX

Pages7

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Consultant Report Format

Cover Letter Information

Recommendation Options

Report Outline

Program Elements and Sufficient Academic Quality

Objectives

Educational Program

Students

Consultant Report for New Programs PROPOSAL FOR A [M] [PROPOSING CLU(S)] [PROPOSING SCHOOL(S)] [PROPOSING DEPARTMENT(S)] [DATE] The evolution of academic programs at Rutgers is critical to the university and the needs of students, faculty, and the citizens of the State of New Jersey. The Office of University Academic Affairs supports this through a university-wide Academic Program Approval Process ensuring appropriate input, accountability, and decision-making at multiple levels to promote: Academic excellence; Optimal impact on the Rutgers’ community and broader statewide citizenry; Alignment with strategic academic priorities; Commitment to educational access, diversity, equity, and inclusion; and Effective and strategic use of university resources. Consultant Report Format The consultant should submit a written evaluation of the program and include a specific recommendation to the institution. Please include a cover letter or introductory statement with the following information: Consultant name and brief summary of relevant credentials and experience A statement verifying no conflict of interest Identification of the specific proposed program reviewed at the institution/campus/unit Date of submission of the report Date of the site visit Materials provided by the program sponsors for review Campus and program personnel who were consulted Recommendation and rationale. Consultant may recommend: Approval Approval upon minor modification by the institution Non-approval unless major modifications are implemented Non-approval for stated reasons The report is to be a thoughtful and thorough assessment of the quality of the program, not merely a detailing of the specifics of the proposed program. The program’s degree designation is also an important factor in this review and should be considered throughout the report. For example: A doctoral program may have distinct needs in terms of doctoral advising; scholarship; and funding capabilities for areas such as graduate assistants/teacher assistants, external funding sources, and the University’s commitment to funding the program. The report must be structured according to the following Report Outline, include all specified sections, and answer the questions posed. Program Elements and Sufficient Academic Quality Objectives Describe whether the objectives and underlying principles of the program are sound and clearly stated. Discuss whether the program is consistent with the programmatic mission and educational goals of the institution and/or the chancellor led unit (CLU). Discuss, where appropriate, if the program objectives are appropriate to the careers, professions, or practices into which graduates are expected to enter. Does the program fit well into the institutional/CLU strategic plans, and has the institution considered any impact the new program might have on existing programs at the institution? Discuss how the proposed degree program will advance the impact and reputation of Rutgers as a leading national university recognized for academic excellence. Educational Program Does the proposal provide evidence of program rigor in the curriculum with information that displays: program outcomes detailing what students will be able to demonstrate at completion of the degree program; planned curriculum with course descriptions; and a plan to provide students access to faculty, instructors, and/or staff? Discuss the distribution and nature of required courses, electives, and research (if appropriate) in terms of meeting the objectives of the program. Compare and contrast the proposed curriculum with recognized programs of quality at peer institutions, if appropriate. Are instructional modes and credit distribution consistent with the objectives of the curriculum? [Please explain.] Does the curriculum represent a suitable approach to professional study in the particular field, if appropriate? [Please explain.] Does the curriculum meet certification and/or accreditation standards, if

FAQs

What information must the consultant include in the cover letter or introductory statement?

It must include the consultant name and relevant credentials, a statement verifying no conflict of interest, identification of the specific proposed program reviewed, submission and site-visit dates, materials provided by program sponsors, and consulted campus/program personnel, plus the recommendation and rationale.

What recommendation outcomes can the consultant make?

The consultant may recommend approval, approval with minor modifications, non-approval unless major modifications are implemented, or non-approval for stated reasons.

Which major sections does the report outline require?

The report must be structured according to the outlined sections, including Program Elements and Sufficient Academic Quality—covering Objectives, Educational Program, and Students—while answering all posed questions within those sections.

Sep 1, 2026

Upload by Sarah