The memorandum of understanding (MOU) is the culminating phase of academic program review and the starting point for the next review period. Its purpose is to identify an action plan in such a way that progress toward implementing the plan can be assessed for the next round of review.

It is understood that unforeseen developments and resource fluctuations may alter priorities and/or change the pace at which the action plan can be implemented. Nevertheless, the MOU records agreements regarding the directions the program is taking and resources the program needs. As such, it provides a context for the decision making relationship between the program and the University (dean, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Academic Senate, etc.) until the next program review. Subsequent requests for curriculum revisions, tenure track searches, and other resources should all be consistent with agreements contained in the MOU.

Utilizing the input from all the parties of the program review, the AVP for Academic Program Development works in cooperation with the program head, the college dean and others as needed, to develop the MOU. The steps involved are as follows:

• Upon receipt of the APRC report by the Office of Academic Affairs, the AVP for Academic Program Development sends a letter to the program head initiating the final preparations for the MOU. The letter includes a request for the following:

(1) An indication of those recommendations the program is prepared to implement without additional resources.

(2) A listing in priority order of the most pressing resource or other needs to implement the remaining recommendations.

(3) A statement regarding those recommendations (if any) the program disagrees with or does not wish to see implemented.

(4) A delineation of alternatives the program proposes should resources not be forthcoming or have to be cut.

• After the program head responds, in writing, to this request, the AVP for Academic Program Development develops a first draft of the MOU attempting to capture agreements emerging from the review. This draft MOU reflects the input received from the self study, reviewers and responders and enunciates a set of initiatives and directions for the program.

• The MOU is revised, as needed, jointly by the AVP for Academic Program Development, program head, and college dean, who confer as needed in order to reach agreement.

• The Vice President for Academic Affairs, AVP for Academic Program Development, AVP for Academic Resources, college dean, and program head meet to discuss the MOU and make any final changes or clarifications arising from the meeting.

• The final MOU is signed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs, college dean, and program head. The original is kept on file in the Office of Academic Affairs. Copies are provided to the dean, program head, and Academic Senate Office.

Format for the MOU

The MOU typically includes the following sections:

1. An introduction identifying the programs offered by the instructional unit and briefly characterizing the general findings of the review.
2. An action plan specifying what the instructional unit and dean are committed to doing in each of the four review areas (curriculum, faculty, students, and resources).
3. A list of resource needs which the instructional unit intends to request within the normal budget process.
4. A statement from the Vice President for Academic Affairs regarding the general status of campus resources.
5. An authorization section, for the signatures of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, college dean, and program head.