Section 281-4-006 - REVIEW OF EXISTING PROGRAMS006.01 The primary purposes of the review of existing programs are to provide evidence of on-going need and demand for existing programs and to assist the Commission to exercise its responsibility to authorize continuation of the program or to discontinue the program. The governing boards of the public institutions shall be responsible for assuring the quality and effectiveness of programs offered by their institutions. The criteria shall not infringe on the prerogative of the governing boards to make decisions on the quality of staff and the design of curriculum.006.02 The basic unit of review may be the academic department or equivalent academic organization unit with first-line responsibility for delivery and administration of instructional programs. The review shall focus on the instructional programs offered by the unit that are within the discipline or disciplines identified by the Commission for review during that year.006.03 The schedule for the reviews shall be set by the Commission in consultation with the institutions' governing boards or their designated representatives. To the extent possible, while still allowing for timely review by the Commission, the reviews shall coincide with the institutional review and accreditation cycles.006.04 The format for the program review reports sent to the Commission may be set by the Commission. The reports shall include materials upon which the governing board made its decision.006.05 Any program authorized by action of the Legislature or a governing board, and in existence prior to January 1, 1992, shall be considered approved until the approval is withdrawn by the Commission under these rules.006.06 For each instructional program reviewed, the governing board shall authorize the institution to (1) discontinue the program, (2) recommend that the Commission authorize continuation of the program, (3) direct the institution to initiate an in-depth review of the program, and/or (4) offer an alternative option.006.07 Following action by the governing board, the institution shall submit program review reports to the Commission. Program review reports for existing programs that are identified for discontinuation based on the results of a program review shall be submitted by the governing board to the Commission for information. No Commission action is required for discontinued programs.
Program review reports for existing programs designated by the governing board for in-depth review shall be submitted to the Commission for information. The institution shall submit the report of the in-depth review to the governing board. The governing board shall authorize the institution to discontinue the program or recommend that the Commission authorize continuation of the program.
006.08 Each existing program recommended by the governing board for continuation but which is not in substantial compliance with the review criteria established by the Commission shall be targeted by the Commission for in-depth review to be conducted by the public institution and its governing board. The in-depth review shall focus on the review criteria that were not met and shall be completed by a date set by the Commission.006.09 Following an in-depth review directed by the Commission, the governing board shall submit to the Commission its findings and recommendations regarding continuation or discontinuation of the program.006.10 If the Commission determines, following an in-depth review, that a program is not in substantial compliance with the criteria of the Commission, the Commission shall hold a public hearing, following thirty days' notice to the public institution, to consider if the program should be continued or discontinued. Following a hearing, the Commission shall take action to approve or disapprove continuance of the program. The Commission may monitor an approved program by requiring the institution to submit a periodic status report on compliance with Commission criteria.006.11 Existing programs disapproved for continuance by the Commission shall be terminated by the public institution on a date mutually agreed upon by which time all students in the program on the date of the decision of the Commission will have had a reasonable opportunity, as determined by the governing board of the public institution, to complete the program or be otherwise accommodated.006.12 CRITERIA FOR THE REVIEW OF EXISTING PROGRAMS006.12ANeeds and Demand The program meets or will meet educational needs and demands.006.12BAssure Efficiency The program operates or will be operated efficiently.006.12CAvoid Unnecessary Duplication The program does not constitute unnecessary duplication of similar programs offered by other postsecondary institutions in Nebraska or through interstate agreements.006.12DCentrality to the Role and Mission of the Public Institutions. The program shall be consistent with the institutional role and mission, as defined by law and in the Comprehensive Statewide Plan as approved by the Commission.281 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 4, § 006