/ Existing Administrative Program Offline Template
Program Prioritization – Fall 2015

NIU Administrative Program Write-up Template – Existing Programs

The following offline template is available for use by department chairs, directors, and other program contacts involved in contributing to the proposed administrative program narratives. This offline template allows for an opportunity to draft responses collaboratively, prior to copying/pasting a finalized draft into the web-based data software, Prioritization Plus, which NIU is using to collect program data and related information as part of our program prioritization process. The offline template mirrors the online Prioritization Plus version in that it includes all five administrative criteria relevant to proposed programs, as well as the associated questions for each criterion. Please be aware that although the off-line template may be used to collaborate while drafting narratives, the final submission is required to be in an online format via Prioritization Plus. Program authors are advised to check with their approvers for any internal deadlines set by their colleges or divisions for program narrative submission.

To learn more about the Prioritization Plus system, visit the NIU Program Prioritization training page at http://go.niu.edu/pptraining

General Guidelines for Program Write-ups

  1. A maximum of 500 words are permitted per criterion narrative response, including criterion summary and responses to the associated criterion questions. The 500 words may be distributed as desired across the criterion questions and criterion summary. For example, the text drafted for the criterion 1 summary and questions 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4 should not exceed 500 words.
  2. For each question, 1 chart or diagram may be uploaded to be included as images, each less than 1MB in size and recommended dimensions to be no larger than 500 pixels wide x 400 pixels high, .jpg, .png, or gif image file formats. If including images in your write-up, keep a copy of the images in a folder on your computer for easy uploading into the system.
  3. For each question, 1 supplemental data table may be added, each with a maximum size of 5 rows X 7 columns. Table data does not count against available word counts.
    Sample data table, depicting maximum allowed table size inputs, using fiscal years as row labels

Column Label 1 / Column Label 2 / Column Label 3 / Column Label 4 / Column Label 5 / Column Label 6 / Column Label 7
FY2011
FY2012
FY2013
FY2014
FY2015

Program Summary [limit 125 words]

Describe the program in 125 words or less, so those unfamiliar with the program will have a high level understanding of what the program is and who it serves.

Add program summary here, 125-word limit.

Criterion 1: Importance to University Mission / Operations [22%]

Criterion 1 Summary

Provide overall summary response to criterion 1, if desired. Remember the 500-word limit shared for the complete narrative response to criterion 1, which includes the criterion summary and questions 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4.

Add criterion 1 summary here, if desired.

Question: 1.1 Importance to Mission – Describe how the program is aligned with the university’s mission, “to promote excellence and engagement in teaching and learning, research and scholarship, creativity and artistry, and outreach and service.”

Add response to Question 1.1 Importance to Mission here, following the shared 500-word count limit for all narrative responses to criterion 1. Each question response can include 1 chart or diagram as an image (maximum recommended dimensions 500 x 400 pixels) and 1 supplemental data table, 5 rows x 7 columns.

Question: 1.2 Importance to Operations – Describe how the program is essential to the university’s strategic plan and/or operational requirements.

Add response to Question 1.2 Importance to Operations here, following the shared 500-word count limit for all narrative responses to criterion 1. Each question response can include 1 chart or diagram as an image (maximum recommended dimensions 500 x 400 pixels) and 1 supplemental data table, 5 rows x 7 columns.

Question: 1.3 Program Portfolio – Explain why the program has an important role to play in the university’s program portfolio.

Add response to Question 1.3 Program Portfolio here, following the shared 500-word count limit for all narrative responses to criterion 1. Each question response can include 1 chart or diagram as an image (maximum recommended dimensions 500 x 400 pixels) and 1 supplemental data table, 5 rows x 7 columns.

Question: 1.4 Program Synergy – Discuss any synergy the program’s functions have with other units on campus.

Add response to Question 1.4 Program Synergy here, following the shared 500-word count limit for all narrative responses to criterion 1. Each question response can include 1 chart or diagram as an image (maximum recommended dimensions 500 x 400 pixels) and 1 supplemental data table, 5 rows x 7 columns.

Criterion 2: Quality / Effectiveness [22%]

Criterion 2 Summary

Provide overall summary response to criterion 2, if desired. Remember the 500-word limit shared for the complete narrative response to criterion 2, which includes the criterion summary and questions 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 2.4.

Add criterion 2 summary here, if desired.

Question: 2.1 Functions and Services – Describe the functions and services provided by the program as well as the demand for services, as demonstrated through a needs assessment. Where possible please describe any unmet demand for services.

Add response to Question 2.1 Functions and Services here, following the shared 500-word count limit for all narrative responses to criterion 2. Each question response can include 1 chart or diagram as an image (maximum recommended dimensions 500 x 400 pixels) and 1 supplemental data table, 5 rows x 7 columns.

Question: 2.2 Measures of Quality – Explain the measures used to evaluate program quality. Where possible please include measures of student perception, engagement and learning.

Add response to Question 2.2 Measures of Quality, following the shared 500-word count limit for all narrative responses to criterion 2. Each question response can include 1 chart or diagram as an image (maximum recommended dimensions 500 x 400 pixels) and 1 supplemental data table, 5 rows x 7 columns.

Question: 2.3 Evidence of Quality – Provide evidence demonstrating the quality of the program’s services or functions.

Add response to Question 2.3 Evidence of Quality here, following the shared 500-word count limit for all narrative responses to criterion 2. Each question response can include 1 chart or diagram as an image (maximum recommended dimensions 500 x 400 pixels) and 1 supplemental data table, 5 rows x 7 columns.

Question: 2.4 Quality Improvement – Describe the program’s initiatives/actions to improve the delivery of service(s) and/or execution of functions (e.g. increase training for personnel, expansion and/or modifications of program services).

Add response to Question 2.4 Quality Improvement here, following the shared 500-word count limit for all narrative responses to criterion 2. Each question response can include 1 chart or diagram as an image (maximum recommended dimensions 500 x 400 pixels) and 1 supplemental data table, 5 rows x 7 columns.

Criterion 3: Productivity / Efficiency [22%]

Criterion 3 Summary

Provide overall summary response to criterion 3, if desired. Remember the 500-word limit shared for the complete narrative response to criterion 3, which includes the criterion summary and questions 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4.

Add criterion 3 summary here, if desired.

Question: 3.1 Scope of Program – Explain the scope of duties performed by the program. Where possible, provide evidence that demonstrates the volume and complexity of work performed.

Add response to Question 3.1 Scope of Program here, following the shared 500-word count limit for all narrative responses to criterion 3. Each question response can include 1 chart or diagram as an image (maximum recommended dimensions 500 x 400 pixels) and 1 supplemental data table, 5 rows x 7 columns.

Question: 3.2 Productivity Comparison – How well does the program perform compared to peer institutions?

Add response to Question 3.2 Productivity Comparison here, following the shared 500-word count limit for all narrative responses to criterion 3. Each question response can include 1 chart or diagram as an image (maximum recommended dimensions 500 x 400 pixels) and 1 supplemental data table, 5 rows x 7 columns.

Question: 3.3 Resource Comparison – How does the program’s resources (e.g. number of personnel, facilities, equipment) compare with programs from peer institutions?

Add response to Question 3.3 Resource Comparison here, following the shared 500-word count limit for all narrative responses to criterion 3. Each question response can include 1 chart or diagram as an image (maximum recommended dimensions 500 x 400 pixels) and 1 supplemental data table, 5 rows x 7 columns.

Question: 3.4 Cost and Revenues – Discuss the trend of program costs (direct/indirect), and revenues as applicable.

Add response to Question 3.4 Cost and Revenues here, following the shared 500-word count limit for all narrative responses to criterion 3. Each question response can include 1 chart or diagram as an image (maximum recommended dimensions 500 x 400 pixels) and 1 supplemental data table, 5 rows x 7 columns.

Criterion 4: Internal & External Demand [22%]

Criterion 4 Summary

Provide overall summary response to criterion 4, if desired. Remember the 500-word limit shared for the complete narrative response to criterion 4, which includes the criterion summary and questions 4.1 and 4.2.

Add criterion 4 summary here, if desired.

Question: 4.1 External Demand – Describe the local, state and national demands for the program’s services. Explain whether there are any external mandates that might indicate a continuing need or expansion of the program’s services.

Add response to Question 4.1 External Demand here, following the shared 500-word count limit for all narrative responses to criterion 4. Each question response can include 1 chart or diagram as an image (maximum recommended dimensions 500 x 400 pixels) and 1 supplemental data table, 5 rows x 7 columns.

Question: 4.2 Internal Demand – Describe the internal demand for the program’s services. Explain any compliance requirements that might indicate a continuing need or expansion of the program’s services.

Add response to Question 4.2 Internal Demand here, following the shared 500-word count limit for all narrative responses to criterion 4. Each question response can include 1 chart or diagram as an image (maximum recommended dimensions 500 x 400 pixels) and 1 supplemental data table, 5 rows x 7 columns.

Criterion 5: Opportunity Analysis [12%]

Criterion 5 Summary

Provide overall summary response to criterion 5, if desired. Remember the 500-word limit shared for the complete narrative response to criterion 5, which includes the criterion summary and questions 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, and 5.4.

Add criterion 5 summary here, if desired.

Question: 5.1 Cost Savings Opportunities – Describe opportunities for cost-savings (e.g. automating, consolidating, collaborating, or eliminating functions, and/or performing functions elsewhere in the university or by an outside contractor.

Add response to Question 5.1 Cost Savings Opportunities, following the shared 500-word count limit for all narrative responses to criterion 5. Each question response can include 1 chart or diagram as an image (maximum recommended dimensions 500 x 400 pixels) and 1 supplemental data table, 5 rows x 7 columns.

Question: 5.2 Future Revenue / Resources – Describe opportunities for additional revenue or resource generation.

Add response to Question 5.2 Future Revenue / Resources here, following the shared 500-word count limit for all narrative responses to criterion 5. Each question response can include 1 chart or diagram as an image (maximum recommended dimensions 500 x 400 pixels) and 1 supplemental data table, 5 rows x 7 columns.

Question: 5.3 Improvement Opportunities – Describe potential opportunities to improve the program’s products/services, or increase effectiveness and efficiencies (e.g. development, technology, elimination of redundancy, cross-training).

Add response to Question 5.3 Improvement Opportunities here, following the shared 500-word count limit for all narrative responses to criterion 5. Each question response can include 1 chart or diagram as an image (maximum recommended dimensions 500 x 400 pixels) and 1 supplemental data table, 5 rows x 7 columns.

Question: 5.4 Opportunities in the Field – Describe the actions necessary to make the program exemplary, if not already, in the field (e.g. staff, equipment and/or technology, removing barriers to success, additional functions, restructuring, greater impact).

Add response to Question 5.4 Opportunities in the Field here, following the shared 500-word count limit for all narrative responses to criterion 5. Each question response can include 1 chart or diagram as an image (maximum recommended dimensions 500 x 400 pixels) and 1 supplemental data table, 5 rows x 7 columns.

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