Proposed Undergraduate Programs
Needs Assessment

         Northern Kentucky University encourages the development of new and innovative academic programs which advance its mission. The development of new programs is facilitated by the University Curriculum Committee (UCC) and the Office of Curriculum, Accreditation and Assessment (CAA). CAA and UCC will provide support and counsel for individuals seeking approval of proposals.

         The UCC review process contributes to the quality of the proposed programs and increases their probability of success. It is the only pathway permitted by the Board of Regents for the approval of new academic programs.

         Working with the UCC, the program sponsors prepare a packet of materials about the proposed program which includes technical assistance and advice from several offices on campus:

• The Office of Curriculum, Accreditaiton, and Assessment to assure that the program fits within the parameters of SACS and state guidelines;
• The directors of computing services, media, and the libraries to predict the impact of the program on learning resources;
• The Office of Provost to analyze the financial impact of the proposed program.

         Prior to submitting the Academic Planning Form, the department proposing the new academic program must conduct a needs assessment to determine the market for the program. The proposing department must provide evidence of both student need and ample employment opportunities exist for program graduates.

Market Needs Assessment

          A market needs assessment must be conducted by the program sponsor with assistance. The market needs assessment must include, but not necessarily be limited to, market analysis of student demand, employer needs assessment, market position and competition, and market potential.

Documentation of Need for Program

            Please provide objective data, studies, or the results of institutional needs assessment conducted to document a special need. Use any of the following possible justifications, as appropriate to the program's nature:

            1. Student interest or demand.

            2. Cultural, artistic, and intellectual growth.

            3. Economic growth and development.

            4. Changes in occupation or profession.

            5. Workforce needs of local industry. (Please detail whether workforce needs require future  graduates or the retraining of present employees and estimate the demand for, and supply of, graduates.)

            6. Service to community. (Please describe the potential opportunities for service to the community which program faculty, students, or administrative staff could provide.  Include as appropriate, opportunities for research, internships, or service.)

Needs Assessment Surveys

Sample surveys are available which can be modified for individual programs. Surveys are available in Microsoft Word or online. CAA will work with the department to design the appropriate survey for students and/or employers.

Employer Survey in Word Format

Potential Student Survey in Word Format

Employer Survey Online

Potential Student Survey Online

Market Needs Survey Procedures

CAA will do the following:

1. prepare the surveys and letters
2. mail or e-mail surveys to potential respondents
3. analyze the results

The department proposing the academic program will do the following:

1. determine the target audience for the surveys
2. provide a list with names and addresses of potential employers
3. provide a list with names and addresses of potential students
4. pay for the postage to do the initial mailing of the surveys and for the return postage-paid postage.