Overview
This article explains how Administrators design and manage Program Review templates within Planning & Self-Study (P&SS).
Template Creation
The template builder provides a flexible environment for constructing institutional reviews. Administrators can use research-informed structures from the Watermark Default Template or build unique requirements from scratch. This hybrid approach ensures program reviews remain comprehensive while addressing specific institutional goals.
Copying an Existing Template
Administrators can copy existing Program Review templates to use as a starting point for new reviews. This allows administrators to duplicate all categories, sections, writing prompts, and smart connections from an original template into a new, customizable version.
To make a copy, click into the Program Review module and select Templates.
Next to the desired template, open the More Options menu and select Copy.
Provide a new title for the copied version inside the text field.
Click Copy to duplicate the template structure and finalize your layout custom options.
Building from Scratch
To create a new template from scratch, administrators can use the following workflow:
- Click the Program Review module on the admin panel.
- Select the Templates tab.
- Click Create Template.
The system provides a blank canvas, allowing administrators to define a unique structure without a fixed layout. On the following screen, enter a descriptive title for the program review template.
After entering a title, choose from pre-built template categories or add a new category.
Note: At least one category must be selected before clicking Create Template.
To select from pre-built options, click the category button and check the boxes next to the desired categories and sections. An option to select all appears at the top of each section. After completing the selections, click Add Selected.
The template structure view then displays the current list of categories. Administrators can add new categories and sections at any point during this process.
Adding Custom Categories and Sections
To add a category not found in the pre-built list, click +New Category, provide a title, and click Add.
To add a new section under that category, click Add Section.
Template sections can link directly to live data within Planning & Self-Study using Smart Connections. These connections display current institutional information dynamically for contributors. Common Smart Connections include:
| Smart Connection | Requirement & System Behavior | Display Area |
|---|---|---|
| Program Mission Statement | Requires users to add a mission statement to the program tracking profile. | Displays above the rich text editor for contributors to reference when entering a narrative. |
| Alignment to Institution Mission | Requires a defined mission statement at both the program level and the institution level. | Displays side-by-side above the rich text editor for contributors to reference when entering a narrative. |
| Program Student Learning Outcomes | Requires users to assess program outcomes in the active plan by marking them as Met or Not Met. | Displays above the rich text editor for contributors to reference when entering a narrative. |
| Curriculum Map | Requires users to generate a curriculum map within the structural workspace. | Displays above the rich text editor for contributors to reference when entering a narrative. |
| Measures and Results | Requires users to generate and complete an active assessment plan. | Reports from the Assessment Plans module display inside the associated Evidence Locker. |
| Action Items and Use of Results | Requires users to log action items within an active institutional assessment plan. | Displays above the rich text editor for contributors to reference when entering a narrative. |
To save the section parameters, enter a title and description for the new section, select a Smart Connection if applicable, and click Add.
Once the template layout configuration is complete, click Create Template in the top right corner to deploy it.
Managing and Editing Templates
Saved templates display under the Templates tab. To make adjustments:
- Click the More Options icon (represented by three dots) next to the target template.
- Select Edit.
Administrators can rename, move, or remove categories and sections using the individual action menus located next to each item row.
If updates are made after the template has been deployed, click Save Template in the top right corner to commit the modifications.