Overview
This article explains how Assessment 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.
Building from Scratch
To create a new template from scratch, the administrator uses 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 the administrator to define a unique structure without a fixed layout. On the following screen, the administrator enters a title for the program review template.
After entering a title, the administrator chooses from pre-built template categories or adds a new category. Note: At least one category must be selected before clicking Create Template.
To select from pre-built options, the administrator clicks the category button and checks 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, the administrator clicks Add Selected.
The template structure view then displays the current list of categories. The administrator 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, the administrator clicks +New Category, provides a title, and clicks Add.
To add a new section under that category, the administrator clicks Add Section.
Note: Template sections can link to live data within P&SS. This is known as a Smart Connection. These connections display current institutional information 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. | Displays above the rich text editor for contributors to view when entering a narrative. |
| Alignment to Institution Mission | Requires a mission statement at both the program level and the institution level. | Displays side-by-side above the rich text editor for contributors to view when entering a narrative. |
| Program Student Learning Outcomes | Requires users to assess program outcomes in the assessment plan by marking them as "Met" or "Not Met." | Displays above the rich text editor for contributors to view when entering a narrative. |
| Curriculum Map | Requires users to generate a curriculum map. | Displays above the rich text editor for contributors to view when entering a narrative. |
| Measures and Results | Requires users to create an assessment plan. | Reports from the Assessment Plans module display in the Evidence Locker. |
| Action Items and Use of Results | Requires users to create actions within an assessment plan. | Displays above the rich text editor for contributors to view when entering a narrative. |
The administrator enters a title and description for the new section, selects a Smart Connection if applicable, and clicks Add.
Once the template configuration is complete, the administrator clicks Create Template in the top right corner to save the new template.
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.
The administrator can rename, move, or remove categories and sections using the action menu located next to each specific item.
If modifications are made after the initial template creation, the administrator must click Save Template in the top right corner to apply the updates.