As professional educators our primary goal is to help students learn. We must have relevant, current programs and must establish program goals designed to prepare students to achieve their educational goals. M State recognizes that, as an institution, we need to be accountable - to our constituencies. This process provides a structured, scheduled opportunity for a program to develop a strategy for improvement. The process:

• Shows the relationship between the M State Mission and student learning outcomes
• Demonstrates the relevancy, currency and effectiveness of instructional programs
• Defines the needs of the program so that the resources of the institution may be appropriately applied
• Points to areas where curriculum and staff development are necessary
• Provides the data and information for use in institutional planning and resource allocation