Programs are required by University of Utah Policy 6-001 and further detailed in Rule 6-001CMP, to develop and follow a written Curriculum Management Plan, which includes processes for conducting Learning Outcomes Assessments. Additional policy guidance is found in Policy 6-500.

The School of Dance (SOD) is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD) and considers NASD standards and guidelines in curriculum management matters.

Curriculum

• The SOD Director appoints a Curriculum Committee Chair annually, in alignment with the College of Fine Arts Charter. The SOD Curriculum Committee Chair, in consultation with the SOD Director, supports the unit’s curricular processes. The SOD Curriculum Committee Chair also serves on the College of Fine Arts Curriculum Committee.

• The SOD reviews curriculum proposals at least twice per year, in alignment with the College of Fine Arts curriculum cycle.

• Any full-time faculty member may propose new curriculum or curricular revisions.

• National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD) standards and guidelines are considered in all curricular decisions.

• Significant curricular revisions may warrant consultation with students.

• All proposals are vetted by full-time faculty and must receive a majority vote of the unit’s full-time faculty for approval. Once approved at the SOD level, curriculum proposals must be reviewed by the College of Fine Arts Curriculum Committee and/or Dean for approval. Depending on proposal details, proposals may also require additional approvals to comply with University policies.

Learning Outcomes & Assessment

• PROGRAMMATIC LEARNING OUTCOMES

  • Demonstrate and apply professional-level physical skills and discipline-specific knowledge through dance performance. (NASD standard: technique and performance)

  • Design and compose original creative work utilizing various choreographic processes and methods. (NASD standard: choreography)

  • Integrate diverse methods and philosophies of dance teaching and learning into a variety of artistic, community, and educational contexts. (NASD standard: teaching)

  • Analyze, contextualize, and communicate ideas about dance from a broad range of traditions and periods including our own. (NASD standard: historical and theoretical studies)

• Programmatic learning outcomes are established by the faculty in alignment with the standards and guidelines of the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD).

• ASSESSMENT PLAN

  • Programmatic learning outcomes are assessed each Spring. The SOD evaluates programmatic learning outcomes on a rotating basis, two outcomes per year. The SOD Undergraduate Studies Committee oversees the assessment process.

  • Learning outcomes assessment reports are completed by the end of each academic year and are submitted to the University every third, fifth, and seventh year in compliance with University policy.

Comprehensive Program Reviews

• In compliance with University policy, the SOD undergoes a comprehensive program review conducted by the University at least every seven years.

• In compliance with NASD expectations, the SOD undergoes a comprehensive program review conducted by NASD at least every 10 years.