Appendix 4

External Reviews as part of the Academic Program Review Process

effectiveness of the academic program, resources, and operations based on questions asked by program

faculty. Typically, there will be one Reviewer, however, in some instances, more than one External

Reviewer may be invited to review a program. The Reviewer will assist faculty by providing a

comparative and broader perspective on the program and student learning. During the self-study

phase, for non-accredited programs, the use of an external reviewer as part of the self-study is strongly

encouraged for both baccalaureate and graduate programs.

Following completion of the Academic Program Review, if the need is identified by faculty governance

or the AVPAA for further external expertise, additional reviewers may invited to review the self-study.

2. External Reviewers’ Profile and Support

 A terminal degree in the relevant discipline;

 Rank of associate professor or professor;

 Strong academic and administrative credentials including a distinguished record in related

teaching, research and scholarly activity, and service;

 Experience in conducting academic program reviews;

 Experience in curriculum development and assessment;

 A code of conduct such that there is no conflict of interest. External Reviewers should not be

affiliated with the program under review nor should they have past connections such as

graduates or former faculty; and

 Ability to complete a site visit and submission of report within the prescribed timeline.

payment and refunds are processed upon receipt of the written report from the external reviewer and

documented accommodation and travel costs, as previously approved. Funds are provided by the

college dean and supported from the university-wide assessment account.

3. External Reviewers’ Tasks

External Reviewers receive an electronic copy of the Academic Program Review self-study and

supporting appendices, including course syllabi and data, in advance. Examples of direct assessment of

External Reviewers provide insight on programs from the external perspective of outsiders who have

expertise in program content. Their critique, when combined with our own review, lends credibility to

the quality and effectiveness of the programs, services, resources, and operations. Reviewers study

components of a program through a series of specific review objectives or answer questions as

prepared by program faculty. Questions will vary depending on the type and size of the program;

reviewers may be asked to respond to questions such as:

 Do references in syllabi adequately cover current knowledge in the field?

 Do curriculum vitae of faculty demonstrate appropriate qualifications for teaching in the

program?

 Does the curriculum demonstrate an undergraduate / graduate level of instruction?

conduct interviews with administrators, faculty, students, employers, and alumni. The site visit provides

opportunities for the visitors to experience our University in person. A schedule for a site visit should be

developed jointly by faculty and their Dean (see Attachment B: External Reviewer’s Visit Sample

Schedule).

Reviewers are asked to provide a report that includes general comments, singles out features of the

program that merit commendations, and makes recommendations for improvement. The Reviewers’

report varies in length between three and five pages. A preliminary report is generally completed on

site prior to departure. The final report is completed within two weeks of the site visit. The report is

organized in three parts:

Baker, M.J. (2005). Assessment and review of graduate programs. Washington, DC: Council of Graduate

PROGRAM REVIEW