Step 3 - Response Reports and Meetings

Program Response to External Review Team Report

The Department Chair, in consultation with the department faculty, prepares a response to the External Review Team’s report, addressing each of the recommendations, including any action plans for implementing recommendations, and strategies for follow-up and continuation including prioritization for improvement of the educational program or enhancing program operations. This response report is forwarded to the Provost within two months after receipt of the external review report.

The response report may address or include:

• 5 to 7-year program action plan
  
  
• How the program will build on existing strengths outlined in the review.
  
  
• How the program will address any weaknesses identified in the review.
  
  
• Outline improvements possible with existing resources.
  
  
• Outline improvements that require additional resources.

Program chairs and faculty are encouraged to prepare a summary chart that addresses each of the reviewer recommendations including any action plans that support continued improvement.

The Program Review Response and Action Plan Report Template is the reporting tool used to capture planning and implementation activities following the program review. A link to the template can be found here: "Program Review Response and Action Plan Template"

Provost’s Response and Meeting

After the program completes their response to the external review team’s report, the report is forwarded to the Office of the Provost. The Provost then meets with the program chair and/or faculty to discuss the review findings and the response reports. The purpose of the meeting is to address any of the review recommendations and discuss the top priorities identified by the program in their response report. [From the April 2019 guide]

This meeting results in a collaborative comprehensive program review statement outlining agreed upon strategic plans or actions for the program based on the program review process. This program review statement guides the strategic planning implementation and ongoing assessment processes (Step 4). A follow-up meeting is also scheduled.