Overview of the Academic Review Process
Notification
The APRC informs Senate of units to be reviewed in the coming year.
Units are advised by the Office of the Provost/VPA.
Self-Study & Reviewer Nominations
Self-study initiated by unit.
Review team nominees submitted to Provost/VPA
Self-Study Report & Review Terms of Reference
The unit submits self-study to the APRC.
The APRC determines terms of reference and establishes the review team.
The Review
Documentation is sent to the review team.
Review occurs over 2 to 3 days.
Review team provides report.
Response & Implementation
The APRC meets with unit to discuss report and response.
The APRC provides recommendations to Senate.
Follow Up
Approximately 3 years after review, the ARPC initiates follow-up with unit.
The unit provides a report commenting on consequences and initiatives resulting from review.
The ARPC reports results to Senate.
Frequency
Reviews take place in accordance with an established 5- to 7-year cycle, with no unit or program exceeding 10 years. Newly established programs should be reviewed after the first cohort has graduated.
Flow of Activity
Reviews are typically completed over a 12 to 18-month period, however timeframes may vary depending on the size of the unit. The following is an overview of the review process:
- The Academic Program Review Committee (APRC) informs Senate which units are to be reviewed in the coming year.
- A self-study is initiated; the review team nominees are submitted to the Provost & VPA.
- A self-study received by APRC.
- The terms of reference are determined, and a review team is established; documentation is sent to the review team.
- The review takes place (2 to 3 days).
- The review report received by APRC and transmitted to the unit.
- The unit’s response is received by the APRC.
- The APRC meets with unit to discuss the report and the unit’s response.
- The APRC provides prioritized recommendations to Senate, after first discussing with the unit and relevant Dean.
- The APRC arranges archiving of materials relevant to each review.
- Approximately three years after the initial external review, the APRC initiates a follow-up review with the Unit to assess the success of implementation.
Timelines
Two timelines are available for the review process.
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|
Self-Study Preparation |
Identification of Potential Reviewers |
External Review Site Visits (2-3 days) |
Review Committee Report |
Unit Response to Report |
APRC Meeting and Recommendations |
APRC Recommendations to Senate |
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Timeline 1 |
September to December |
Beginning of December |
February / March |
March / April |
End of August |
End of September |
November |
|
Timeline 2 |
June to August |
End of August |
November |
November / December |
End of February |
End of March |
April |