Questions for External Reviewers
As external reviewers, we expect that your expertise and knowledge of the discipline will frame your final thoughts. Using the questions below, please prepare a final report to summarize your feedback, based on the documents provided and takeaways from the site visit. If multiple programs were reviewed, please identify where feedback is relevant to a specific program. Your final report will be shared with program and college leadership, who will then be asked to develop a response and action plan toward quality improvement. The Higher Learning Commission’s Criteria for Accreditation are referenced to specific questions when applicable.
Identity
To what extent does the program’s mission align with the university’s overall mission and strategic goals? (HLC 1.A.)
How effectively does the program contribute to the public good and to the broader community? (HLC 1.B.)
Learning Outcomes and Pedagogy
Assess the overall program in terms of curriculum, content, course sequencing, relevance/appropriateness of offerings, community engagement, research. Please identify strengths as well as areas for improvement. (HLC 3.A.)
Comment on the student learning outcomes. Are they appropriate and relevant for the discipline, and for the level of student in this area of study? Please refer to program assessment plans provided in the appendix. (HLC 3.A. and 3.E)
How well do the program's curriculum and methods align with clearly articulated student learning outcomes? (HLC 3.A.)
What evidence exists to demonstrate that students are achieving these outcomes? Please refer to program assessment plans and reports provided in the appendix. (HLC 3.E.)
How effectively has the program used assessment results to improve curriculum, student learning, or operations? Does the program demonstrate a culture of assessment and data-driven decision making? (HLC 3.E.)
How does the curriculum reflect current disciplinary standards and trends? Are the outcomes for graduates of this program appropriate for the discipline? Please explain. (HLC 3.A.)
Benchmarking: How does the curriculum compare to those at similar institutions? (HLC 3.G.)
Service Courses (if applicable): Comment on the effectiveness of the service courses offered by the department. How effectively do the service courses offered prepare students for other majors? (HLC 3.D.)
Program Effectiveness
Are admissions standards appropriate for each program’s level and goals? (refer to program requirements -Catalog Information) (HLC 3.A.)
Describe the appropriateness of the modes of delivery and instructional modalities (e.g., lab, online, face-to-face), relative to the discipline. (HLC 3.)
Comment on the faculty advising process, and note any strengths or concerns. (HLC 3.D.)
Comment on program trends in retention, persistence, completion and efforts being made to maintain or improve in these areas. (HLC 3.G.)
What evidence is there of student engagement in research, internships, or community-based experiences? Does evidence of student scholarship and creative work provided by the program seem adequate and appropriate? If not, please explain. (HLC 3.B.)
What evidence is there of alumni success and engagement with the program? How well are students prepared for graduate study, professional advancement, or careers after graduation? (HLC 3.G.)
What are the program’s distinctive strengths, and where does it lag behind peers? (HLC 3.G.)
Faculty Development
Does the program have an appropriate number and mix of faculty to support its mission and curriculum? (HLC 3.C.)
How would you assess the quality of faculty teaching, scholarship, and professional engagement? (HLC 3.C.)
Discuss the adequacy of opportunities for faculty development and mentorship. (HLC 3.D)
Resources and Infrastructure
Considering enrollment trends, are resources (staffing, facilities, technology, library, labs) adequate to support high-quality teaching and research? (HLC 3.D.)
How does the program make effective use of resources, and where are the most pressing gaps? (HLC 3.D.)
What are the plans for resource sustainability, and how are resource allocations informed by evidence? (HLC 3.D.)
Conclusion
How should the program position itself to address disciplinary, professional, or societal changes in the next 5–10 years? Where should the program focus its energy and resources? What strategic opportunities or challenges should the program consider moving forward?
Please provide any additional comments, strengths, or areas of concern that were not specifically addressed above.