EXTERNAL REVIEW

The second element of the Program Review process is the external review. During this stage the Division of Academic Affairs engages an external consultant and/or uses a recent specialized accreditation report. The external consultant is asked by the Provost to review, analyze, and write recommendations based on the program's self-study report and a campus visit when applicable.

The external review process brings an objective perspective to the program review process. The external consultant provides an outsider's view on the quality of the program, the program's self-study process, and the accuracy of the self-study document. This process confirms that the self-study document properly reflects the program components, the importance of external environmental trends, and the statements made about the profession as a whole. It may bring new and innovative program enhancements, teaching methodologies, and organizational structures. The recommendations are influential in decisions about the future directions of the program.

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NOMINATION AND PROVOST SELECTION OF EXTERNAL CONSULTANT

The Department and Dean recommend the names of three external consultants for the Provost's selection. The nomination process begins with the program faculty as they are in the best position to suggest qualified consultants. Faculty know the field, the national experts, and the comparable degree programs. As a basis for the faculty nominations, the Department obtains the curriculum vitae and confirms the willingness of each of the possible consultants. Program faculty should nominate more than three consultants for the Dean's review. The three nominations, with supporting documentation, should be forwarded to the Vice Provost for Program Review and Assessment in the Office of Planning and Institutional Effectiveness. The Vice Provost for Program Review and Assessment compiles the nomination documentation and submits the package to a committee of the Vice Provost and Dean of the University Graduate School and the Vice President for Student Affairs and Undergraduate Education. The Vice Provost for Program Review and Assessment communicates the selection to the program and the consultant. The nomination process should be completed by June 1.

Supporting documentation provided by the program includes the three curriculum vitae and a cover letter. The letter should specify the rank order of the nominees and contain a paragraph for each nominee detailing their qualifications. This summary should highlight the strengths that each nominee brings to improving the program based on the following criteria for the selection of external consultants.

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CRITERIA FOR THE SELECTION OF EXTERNAL CONSULTANTS

External consultants should have the following qualifications:

The highest degree in the relevant discipline and the rank of Associate Professor or higher.
Distinguished record in related research, teaching and service;
Have a national reputation in the field, as evidenced by published research and participation in national organizations in such roles as an officer or editorial board of major journals;
No existing conflicts of interest, such as a being a prospective candidate for a position at FIU;
Ability to undertake a site visit within the necessary time frame;
Experience with program review, institutional effectiveness, or accreditation desirable, if not essential;
Have recent administrative experience at a minimum of department chair;
Hold the rank of Associate Professor or higher;
Be from a university outside of Florida;
Have experience at an institution with the same/similar programs as those being evaluated;
Be from a FIU Benchmark institution, or a Doctoral / Research University- Extensive, or from a published nationally ranked program that the FIU Department aspires to be like.

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CHARGE TO EXTERNAL CONSULTANT

Example of charge to external consultant in invitation letter from Provost:

Are there external trends or conditions (academic, research, services) that would present opportunities or threats to the unit's ability to achieve its vision, mission, goals, and objectives?
From your perspective, is the unit prepared to meet the emerging needs of the field? Please explain your response.
From your perspective, is the curriculum preparing the graduates to meet the emerging needs of the field? Please explain your responses.
From your perspective, is the unit's infrastructure (human, physical, and financial) sufficient to achieve its vision, mission, and goals? Please explain your response.
Specific questions relevant to the Academic Program under consideration.

The external consultant's report to the Provost should address these topics as well as any other items that the consultant considers important. The written document should be sent to the Provost two weeks following the visit.

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ITEMS PROVIDED TO EXTERNAL CONSULTANT PRIOR TO VISIT

Prior to the visit a package of information is sent to the consultant by the Office of Planning and Institutional Effectiveness. This package includes printed items and a page noting the web addresses to information resources. A list of these items and the web page that the reviewer could use is located at: http://www.fiu.edu/provost/aaproreview/prrevieweritems.htm

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TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS AND BUDGETS

Academic Affairs pays the cost of the consultant's honorarium and refunds documented accommodation and travel costs.

The Office of the Planning and Institutional Effectiveness coordinates the travel arrangements with the consultant, orders airline tickets, and makes hotel reservations. The external consultant is normally contracted for two days of consultation and one day to write the report.