Program Review
For over 30 years, Program Review has encouraged strategic planning and continuous improvement across Northwestern. All of the University’s academic departments, major research centers, and administrative units are reviewed once every seven to ten years through the Program Review process. The process includes a unit self-assessment, external and internal review and an implementation agreement plan that outlines actions to be taken following the review. As part of the process, an external review team of experts in the field from exemplary peer institutions, joined by an internal review team of senior Northwestern faculty and/or staff, assesses the unit and provides recommendations for improvement. The process is regarded as an important mechanism for driving improvement throughout the University and the outcomes of all reviews are reported to the President, Provost and the Board of Trustees.
Program Review is administered by the Office of the Vice President for Administration and Planning with oversight from the Program Review Council, a rotating committee of senior faculty and administrators. The Office of Information and Analytics provides assistance with data components of the process.
Please reference the guides below for more information on the Program Review process, external reviewer role, and internal reviewer/Program Review Council role.