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Frequently Asked Questions
Questions that are not answered below may be directed to the Academic Program Review team.What are the benefits of academic program review?
Does Academic Program Review duplicate other assessment efforts?
Can reviews be effective given the length of time between them?
Academic Program Review is most effectively used as a long-term planning tool that engages department, school, and University leaders on the unit’s strategy. It is not intended to be the sole strategic planning, data gathering, or change management mechanism for any unit; units at Northwestern are strongest when their leadership continuously engages in these activities. Academic Program Review is most effective when these elements are already in place and can support a more in-depth analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for the unit. When a unit is lacking a strategic plan/roadmap or performance indicators, a review may serve as a catalyst for developing them.
Can I access review results or data?
Is academic program review tied to the budgeting process?
The Academic Program Review process should focus on improvements that can be made using resources that currently are available to the unit. However, the review may consider improvements and expansions that would require additional resources; in such cases, the need and priority for additional resources should be clearly specified. Beginning in the Fall of 2025, reviews will take place during the fall term to better align with subsequent university resource planning.
How is the review schedule set?
Departments are typically reviewed once every ten years. The review calendar is determined by the Office of the Provost, in partnership with the Deans and aligned with decanal reviews, specialized accreditation processes and other strategic planning processes. View the current schedule of academic program reviews.
Contact Us
For general questions about Academic Program Review, please email program.review@northwestern.edu. Or you can contact a member of our team directly.
- Sumit Dhar, Associate Provost for Faculty
- Celina Flowers, Assistant Provost for Faculty
- Jordan Hughes, Assistant Director
- Melissa Rice, Program Administrator