How to Serve as an Undergraduate Program Reviewer

Description Benefits Effective Practices Resources Glossary

This section provides step-by-step guidance for individuals serving as

who contribute to a review of an undergraduate physics program. Such individuals advise departments and administrators about their current status, , and potential . Along with advice on deciding whether to accept an invitation, the section includes guidance on preparing for and conducting a site visit and developing a written report. For examples and templates, see the resources on Template for an External Reviewers’ Report, Program Review Timeline, Topics a Department Might Explore in a Program Review, Template for a Self-Study Report, Sample Agenda for an External Reviewers’ Site Visit, and Sample MOU for Engaging an External Reviewer for Program Review. For advice for departments undertaking a program review, see the section on How to Undertake an Undergraduate Program Review. Institution-specific requirements for program review vary widely, so not all recommendations will apply to all program reviews. Unlike most other sections of the EP3 Guide, this section describes a sequential process, and the effective practices should be studied and implemented in order.

Benefits

contribute to a department’s self-assessment and planning by providing (1) perspectives, feedback, and analyses of issues and (2) a peer review of departmental programs, policies, and strategies for advancement. They help share effective practices that benefit students, departments, institutions, and the wider physics community. Reviewers benefit by expanding their knowledge of community practices, learning how to apply effective practices in other contexts, and preparing for their own department reviews.

Effective Practices

Respond to an invitation to serve as an external reviewer
Prepare for the visit
Conduct the visit
Develop the written report

The Cycle of Reflection and Action

Where are you and what are you trying to accomplish?

Who should be involved?

What will you do?

How did it go and what comes next?

To be intentional about change, a department must have a clear understanding of its present situation and a vision for what it would like to become. Our cycle of self-reflection questions will help your department start conversations and structure thinking about how to get from where you are to where you want to be.

The Cycle of Reflection and Action will help you put the EP3 Guide to work for your department.

Learn more about the Cycle of Reflection and Action and how it can help your department.