Questions
What is the purpose of Administrative Program Review?
How does this program compare to programs at other higher education institutions?
How is a department selected for review?
How long will a review take?
What does the APR Process involve?
Do all department members contribute to the report?
How important is confidentiality?
What if I have a question that isn't listed here?
Questions & Answers
What is the purpose of Administrative Program Review?
Administrative Program Review provides the University with an ongoing process for systematic assessment, planning, and improvements across administrative departments at Boston College. In doing so, Administrative Program Review supports the mission of BC by helping each department align itself to the University's Strategic Plan.
The program benefits each administrative department by providing managers and employees regular opportunities to examine their operations, make adjustments and establish plans for continuous improvements.
How does this program compare to programs at other higher education institutions?
The APR Planning Committee, comprised of representatives from each of the VP administrative areas, worked thoughtfully and carefully for more than a year to develop a program that would fit our BC culture. Departments of program reviews at other universities were researched, especially programs at institutions with well-established and well-regarded review programs, such as Northwestern University, Ohio State University and University of Colorado. Incorporating some of the best ideas from these schools, the committee designed a cyclical program review process that has the flexibility to accommodate each department's unique role within the University.
The review is totally managed and driven by the department under review. The Office of Administrative Program Review provides support and assistance with logistics and training, and helps departments develop methods to measure their success with their internal and external customers.
How is a department selected for review?
Each area VP works with department managers and the Director of Administrative Program Review to set a schedule of review for each of their departments. The process is cyclical, with each department engaging in a review every seven years. There may be circumstances, such as major programs changes, technical upgrades, or re-organization that could involve adjusting the timing for a department's review. The Office of APR will work with VPs and managers to build in flexibility for such occurrences.
How long will a review take?
The review process should take a year or less to complete, with implementation and follow-up check-ins at years one and five. While the process allows for certain flexibility, once a department begins its program review, some steps in the review process (such as visits from external reviewers) will require adherence to a particular schedule.
What does the APR Process involve?
Your department's Self-Study team will prepare a Self Study Report and a team of External Reviewers (experts in your field from outside the University) will visit your department and also prepare a report. These two reports will be consolidated by a department review team (representatives from your VP area) and a common set of recommendations and an action plan will be decided upon and included in the final product.
Do all department members contribute to the report?
Your department's Self-Study Team will be turning to you for support throughout the review process. You will be encouraged to participate in the review activities, providing your feedback, ideas and suggestions. Your expertise and support are critical to the success of your department's review.
How important is confidentiality?
Confidentiality is a crucial ingredient in the APR process. Confidentiality by all participants creates a supportive environment for the sharing of candid and accurate information within the departments, the self-study teams, as well as external reviewers.
What if I have a question that isn't listed here?
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