Phase IV: Unit response report and wrap-up phase
Updated: May 22, 2024
Dean and Unit Head (Director) initial response to the site visit report
Once the site visit report is received, it will be reviewed and shared with the head of the academic unit under review and the dean who will provide their initial response to the report. In the case of units that are reviewed as a stand-alone unit under the direction of a single dean, there is not a requirement for separate reports from dean and unit head.
This initial response report should be a focused statement about the value derived from the review, any issues that arose, and the recommendations from the external reviewers. Each will provide a bullet point list of recommendations along with individual responses to each. Both reports should be submitted to the UPRA Office by the date specified (usually three weeks after distribution of the site visit report).
Note: The dean’s response and unit head’s response should be independent reports.
Final Unit Response Report
After meeting with the dean and provost for their input, the head of the unit should review and discuss the site visit report with the faculty and prepare a final unit response report for the provost that addresses program strengths and deficiencies, faculty and student quality, resource needs, future plans, strategic initiatives, etc. The final unit response report should be submitted to the UPRA Office. The Unit Response Report will be the final document in the permanent Documents of Record for the review.
Note: The final unit response report will be shared with university officials as appropriate.
Outline of the unit response report
I. Introduction
Briefly review and respond to major strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities discussed in the site visit report.
II. Strategic plans to address concerns
A. Issue 1 (identify issue)
- Proposed action, expected outcome
- Cost and resource implications
- Source of funds and resources
- Benchmark and timeline for solution
B. Issue 2 (identify issue)
- Proposed action, expected outcome
- Cost and resource implications
- Source of funds and resources
- Benchmark and timeline for solution
Issue # Continued…
III. Additional information
Discuss any other program changes and developments related to the APR generally and the site visit report specifically.
Wrap-up
The wrap-up phase will include an assessment of the site visit team’s findings and the unit’s response by university officials. This phase may also include a meeting with the head of the unit, the UPRA representative, and the dean if there are concerns or if further clarification is deemed necessary before the final wrap-up of the APR.
Permanent record of the program review
The self-study report, site visit report, dean’s response report to the provost, unit head’s response report, and the final unit response report will be considered the permanent record of the APR process and stored electronically with the UPRA Office..
A summary report prepared by the UPRA Office will be forwarded to the Arizona Board of Regents.