Rice Department Review Process
A Rice Department Review is a comprehensive evaluation of an academic department or interdisciplinary unit's program. Typically led by the Dean, this review occurs every 3-5 years and consists of four key processes:
- Department Self-Study: An internal review covering the department's profile, strategic direction, research excellence, faculty excellence, and educational programs (undergraduate and graduate).
- Scheduling and Planning: Coordinating with senior administrators and the External Department Review Committee (EDRC) for a site visit.
- EDRC Report: Following the site visit, the committee prepares a detailed report on their findings.
- Review Response: The Department Chair responds to the EDRC report, outlining an action plan for improvements.
This type of review is done for each department/program once every 3-5 years. Please note that some schools may have more frequent external advisory board meetings, which are not attended by central administrators and do not result in reports sent to VPAA/OOP.
Resources
- Rice Department Review Guideline (coming soon!)
- VPAA is currently updating this document to consolidate multiple guidelines into one. In the meantime, you may access the current version of Department Review Guideline and Self-Study Guideline.
- EDRC Site Visit Agenda Template | Sample Agenda (coming soon!)
- Charge to EDRC (coming soon!)
Contact
- Adele James (OIR) - Upon request, she can help departments assemble information for the Department Self-Study
- Elle Ristow (VPAA) - General assistance