An action plan will be developed to respond to the review findings and outline a plan for continuous improvement. It is recommended that departments utilize the departmental action plan template.

1. Understand the Program Review Recommendations

  • Start with clarity. Ensure each recommendation is clearly understood. If needed, consult with the review team or AIR for clarification.
  • If multiple recommendations address similar themes (e.g., assessment, staffing, etc.), consider grouping them for streamlined planning.

2. Use the Template Strategically

Each year’s tab in the template allows for tracking progress over time. For each recommendation complete the following:

  • Action Description: Be specific and outcome-oriented. Use action verbs (e.g., “Develop,” “Implement,” “Evaluate”).
  • Responsible: Assign a lead person or team to ensure accountability.
  • Priority: Use the dropdown (Low, Medium, High) to indicate urgency or strategic importance.
  • Status: Update regularly (Not Started, In Progress, Complete, On Hold).
  • Start/End Dates: Set realistic timelines. Consider dependencies and resource availability.
  • Resources Required: Include budget, staffing, training, or technology needs.
  • Success Indicators: Define measurable outcomes (e.g., “Increase student satisfaction by 10%,” “Completion of training modules”).
  • Updates: Use this to capture completed tasks.
  • Notes: Use this for progress notes, barriers, or adjustments.

3. Align with Strategic Goals

  • Ensure each action aligns with departmental, divisional, and institutional strategic priorities.
  • Consider how actions support student success, engagement, and operational excellence.

4. Collaborate and Communicate

  • Involve stakeholders and include staff, students, and campus partners where appropriate.
  • Schedule regular reviews of the action plan.
  • Share progress and use updates to inform leadership and stakeholders of achievements and challenges.

5. Be Flexible and Iterative

  • Plans should be living documents. Adjust timelines, priorities, and actions as needed.
  • Document changes and rationale in the “Notes” column to maintain transparency.

6. Document and Celebrate Success

  • Use the “Success Indicators” to evaluate impact.
  • Celebrate milestones and completed actions to build momentum and morale.
  • Document updates in the “Updates” column.

7. Prepare for Future Reviews

  • Maintain organized records of completed actions and outcomes.
  • Use the action plan as evidence of continuous improvement in future program reviews.