Introduction
The Division of Student Life fosters student success by creating and promoting educationally purposeful services and activities within and beyond the classroom. The departmental program review process empowers departments within the Division of Student Life to critically evaluate their work and their effect on the UI student experience through a lens of continuous improvement. The review process is an opportunity for departments to take a comprehensive and critical look at the unit, to clearly state and evaluate strengths and weaknesses, and to outline a plan for future action.
Departments will complete a program review every 4 years. This process includes a Comprehensive Review (Phase 1) every eight years, followed by a Focused Review (Phase 2) four years later. Departments may also opt to conduct a Comprehensive Review in Phase 2.
Program Review Cycle
Phase 1: Comprehensive Review
- Frequency: Every 8 years
- Standards: CAS (Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education) or other relevant professional standards
- Components:
- Self-Study Report: Comprehensive evaluation of departmental strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities
- External Review: Site visit, interviews, and document review by external experts
- Action Plan: Goals, timelines, and responsible parties for improvement
Phase 2: Focused Review
- Frequency: 4 years after Phase 1
- Purpose: To address specific areas of interest, concern, or strategic importance identified through the previous review, ongoing assessment, or emerging departmental needs.
- Options: Departments, in consultation with the Office of Assessment, Improvement, and Research (AIR), will select one of the following review types based on recommendations from the previous review, assessment data, strategic priorities, or stakeholder feedback.
- Option 1: Improvement Review: To address specific areas identified for enhancement, whether from the previous comprehensive review, ongoing assessment, or stakeholder input.
- Option 2: Problem-Solving Review: To address a specific challenge or issue impeding departmental effectiveness, efficiency, or alignment with strategic goals.
Creating an Action Plan
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.
Sharing the Report and Action Plan
After the completion of the program review, departments are responsible for sharing the results internally within their respective teams. This internal sharing is crucial for the development of a comprehensive action plan. However, the full review report is not disseminated widely beyond the department.
Program Review Schedule
| Department | Previous review | next Review |
|---|---|---|
| Office of the Dean of Students | Spring 2018 | |
| University Counseling Service | Spring 2018 | Spring 2024 |
| University Housing | Spring 2019 | Fall 2024 |
| University Dining | Spring 2019 | Spring 2025 |
| Student Legal Services | Spring 2021 | Fall 2025 |
| Student Health | Fall 2019; Fall 2022 | Fall 2025 |
| Leadership and Engagement | Fall 2018 | Spring 2026 |
| Student Wellness | Spring 2021 | Fall 2026 |
| Recreational Services | Fall 2021 | Fall 2026 |
| Women's Resource and Action Center | Fall 2021 | Spring 2027 |
| Multicultural and International Student Support and Engagement | Spring 2022 | Spring 2027 |
| Iowa Memorial Union | Fall 2022 | Fall 2027 |
| Budget and Finance | Fall 2023 | Spring 2028 |
| Human Resources | Fall 2023 | Spring 2028 |
| Information Technology | Fall 2023 | Spring 2028 |
| Student Life Communications | Fall 2023 | Spring 2028 |
| Assessment, Improvement, and Research | Summer 2025 | Summer 2030 |