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Departmental Reviews

The Division of Student Life sees the department review process as an opportunity for the department to engage in a structured assessment of their work. The self-study and five-year action plan are intended for the department to turn a critical eye to their operation and activities and to create a proposed action plan for the next five years. The external review brings in stakeholders and professionals outside of Miami University to give feedback to the department on their self-study and action plan. Feedback will be based on the external team’s evaluation of the departmental self-study and action plan and meetings with a range of departmental stakeholders.

In addition to the combined departmental review report (comprised of two parts: a self-study report and an external review report), the department will have a five-year action plan to guide its operation for the future.

Use of Council for the Advancement of Standards

The assessment team for the Division of Student Life chose to model the department review process on the Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS) format. A consistent and recognized set of standards for departmen reviews strengthens the process and is the simplest and most productive route for establishing the departmental review process in the division.

Process Overview

  1. Department self-study team completes self-study report and five-year action plan.
  2. University review team is selected and reviews the self-study report, offering comments.
  3. External review team on-campus visit (2-3 days). Time is scheduled for the following:
    1. Observations that support points in the self-study or offers suggestions for additional information and identifies questions to be addressed by the external review team
    2. Interviews with departmental stakeholders (as appropriate):
      • Student Life leadership
      • Department staff – professional and student, as appropriate
      • University review Team
      • On-campus stakeholders
      • Student groups
      • Community or other external stakeholders
      • Work time for external review team to process initial impressions, writing assignments, etc.
  4. External review team prepares and submits external review report.
  5. Department leadership responds to external review team report with revised five-year action plan, as appropriate.
  6. Presentation to Student Life leadership team and other stakeholders
  7. Annual updates on progress and initiatives undertaken as a result of the department review will be included in the department annual report.

Recent and Current Departmental Reviews

  • 2014-15: Residence Life
  • 2015-16: Parent and Family Programs, Student Disability Services, Harry T. Wilks Leadership Institute
  • 2016-17: Ethics and Student Conflict Resolution, Student Activities and the Cliff Alexander Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
  • 2018-19: Armstrong Student Center, Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion
  • 2019-20: Rinella Learning Center
  • Expected 2024-25: Center for Student Engagement, Activites, and Leadership, Residence Life

Contact Us

The Division of Student Life creates transformational opportunities, inclusive environments, and meaningful connections that maximize student growth, learning, and success.