External Review

Overview

The External Review is the final step of the program development process. The External Review includes a site visit from THEC staff and a qualified reviewer(s) (see criteria below). Agenda items will include interviews with the APSU President, Provost, SVP/AVPAA, College Dean, Faculty, Library and Industry Board, if applicable. 

The department proposing the new program will be involved in the selection of the external reviewer(s) and must work closely with the Office of Academic Affairs when preparing for the external review visit.

Selecting an External Reviewer

• Number of reviewers required: 1 for BA/BS, 1 for MA/MS and 2 for doctoral programs. (Please note THEC has the authority to request more reviewers for programs at both the Bachelor and Master level)
• Location: External reviewers(s) must work at an institution similar to APSU (e.g., public university of similar size or region), or from an aspirational peer.
• Qualifications: The reviewer(s) must be a full professor at his or her current institution.
• Conflict of Interest: The reviewer(s) must not have any relationship or affiliation with APSU and must not currently work in Tennessee.

External Review Report

• Following the external review site visit, the external reviewer(s) has 30 days to submit a written report. Typically, the reviewer(s) will include suggestions to improve the proposed new program – many of which are required and others optional.
• The University has 30 days to respond to the External Review Report. It is the responsibility of the University to identify solutions, referencing best practices, for each suggestion made by the reviewer.