Institutional (Program) Reviews
Overview
As part of its efforts to enhance science and education program performance and increase resource effectiveness, CSREES, at the request of cooperating institutions, facilitates reviews of institutions, departments, programs, or issues. Reviews are neither mandated by federal statutes nor required by CSREES, but the agency places a high priority on reviews in allocating its staff time and resources. CSREES has developed an informational handout for reviews entitled “Reviews and CSREES, Institution Driven Reviews” as well as Guidelines for CSREES Land-Grant University Reviews.
What is the scope of the institutional review activity and why should institutions participate?
Institutions identify the purpose, objectives, and scope of the review activity based on their own needs and internal planning processes. Preparation of a forward looking planning document by the reviewed entity is an integral part of the review activity. Generally, the internal review process is followed by an in depth on-site visit by an external team of well qualified peers lasting two or more days, depending on the scope and complexity of the activity as determined by the institution. The external team of reviewers can help the institution project future needs and directions for the reviewed entity for some definitive time frame into the future based on the self-study document and the site visit.
New review features and improvements
CSREES has recently improved its institutional review guidelines and practices.
- Reviews can now be requested any time during the year, giving institutions more flexibility in scheduling.
- CSREES and the requesting institution will work together to identify specific issues to be addressed by the review and recommend individuals with specific areas of expertise for the review team.
- CSREES will return review results to institutions within 30 days of completion of the review activities.
What kinds of reviews are offered?
Reviews can be designed to address specific institutional issues, needs, and expectations. Reviews can address a single or multiple missions. Review types:
- Organization – an organization based review focuses on structure management, or function to assess effectiveness of system(s), such as graduate programs, research, and extension integration.
- Program – programs that cut across organizational units or college boundaries, for example community economic development or integrated pest management (multi-disciplinary reviews)
- Department - a single academic unit.
- Issue - an issue or a topic, such as sustainable agriculture, water quality, or food safety. Issue-based reviews most likely cut across organizational units and disciplinary boundaries.
What role does CSREES play?
CSREES, in cooperation/consultation with the institution:
- establishes a list of issues, needs, and expectations
- identifies a review team with expertise that matches the review objectives
- assists the team in developing procedures and processes that address the review objectives
Benefits of institutional reviews
Benefits for institutions:
- Reviews are important in assessing current strengths, identifying future opportunities, and recommending appropriate strategies for enhancing university-based programs; and
- have a positive impact on land-grant program quality and encourage program advancement for those undergoing the review.
Benefits for CSREES and the system:
- Reviews provide CSREES staff with an important understanding of the dynamics of programs and program changes;
- help the agency better understand partner staffs and activities, thereby advancing the partnership;
- help the agency gain a broader perspective of activities supported through formula grants and competitive grants; and
- provide CSREES with current and comprehensive information useful in responding to Congressional inquires related to the investment of federal funding for research, extension, and higher education programming; and,
- expose review team members to new ideas in program management and resource utilization.
How to request an institutional review
For review requests, fill out the Institutional Review Request Form and e-mail it to CSREES, Office of the Administrator at rmacdonald@csrees.usda.gov. Questions about Institutional (Program) Reviews should be directed to Bob MacDonald or Ralph Otto.
Institutional review materials
Institutional compliance reviews
CSREES is also available to assist institutions by providing compliance reviews in two areas: civil rights and finance. Please direct questions for these reviews to the following:
Civil Rights Review:
Curtiland Deville, Director, Equal Opportunity Staff
Financial Review:
Andrea Brandon, Deputy Administrator, Office of Extramural Programs
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