Academic Department External Review Project Management

Context: I created this management plan to fulfill an assignment for my Managing Instructional Development course. It is based on the academic self-study and external review that I managed while serving as Co-Chair of the Performing Arts Department at my former university. This report summarizes the current status of the project at the end of the course. Since that time, the project ended successfully and on time with a comprehensive and insightful external review report delivered by the reviewers.

Time was a significant challenge in this project. When I started the project, it was months behind due to a variety of factors. I had to make a plan and push the work forward quickly to catch up. I reviewed due dates with the Dean and made a plan that allowed time for collecting input, writing, and review prior to the visit. I caught up the timeline by prioritizing dependent tasks that needed to be completed for other items to move forward. I also changed the traditional way that this project is managed. Instead of convening a writing group, I provided focused in-person and online opportunities for faculty input. This reduced the effort burden on most faculty and raised participation. It also meant that I could move the writing portions forward quickly when I had the needed content.

In working with the external guests, I made sure to accommodate their individual needs. One of the reviewers had an injury and needed to use a mobility device. I made sure that events were booked into accessible buildings and that the paths between events were accessible. I sent the reviewer a map of campus with locations, paths, and distance measurements so that she could voice concerns before the visit.