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IQAP: Cyclical Program Review

All existing academic programs are to be reviewed within an eight-year cycle. The list of programs that require review, and the schedule of such reviews, is maintained by the Vice-Provost, Teaching & Learning in consultation with the Vice-Provost & Dean of Grad Studies. Departments that wish to review undergraduate and graduate programs jointly should contact iqap@mcmaster.ca to discuss the possibility of revising the current schedule.

McMaster’s IQAP is designed to facilitate the development and continued improvement of our undergraduate and graduate academic programs, and to ensure that McMaster continues to lead internationally in its reputation for innovation in teaching and learning.

The Self Study Document
 In collaboration with relevant groups and/or individuals, the Chair will initiate the creation of a self-study document that is broad-based, reflective, forward-looking and inclusive of critical analysis. The self-study is an opportunity to review collections of courses and learning opportunities holistically with a focus towards the overall program learning experiences of the students as well as to demonstrate the uniqueness of each of McMaster’s programs.
The Site Visit
 The Vice-Provost, Teaching & Learning or the Vice-Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies, in consultation with the Dean, will select a team of reviewers to evaluate the program from a list of 6 suggested individuals compiled by the Program/Department under review. The review team shall normally consist of two external reviewers and one internal reviewer.
Reporting
 The review team will prepare and submit a report that addresses the substance of both the self-study and the evaluation criteria. The Chair shall be responsible, in collaboration with relevant groups and/or individuals, for preparing the Program’s response to the review team’s report. The Dean then prepares a response and helps to prioritize and resource the recommendations that will be implemented. A final assessment report, that takes into consideration the self-study, the review team report, the Chair’s response, and the Dean’s implementation plan, is compiled by the Quality Assurance Committee and submitted to Undergraduate Council/Graduate Council, the University Planning Committee, Quality Council, and posted on McMaster’s website. You can find the repository of Final Assessment Reports by clicking on the tab at the top of this page.
The Progress Report
 Normally after 18 months, the Chair and Dean will meet to discuss progress regarding the program’s Implementation Plan. A Progress Report is prepared and submitted to the Quality Assurance Committee.