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External Review on Teaching and Learning & MacPherson Institute

In 2018, Provost Dr. David Farrar called for an extensive review on the function of Teaching and Learning at McMaster University, with a focus on the MacPherson Institute. An Advisory Board consisting of a Vice Provost, a Dean, and two faculty members, was established to assist the Provost in conducting the review.  

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Terms of Reference were established by the Provost and Advisory Board: to review and evaluate supports for teaching and learning at McMaster University, with an emphasis on organizational structure, governance, and the delivery of effective services and programs. The scope included all the activities of the MacPherson Institute as well as various offices and departments that take a leadership or supportive role in teaching and learning across the campus.  

Link: McMaster University Teaching and Learning Review 2018 Terms of Reference  

Throughout the summer of 2018, a comprehensive internal review was conducted that culminated in detailed self-study document. An abridged self-study was prepared and published in September 2018. 

Link: Abridged Self Study  

Dr. Simon Bates (University of British Columbia), Dr. Lynn Taylor (University of Calgary), and Dr. Jean Wilson (internal, McMaster University) comprised the Review Team. They received both the unabridged and abridged self-study documents. In September 2018, they conducted a 3-day on campus site visit and engaged in rich conversations and discussions with a wide variety of stakeholder groups. Following their site visit, they submitted their Review Team Report that included four commendations and ten recommendations. 

Link: External Review Team Report   

The recommendations from the external Review Team were accepted by the Provost and Advisory Board. A Director position for the MacPherson Institute was filled by Dr. Lori Goff and she engaged the campus in broad consultations to review and refine the mandate, mission, and vision of the MacPherson Institute. As a result, the MacPherson Institute built out a 3-year Strategic Plan to address the remaining recommendations.  

Many contributed to the implementation of the MacPherson Institute’s Strategic Plan and annual Performance Reports were publicized.  

Progress towards the recommendations and the accomplishments in delivering on the Strategic Plan were impressive, especially given these achievements occurred during the unprecedented and unanticipated challenges imposed by the COVID-19 global pandemic.  

The external reviewers were invited to conduct a progress review on the MacPherson Institute in October 2022. The reviewers found that “significant and impactful changes” had been made in response to the recommendations from the 2018 review and feedback from the McMaster community. A clear mission and mandate along with streamlined program offerings, the shift to a Faculty Liaison model of service, and other adjustments had delivered a positive impact on how teaching and learning support was provided to instructors, students and staff.  

Links:

Note: If you have trouble accessing any of these documents, please contact mi@mcmaster.ca.