The peer review process begins with the critical first step of an institution deciding to implement a peer review. After completing a contract with NCURA, the institutional representative works with the NCURA Peer Review Program Coordinator to establish site visit dates, background material, itinerary, and the Review Team. Each Review Team (typically 3 people) is specially selected by NCURA to meet the institutional needs in terms of expertise and the institutional profile (research, medical, predominantly undergraduate).
All Team Reviewers thoroughly read the background materials provided by the institution prior to the site visit. The team members discuss these areas and identify questions and issues to pursue during the site visit. The team communicates in advance with the institutional representative to understand any particular issues or areas of interest or sensitivity.
Site visits are led by the Team Leader who has conducted numerous sponsored program reviews. All reviewers are knowledgeable in sponsored programs and have a deep understanding of national best practices and institutional needs and priorities. The site visit includes meetings with key personnel and stakeholders. Although each site visit itinerary is tailored to the institution, meetings often include staff and leadership from pre-award and post-award operations, senior academic and business administrators, deans, department chairs, faculty, and departmental research administrators. Meetings may include non-financial compliance staff (i.e. human or animal use committees), legal, development, and business areas, as well as other operations or areas. Site visits typically last for two to three days. The site visit culminates in an exit interview with the institutional representative(s). The exit interview will outline major observations and recommendations that will appear in the written report.
During the next several weeks the Review Team will formalize their observations and recommendations into a detailed written report. Within 30 days, the institution receives a detailed written draft report with recommendations. The institution has two weeks to correct any factual inaccuracies in the draft report before a final report is submitted.
The peer review is completely confidential. All reviewers sign a confidentiality agreement prior to each review that stipulates that they will hold confidential all information they receive prior to and during the review process. The final report is distributed to only those individuals so designated by the institution.
For questions or further information on the NCURA Peer Review Program, contact contact Peggy Lowry at (503) 364-1847 or peerreview@ncura.edu
