Who will review my Sponsored Programs operation?
Each program is reviewed by three NCURA Peer Reviewers who are selected by NCURA because of their national-level expertise in one of the several program review areas and who have experience in your type of institution. Each reviewer has undergone training by NCURA in the Standards and they do not have a conflict of interest with the institution being reviewed.
What if my program needs more or less than the three Peer Reviewers?
Smaller programs may be able to use two reviewers and larger programs, especially multi-campus operations, may desire four or five reviewers.
How long is a typical review?
Typically, reviews will be completed within two or two and one-half days. A comprehensive review of multiple campuses may require more than one site visit.
We are so short staffed we really don't have time to put together extensive background materials. How much time will it really take?
Most background materials are readily available from existing policies and procedures that are already posted on the web. NCURA will provide a listing of the background materials that will be helpful. These can be easily gathered, printed directly from your web site, or even just provided through listing the web link. Organizational charts are important for the Review Team and these typically are readily available.
Members of my staff are very concerned about a review. They fear their jobs may be impacted. Is that true?
Reviews focus on providing feedback to the office and the institution on sponsored program operations. The focus of the reviews is constructive and intended to provide realistic recommendations that will enhance the effectiveness of the sponsored programs office.
Can I pick my own Review Team from the roster of available reviewers?
NCURA will assemble the Review Team, but will ask the institution to provide preferences for reviewers (i.e. research, medical, land grant, or predominantly undergraduate university experience) and recommendations from the roster. Each Team needs to be balanced in terms of expertise as well as availability for the selected site visit dates.
I need a peer review next week. Is that possible?
Typically it will take 6-8 weeks from the point an institution formalizes the paperwork for a review and before the site visit can occur. Scheduling major stakeholders from the institution often requires at least four weeks in the future to identify a date when all are available. The NCURA Reviewers additionally have busy schedules and often have to work multiple weeks in the future to find an open four-day period for travel and site visit. However, the review can be scheduled just as quickly as all parties are available.
For questions or further information on the NCURA Peer Review Program, contact contact Peggy Lowry at (503) 364-1847 or peerreview@ncura.edu
