Questions from Schools or Units

• How will I know when my School/Unit is to be reviewed?
• Is there any flexibility in the review schedule?
• What support and training is available to the School/Unit during this process?
• Can external examiners be used as reviewers?
• How are External Academics nominated for School Reviews?

How will I know when my School/Unit is to be reviewed?

The University has approved a schedule for school and unit reviews for the period 2001-2007. The review schedule was approved by Executive in September 2001 and was drawn up in consultation between the Quality Promotion Committee (through the Director of Quality Promotion) and Heads of Schools & Units.

Is there any flexibility in the review schedule?

The schedule may only be revised in exceptional circumstances following a recommendation by to the Executive. A protocol exists for the deferral of a review which must be approved by the Executive on foot of a written request from the School or Unit.

What support and training is available to the School/Unit during this process?

The Quality Promotion Office provides ongoing support for schools throughout the review process. This takes the form of (a) disseminating information on areas of good practice; (b) meeting with heads of school and school quality committees on issues of general preparation and the collation of review documentation; (c) meeting with academic staff within each school to discuss how the review process can be a valuable exercise in school development. This work is also supplemented by the Training & Development Unit of the Human Resources Office which facilitates workshops at school, unit and faculty level, upon request.

Can external examiners be used as reviewers?

External reviewers should not normally have had a close association with the school in a role such as external examiner within the last five years. In exceptional circumstances, a case could be made on behalf of a previous external examiner if the individual was an international expert in a field in which the school specialises, and therefore would be the most appropriate person to undertake an external reviewer role.

How are External Academics nominated for School Reviews?

All school nominations for reviewers must be forwarded to the Quality Promotion Committee (through the Director of Quality Promotion. Normally, eight nominations per review will be submitted, four should come from an Irish university and four from outside the island, from which two will be appointed. Schools should liaise with the Director of Quality Promotion regarding nominations. Schools should note that it is advantageous to ensure that reviewer nominations are submitted as early as possible within the review process to avoid delays and difficulties regarding reviewer availability.