Accreditation & Continuous Improvement

Academic Program Review Committee

The Academic Program Review Committee (APRC) is charged with supporting and monitoring the health and rigorous assessment of academic programs and certificates at IU Indianapolis. Core responsibilities include: 

• Self-Study Guidance & Preparation: Providing direct support to departments undergoing review, assisting with self-study structure, data collection, and evidence synthesis.
• Accreditation Alignment (Higher Learning Commission & Indiana Commission for Higher Education): Ensuring all APR self-studies and processes comply fully with HLC Criteria for Accreditation and ICHE policy guidelines.
• Review Participation: Active participation by members in scheduled program review panel meetings and site visits.
• Accreditation Crosswalks: Completing assessment crosswalks throughout the academic year to streamline reporting for specialized/programmatically accredited units.
• State Compliance Documentation: Completing required ICHE program review documentation for programs scheduled during an academic cycle—specifically assigned to APRC members who are not actively serving on a site-review panel during that cycle.

Review Timeline

Advance Notification

• Programs are notified of their upcoming review approximately two academic years before the scheduled review.

Preparation and Orientation

• Program representatives meet with Academic Affairs staff to review expectations, timelines, and required materials.
• Programs receive the Program Review Template along with guidance regarding available institutional data, evidence sources, and support resources.

Self-Study Development

• Program faculty and staff conduct a comprehensive self-study.
• Academic Affairs staff provide consultation and periodic check-ins throughout the development process.

Review Team Selection

• A review team is identified and appointed. The team includes an external reviewer, a community partner, a member of the Academic Program Review Committee, and internal Indiana University representatives.
• Review team members participate in an orientation to ensure a consistent understanding of review expectations and evaluation criteria.
• The review team receives the Program Review Evaluation Template and supporting materials.

Review Planning and Visit

• Academic Affairs staff and program representatives develop the review schedule, including meetings with faculty, students, staff, administrators, and other stakeholders as appropriate.
• The review team evaluates the self-study and conducts the review activities.
• The Provost meets with the review team during the final summary meeting to discuss key observations and recommendations.

Review Report

• The review team submits a final report within six weeks of the review.
• Program representatives meet with Academic Affairs leadership to discuss the review findings and recommendations.

Continuous Improvement and Follow-Up

• Recommendations and action items from the review are incorporated into the program's annual assessment and planning processes.
• Progress on identified priorities is monitored and documented throughout the six-year period leading to the next academic program review.

Contact

Kim Barron, Associate Vice Provost of Academic Effectiveness, Accreditation Liaison Officer to the Higher Learning Commission
kbarron@iu.edu

Sonia Ninon, Director of Research and Planning
sninon@iu.edu