Periodic Comprehensive Reviews

Appalachian established the Periodic Comprehensive Review (PCR) process in 2014 whereby all units on campus complete an in-depth review to thoroughly examine the unit's mission, goals, outcomes, resources, activities, strengths, and areas for improvement.  

The PCR is a periodically recurring process through which units evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of programs and services to facilitate decision-making and quality enhancement.  All academic departments and administrative and educational support units complete a PCR at least once every 7 years. Some units may complete a review more frequently due to the accreditation schedules of the programs within the department.  

A comprehensive review involves the following:

  1. a unit self study;
  2. an external review of the unit;
  3. an executive summary and continuous improvement plan; and
  4. annual progress reports on continuous improvement implementation.

Periodic Comprehensive Review Standards and Instructions

Below are the PCR standards used as a unit's self-study. The standards are revised periodically based on feedback from the campus.  Please feel free to contact IRAP to offer any additional feedback.

Periodic Comprehensive Review  Instructions for Academic Units  (PDF)

Periodic Comprehensive Review Instructions for Administrative and Educational Support Units (PDF)

Schedule for Periodic Comprehensive Reviews

Periodic Comprehensive Review Schedule for Academic and Administrative and Educational Support Units  - (PDF) This is the current PCR schedule for reviews of both academic and administrative and educational support units. 

For Departments/Units seeking a change of PCR scheduling

Under certain circumstances departments and units may request a delay in their regularly scheduled PCR cycle, not to exceed two years. The change may be requested by a majority of the faculty members of an educational unit, a majority of staff employees in an administrative unit, or an appropriate administrator. Such requests shall be in writing (using the Dynamic Form below), include a rationale, and be approved by the Chancellor, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor, or Vice Chancellor.    

Request for Change of PCR Cycle