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 if they are a UNC Center and Institute (which are required to submit reports every 5 years) or due to specialized accreditation.
The PCR process is divided into three parts:
- Self-Study: The unit writes a narrative and provides documentation in response to five standards regarding mission, demand for services, quality, healthy and productive work environment, and resources.
- External Review: The unit, in consultation with the head of their division, invites individuals external to the unit to review the unit and provide a candid evaluation based on each of the standards, indicating strengths and potential areas of concern.
- Executive Summary and Continuous Improvement Plan: The unit summarizes findings from the self-study and external review for the division head. In addition, the unit creates a continuous improvement plan where they identify specific outcomes to strive for over the next 5-7 years.
Periodic Comprehensive Review Standards and Instructions
Periodic Comprehensive Review Instructions for Administrative and Educational Support Units - (PDF) This document provides PCR instructions for administrative and educational support units, including the five 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 feedback.
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.