Suggested Questions
Questions for program department chair:
- What are the mission, goals, and objectives of the program?
- How are program goals and objectives assessed?
- Whom does the program serve?
- What are the special/unique features of the program?
- What relationships exist between the program and external communities?
- Is there an advisory committee? Is it active? What is the meeting frequency?
- Are any major curriculum changes planned? What? When to implement?
- Is a continuous improvement plan in place? How is it impacting the curriculum?
- How much time and what resources are available to the faculty for professional development?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the various support departments?
- Who is responsible for certifying that students have completed requirements before graduating?
- What are the hiring criteria for adjunct faculty?
- What type of new faculty orientation is provided to full-time and adjunct faculty?
- How is the effectiveness of faculty determined in the areas of teaching, service, and scholarship?
- What are the program's advising procedures?
Questions for individual faculty members:
- How much time and what resources are available for professional development?
- How many faculty members teach in this program?
- Is the administration supportive of the program?
- Does the program provide appropriate procedures for orientation of new faculty?
- What professional organizations are you a member of? Are you active? Hold any offices?
- What are the student learning outcomes for this program? How are they assessed?
- How are the results of the student learning outcomes assessment used?
- How do you go about obtaining needed equipment?
- Is there an effective process for faculty evaluation?
- What unique or unusual teaching methods are used in your department?
- Are there formal relationships between the program and external communities?
- What is the role of the faculty in curriculum revision?
- What changes should be made to improve the program? To improve the facilities?
- What advising opportunities are available to the students?
- What is the role of the faculty in student advising?
- Is there adequate secretarial and computing service available to you for preparing examinations, handouts, demonstrations, etc.?
- How large are the classes?
- Is a continuous improvement plan in place? How is it impacting the curriculum?
Questions for students – groups or individual:
- Are the faculty members in the program competent in their fields?
- Are faculty members available to you at times convenient to you?
- Are adequate advisement opportunities made available to you?
- If you have laboratories, are they well equipped? Do you get hands-on experience?
- Do faculty provide effective delivery of instruction?
- Do you plan to continue your education after graduation? When? Where?
- Do you plan to accept a job after graduation? When? Where?
- What is your overall view of the program? Would you recommend it to a friend?