External Consultant Review 

As part of the process to develop a new degree program, proposing units must engage an independent external consultant to review the program proposal and conduct a site visit, whether in-person or virtual. Program proposals must be sufficiently complete prior to review by the external consultant to ensure a robust assessment of the proposed degree program. Moreover, chancellors/provosts should thoroughly review the program proposal prior to the site visit. The Office of Academic Planning assists with selection of and invitation to the external consultant.

The consultant shall review the proposed degree program and prepare a written report following the provided format. Proposing units must then respond to the Consultant Report, if applicable, as part of the program proposal. Chancellors/provosts should thoroughly review the program proposal after the site visit, along with any responses to the Consultant Report, prior to advancing the proposal for institutional review.

The selected consultant shall have no past or present professional relationship with Rutgers that might imply a real or perceived conflict of interest. Proposed consultants must be submitted to the Office of Academic Planning for review, at academicplanning@oq.rutgers.edu, based on confirmation that no conflict of interest, real or perceived, exists.

Academic units proposing to convert an existing option, track, or concentration to full program status may request a waiver from the full process. If approved, a review of the converted option/track/concentration by an external consultant is optional. The Provost will review requests for waivers on a case-by-case basis.