external review

when our department conducted its recent self-study and external review, it turned out to be a constructive experience. really! we shared some good discussions internally, developed ways of thinking and talking about our work for external audiences, and have since implemented some positive changes. yeah, the self-study was time-consuming during the information-gathering phase and a bit stressful during the site-visit phase, but the overall experience was quite positive.

now i'm heading off to serve on the review team for another sociology department. i'll do all i can, of course, to make the process as constructive for them as it has been for us. i'm also hoping to bring a few ideas back to the minnversity, as this department has much to teach us.