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Abstract

Focused on the departmental use of external consultants, this article outlines reasons a department may seek or be assigned a review, including leadership changes, curriculum revision, reorganization, periodic evaluation, or internal crisis. It describes expectations for a consultant visit, such as encouraging departmental self-study, providing an objective assessment, and producing recommendations useful for communication with administrators and colleagues. The article also details practical preparation for a consultant review, including clarifying the purpose of the visit, gathering materials, arranging schedules, preparing administrators and faculty, and determining how the final report will be used. Particular attention is given to the ACA Consultant Service as a professional resource for departmental review, emphasizing its convenience, screened consultant pool, disciplinary expertise, affordability, national perspective, and institutional credibility.

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