Various requirements may considerable work, energy, time, BUT,
department may be able to steer activities in helpful ways

• Assessment:

  • What questions does a department want answered
  • What feedback would the department find helpful (e.g., current program, potential future directions, alternatives)

• External Reviews:

  • What departmental priorities (e.g., staffing, facilities, equipment) might be addressed?
  • Could an outsider reinforce arguments being made by the department?
  • Could an outsider help move department out of a rut?

• Reports and proposals:

  • Statistics, accomplishments can help with public relations, recruiting
  • Grant proposals can help clarify directions
  • One proposal may provide basis for requests to other agencies with little additional overhead
  • Documentation for one purpose may provide help for assessment, re-accreditation

Summary: If you have to do the work anyhow, determine how you can steer task do help you (beyond any requirements, needs of others).

created 12 October 2006 last revised 16 October 2006

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