Academic Audit 

The Academic Audit is a process for achieving continuous quality improvement in academic programs. It was introduced to the TBR in 2004 by then vice chancellor Dr. Paula Myrick Short with the assistance of Dr. William Massy, an authority on the Academic Audit. After a pilot year in 2004-05, the Academic Audit was recognized by THEC as an approved option to the traditional program review for Performance Funding programs. The Academic Audit process continued in earnest in 2005-06 and to the present with over 300 TBR programs to date employing the Academic Audit process as a means towards continuous improvement and institutional effectiveness. The TBR Office of Academic and Student Affairs directs the Academic Audit initiative, which is coordinated by Assistant Vice Chancellor Randy Schulte and an invaluable team of Academic Audit Campus Coordinators. 

What is an Academic Audit? 

The Academic Audit is a faculty-driven model of ongoing self-reflection, collaboration, teamwork and peer feedback. It is based on structured conversations among faculty, stakeholders and peer reviewers all focused on a common goal: to improve quality processes in teaching and learning and thus enhance student success. During the self-study phase of the Academic Audit, the faculty look at the key activities in place that regularly improve the quality of teaching and learning. Faculty members reflect on how they organize their work and how they use data to make decisions. The faculty may also note opportunities for improvement during this self-study phase and thus identify initiatives for improvement. These are undertaken during ensuing years. The Academic Audit model also involves a review by peers called the Academic Auditor Team. This team reviews a program’s self-study report, conducts a site visit, and writes its own report that includes commendations, affirmations and recommendations for continued improvement.

TBR Academic Audit Resources 

Current Information 

• Annual Timeline for the Academic Audit 2012-13 (pdf)
• Academic Audit Campus Coordinators 2012-13 (xls)
• TBR Academic Audit Cohort 2012-13 (xls)
• TBR Academic Audit Regional Training Schedule Fall 2012 (pdf)
• TBR Academic Audit Regional Training Schedule Spring 2013 (pdf)

Handbooks, Documents, and FAQ's 

• Academic Audit Overview 2012-13 (pdf)
• Academic Audit Handbook 2012-13 (pdf)
• Academic Auditor Guide 2012-13 (pdf)
• TBR Academic Audit FAQ's (pdf)
• Performance Funding Summary Sheet - Undergraduate Program (pdf)
• Performance Funding Summary Sheet - Graduate Program (pdf)
• Academic Audit and Institutional Effectiveness (pdf)
• Serving as an Academic Auditor (pdf)

Presentations 

• Academic Audit Training Presentation 2013(pdf)
•  Academic Audit Workshop - Bill Massy - October 2005 
• TBR Academic Audit Presentation 2012 (pdf)
• TENNAIR 2011 Academic Audit Presentation (pdf)

Contact Information for Dr. Randy Schulte 

Dr. Randolph C. Schulte
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Tennessee Board of Regents
1415 Murfreesboro Road, Suite 324
Nashville, TN 37217
Telephone: 615-365-1505
Fax: 615-366-3903
Randy.Schulte@tbr.edu