Executive Summary Report for the review of the Applied Social Sciences – 2021/2022
As part of Redeemer’s institutional quality assurance process, the Applied Social Sciences Program faculty completed a Self‐Study Report of the Applied Social Sciences programs in September, 2021. A review team composed of two external and one internal reviewer conducted a virtual visit on March 2 and 4, 2022, and met with students, faculty, and relevant support staff and senior administration. The team subsequently submitted an External Reviewers’ Report for consideration on May 6, 2022. The report indicated that the APS program strongly aligns with the mission and vision of Redeemer University and has a well integrated Reformed worldview within the curriculum. It also noted that the APS program has highly qualified faculty that teach a wide range of content within their field and overall students show a high level of appreciation for the program and the faculty. The reviewers recommended that the APS faculty take the necessary steps so that Redeemer can offer an accredited Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW), including giving further attention to EDI and related issues. They also recommended reviewing options for offering an applied social sciences degree for students who do not want to pursue social work. Based on their Response, approved on September 21, 2022, the Applied Social Sciences Program faculty and Redeemer administration have carefully considered the External Reviewers’ Report and prepared a concrete plan, with a timeline, to strengthen the program in response to the recommendations. This plan has been approved by the Academic Quality Assurance Committee and Redeemer’s Senate.
