Strategic Consultations
The Council of Graduate Schools Strategic Consultations are led by recognized graduate leaders selected from CGS member institutions and informed by an on-campus or a virtual site-visit. Aligned with CGS research, benchmarking, and policy documents, consultations guide universities toward best practices for administering graduate education. Standard consultations include a two-consultant/two-day model and a three-consultant/three-day model. For institutions requiring immediate assistance, an emergency one-consultant/one-day model is available. Consultations are available to CGS member institutions, international affiliates, and non-members institutions.
Initiating a Strategic Consultation:
A consultation is initiated by contacting Robert M. Augustine, CGS Senior Vice President Emeritus at raugustine@cgs.nche.edu or 217-549-5246 who will arrange an online discussion with the university leadership to create a consultation Assessment Profile. The profile details the areas of graduate study that the institution seeks to advance and prepares the consultants for the on-campus or virtual site-visit.
On Campus Site Visit
On campus site visit planning begins with confirmation of the consultants. The consultation team studies the Assessment Profile and university support materials. In collaboration with the university, the consultation team develops the site-visit agenda. Based on the model selected by the university, the consultants travel to campus and meet with institutional representatives who inform assessment of the areas outlined in the profile.
Virtual Site Visit
Virtual site visits also begin with confirmation of the consultants. The consultation team studies the Assessment Profile and university support materials. In collaboration with the university, the consultation team develops a virtual site-visit agenda. Based on the model selected by the university and using virtual technologies, the consultants hold discussions with institutional representatives who inform assessment of the areas outlined in the profile.
Strategic Consultations Report
Integrating information obtained from the on-campus or virtual site visit, university documents, and CGS research, the consultants deliver a detailed report to the university. The report’s recommendations will align the university with best practices for administering its graduate mission with emphasis on the areas outlined in the Assessment Profile.
Frequently Requested Areas of Consultation:
- Organization & Administration of Graduate Education
- Enrollment Management
- Program Review, Assessment, Signature Programs
- Professional Development and Related Student Services
- Financial Assessment and Student Funding
- Marketing, Recruitment, & Demand Analysis
- Graduate Admissions Structures and Processes
- Preparing for and Responding to Accreditation
- Completion and Attrition
CGS provides on-site consultations and custom data reports to member and non-member institutions. Depending upon your strategic consultation topic, you may choose to combine services.
Custom Data Reports
The Council of Graduate Schools also offers custom data reports inform strategic decision-making. The reports provide leaders with comparison data tailored to institutional Carnegie classification and mission based on benchmarking data, national surveys, and comprehensive data sets.
Strategic Consultations Fee Structure:
| Consultation Models and Options | Member Rate (2021) | Non-Member Rate (2021) |
| Emergency Consultation | ||
| One Day/One Consultant On-Campus* or Virtual Option | ||
| Consultant Fee (Includes report) | $1,250 | $2,000 |
| Administrative Costs | $6,000 | $6,000 |
| Total Fees for On-Campus or Virtual Consultation* | $7,250 | $8,000 |
| Standard Consultation Model 1 | ||
| Two Days/Two Consultants On-Campus* or Virtual Option | ||
| Consultant Fee | $5,000 | $8,000 |
| Administrative Costs | $6,000 | $8,000 |
| Total Fees for On-Campus or Virtual Consultation* | $11,000 | $16,000 |
| Standard Consultation Model 2 | ||
| Three Days/Three Consultants* | ||
| Consultant Fee | $11,250 | $18,000 |
| Administrative Costs | $6,000 | $8,000 |
| Total Fees for On-Campus or Virtual Consultation* | $17,250 | $26,000 |
| International Consultations* | ||
| Fee per Consultant (Includes report) | $1,250/day | $2,000/day |
| Administrative Costs | $6,000 | $8,000 |
| Custom Data Reports | ||
| Data Analysis | $200/hour | $400/hour |
| Data Retrieval Costs | Actual expenses | Actual expenses |
| *For an On-campus Site Visit Option Add Consultant Travel, Meal, and Accommodation Expenses | ||
For more information on strategic consultations, please contact Robert Augustine, senior vice president, emeritus.
CGS is the leading source of information, data analysis, and trends in graduate education. Our benchmarking data help member institutions to assess performance in key areas, make informed decisions, and develop plans that are suited to their goals.
CGS Best Practice initiatives address common challenges in graduate education by supporting institutional innovations and sharing effective practices with the graduate community. Our programs have provided millions of dollars of support for improvement and innovation projects at member institutions.
As the national voice for graduate education, CGS serves as a resource on issues regarding graduate education, research, and scholarship. CGS collaborates with other national stakeholders to advance the graduate education community in the policy and advocacy arenas.
CGS is an authority on global trends in graduate education and a leader in the international graduate community. Our resources and meetings on global issues help members internationalize their campuses, develop sustainable collaborations, and prepare their students for a global future.
