Enacting Departmental Change: Revising the Physics Qualifying Exam through Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement

Change in academic institutions can be challenging, but essential for aligning practices with evolving educational goals and values. We report on our department’s multi-year process to revise the qualifying exam, focusing on the structures and strategies that supported progress. Central to our efforts was inclusive stakeholder engagement: ensuring that both faculty and graduate students felt their perspectives were heard and valued. Our experience highlights both challenges and successes, offering lessons for other departments seeking to enact lasting institutional change.