Criterion Five - The institution demonstrates integrity in its practices and relationships.

The University has numerous documents which demonstrate its integrity. The Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs accurately describe the programs as well as grievance procedures, fee structures, refund policies and others. There are Faculty, Student, and Staff Handbooks which describe rights and responsibilities.

The Office of Institutional Research has exercised leadership in the establishment and coordination of data-sharing consortia of higher education institutions in Missouri and in the Midwest.

The Center for Assessment and Instructional Support meets monthly with representatives of the other public universities and of the CBHE in the Missouri Assessment Consortium to discuss issues related to assessment.

The types of available student support services are difficult for the reader to identify in the student handbook. Because the entries are arranged in alphabetical order, they are dispersed throughout the document. Pages 78-91 do contain a listing of services by areas giving both topic and office references.

None of the Colleges other than the Graduate College have included a statement of mission in the Catalogs. Various audiences have a right to information about the mission of the Colleges, the process and the expected student outcomes of their programs.

The Learning Diagnostic Clinic is within the Psychology Department of the College of Education but is not identified as such in the College Catalog.

The University approaches partnerships with other institutions in a cooperative and responsible manner. For example, the graduate program expansion plan includes Ed.D. programs in the College of Education. College personnel noted that they are attempting to collaborate with other institutions in offering the degrees rather than competing with them.

Strengths and Concerns

Strengths

1. The university has a well-conceived, well-written long-range plan with a commensurate budget allocation plan and timeline for implementation. Accountability is achieved through annual reporting on 30 performance measures included in the long-range plan.

2. The institutional leadership has provided vision and direction that galvanized the university community to create a dynamic environment characterized by enthusiasm, open communication, and commitment.

3. The faculty are loyal and committed to the university and to its students. The students value the faculty for their commitment to teaching, academic and personal advising, as well as support outside of the classroom.

4. The staff are loyal and dedicated to the university.

5. The effective communication between and among faculty, administrators, staff, and boards is notable.

6. The university has a participatory process for facilities planning. There has been strong financial support for the planning, construction, and operation of new buildings.

7. The State Fruit Experiment Station at Mountain Grove is a unique center for research and extension in the midwest and has achieved national prominence.

8. The Board of Governors is well informed and supportive of recent institutional initiatives.

9. The university has substantially expanded student support services that complement the academic mission of the institution.

Concerns

1. The university does not exhibit a sense of real commitment to diversity as evidenced by the absence of an articulated plan. The absence of women and minorities in administrative roles and minorities in faculty was cited as a concern in 1985 and remains a concern.

2. The lack of a required curricular component that promotes knowledge and understanding of multicultural environments is inconsistent with the university mission statement as contained in the 1995-96 Catalogs.

3. Lack of funds for staff and inadequate space restrict the library’s ability to adequately meet the educational and research needs of faculty and students.

4. While funding is anticipated for the eleven new graduate programs which are in various stages of the planning process, staffing some of these programs may be very difficult.

5. While recent planning efforts in general education are encouraging, the same general education requirements are in place which were cited as a concern in 1985.

6. While the university is developing its plans to achieve gender equity in intercollegiate athletic programs, it nonetheless is not in compliance as defined by Title IX, a federal mandate.

1995 Site Visit Report