Chapter 2: The 2005 Self-Study: An Overview of the Process

Ongoing Involvement with HLC Reaccredidation

Preparation for the 2005 Self-Study began soon after notification of 10-year continuing accreditation from the Commission in February 1996, with the formation of the North Central Review Committee in 1997. The charge given that committee by SMSU President John Keiser was to monitor the progress made by the University in addressing the concerns enumerated in the 1995 Site Team Report. The Review Committee reported annually to the University President and his Administrative Council. Additionally, the NCA/HLC Review Committee was asked to monitor changes in Commission policy, statements, and, more recently, criteria for accreditation, and to report such changes to the University community.

To this end, at least one representative from the University has attended the NCA/HLC annual meeting each year since 1992. University representatives have attended regional workshops as well as workshops concerning the various changes at the NCA/HLC annual meeting. The University’s interest and involvement in Commission activities goes beyond monitoring policy changes and attending meetings. Representatives from SMSU participated in HLC activities by conducting two workshops and presenting four papers at the annual meetings since 1996. Additionally, two faculty are trained Consultant-Evaluators, and a staff member is participating in the HLC Assessment of Student Learning Think Tank.

The sixteen-member Steering Committee for the 2005 Self-Study and site visit was formed and began meeting in January 2003, a year before receiving notification from the Commission of the University’s 2005 site visit. Five of the Committee members also served for the 1995 reaccreditation, thus providing continuity and leadership, especially during the early phases of the Self-Study. The Steering Committee met monthly during 2003, increasing to twice monthly in 2004. In June 2004, the Steering Committee began meeting weekly.

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