2005 HLC Self-Study Steering Committee
Review of March 5, 2004 Meeting

Members Present: Bill Cheek (Chair), Sue George, Tom Dicke, Etta Madden, Frank Einhellig, Martha Kirker, Lois Shufeldt, Barbara Bushman, Pete Richardson, John Catau

Bill Cheek reviewed the changes he had made in the PowerPoint presentation. He noted that the last slide ("Questions to Consider") was a work in progress to be discussed later in today’s meeting. He also noted that the idea is to tailor the presentation to the audience. Bill Cheek noted that he had recently made a brief presentation to the Staff Senate which seemed to go well.

Copies of the time line were distributed.

Tom Dicke reported on his meeting with Sara Clark about the creation of the HLC web page. He noted that the new page would likely be accessed via the existing accreditation page. He also mentioned that Sara had cautioned him concerning the importance of resolving 3 issues early in the process: what kinds of information would be needed; who would provide this information; and in what format. The latter issue is especially important since it will determine how easily things can be placed on the web. Tom also noted that we would need to decide on a technique that would allow the steering committee members to share/exchange information before going public. A shared folder may be the best approach. Everyone agreed that the web page should include links to other important sources of information already on the web.

Bill Cheek noted that he needed to talk to VP Schmidt about getting assistance in maintaining the web site once it is created. He mentioned that it might be possible to share this position with the long range planning effort since the ties between these two activities will be so close.

Bill Cheek noted that we will soon need to start looking at the HLC criteria and core components with the goal of developing charges for the committees we will ask to contribute to the self study. He noted that there are at least 92 standing committees on campus. Reviewing the criteria and the notes made from discussion at previous meetings will be the "homework assignment" for the March 19 meeting.

Most of the remainder of the meeting was devoted to a discussion of the core questions we will direct to the campus community as we attempt to get them involved in the self study process. These are the questions everyone will be asked to consider. Other more specific questions will be presented to individual groups as a part of the charge we assign them. Given the fact that these core questions are designed to stimulate the audience to think about the mission and its impact, the committee agreed that they should appear earlier in the PowerPoint presentation. After considerable discussion, the committee agreed on the following questions:

Exhausted, the group adjourned.

Minutes prepared by John Catau