2005 HLC Self-Study Steering Committee
Review of April 2, 2004 Meeting

Members Present: Barbara Bushman, Tom Dicke, Frank Einhellig, Sue George, Tammy Jahnke, Etta Madden, Peter Richardson. Lois Shuffled, and Don Simpson

Place: Meyer Library 204
Time: 2:00-3:45

Etta Madden chaired the meeting. Three main topics were addressed: A summary of the HLC Annual Convention, a discussion of the spreadsheet summarizing our status for completing the report, and discussion of possible resources for meeting criterion three. The meeting lasted approximately one and one-half hours.

Tammy Jahnke presented a brief and informative report of her experience at the HLC Annual Convention held in late March. As was the case at the regional workshop assessment seemed to be a major area of emphasis.

Tammy noted that several schools have produced web-based reports and provided web addresses (http://www.iport.iupui.edu and http://www.uwstout.edu/anrpt). She indicated that this would likely be a welcome format for our report. Sue cautioned that NCATE also seemed supportive of a web-based format but that individual members of the visiting team were uncomfortable with the format and recommended we be prepared to supply information in print format as well.

In the discussion of on-line course development and assessment Tammy noted that the Michigan Community College Association (http://vcampus.mccvlc.org) has a well-developed on-line program with methods for assessing these courses.

In discussing the spreadsheet there was a consensus that it would be a very useful tool for providing a quick summary of what needs to be done, the most likely sources of information, and the groups which will have responsibility for collecting the data and drafting various portions of the self-study. There was also a consensus that it would be useful to have a larger sheet, perhaps 8.5 x 14 rather than 8.5 x 11. It was stressed that the C-Es would likely rely heavily on charts, tables and other formats that carry a lot of information quickly and concisely.

There was an extensive and focused discussion of criterion 3 (Teaching effectiveness and student learning). At the program level, which is the main focus of C3, the consensus was that the Assessment Council is already collecting much of the information we would need to address this issue. PEC and CGEIP were also mentioned as potential resources for interdisciplinary programs. The question of assessment of non-credit courses was raised but not answered.

Submitted by Tom Dicke