Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Accreditation Site Visit November 13-15, 2006

Accreditation 101 Definitions Federal law prohibits federal funds from going to non-accredited institutions The North Central Association is one of six regional accrediting bodies in the United States recognized by the federal government The Higher Learning Commission is the body inside the NCA charged with reviewing institutions of higher education

Accreditation 101 Principles Accreditation is mission-driven Many different missions: community colleges, technical schools, religious-affiliated institutions, research universities, etc. Accreditation is increasingly outcome-based Does the institution achieve a set of common criteria all institutions of higher education should address? Accreditation is increasingly evidence-based What are the outcomes the institution achieves?

Accreditation 101 Major Concerns of Accreditors Is there a clear mission and does it drive behavior? Does the institution deal with diversity appropriately to its mission? Does the institution plan sufficiently? Does the institution have sufficient resources to fulfill its mission and does it use those resources appropriately? Does the institution assess itself adequately, especially with regard to student learning? Is sufficient attention paid to general education?

Accreditation 101 Decennial Reaccreditation Visit Consultant-evaluators are faculty and staff at member institutions, trained by the HLC Team of 3 or more C-Es reads self-study, visits campus to confirm that institution is meeting criteria (we have seven) Meets with people on and off campus, examines documents and facilities, forms consensus Makes recommendations to HLC regarding reaccreditation Offers suggestions for ‘institutional advancement’

Accreditation 101 Campus Roles Open forums: Faculty, students, staff Scheduled group meetings Team chair asks to meet with particular groups, e.g.: SAAC members Advisors in student success Particular group of students Scheduled individual meetings Team chair asks to meet with specific individuals, e.g.: President of faculty assembly Dean of the graduate school Director of housing

Relationship with the Higher Learning Commission 1997 Visit: Campus response to areas of concern VCAA office strengthened Lower percentage of students taught by part-time faculty (TTF % also lower) Plans in place to address thin staffing levels Faculty assembly strengthened Campus facilities expanded and improved Library improvements

Relationship with the Higher Learning Commission Conclusions from 2002 Focused Visit Sound governance and administration of graduate school Improved funding levels and allocation processes Overall funding still inadequate Satisfactory progress on assessment of student learning Expectation of more use of direct measures Expectation of implementation of general education assessment

Criterion One: Mission and Integrity The organization operates with integrity to ensure the fulfillment of its mission through structures and processes that involve the board, administration, faculty, staff and students.

Core Component 1A: Organization has a clearly articulated mission 2002 Mission change Statewide service mandate Explicit inclusion of doctoral level programs New vision statement - SILO committee (2003) The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs will provide unsurpassed, student-centered teaching and learning, and outstanding research and creative work that serve our community, state and nation, and result in our recognition as the premier comprehensive regional research university in the United States

Core Component 1C: Understanding of and support for the mission pervades organization “I am supportive of UCCS’ mission, vision and values” Faculty: 81% agreement Staff: 92% agreement Students: 53% agreement (less than 1% disagreement)

Core Component 1B: Organization recognizes diversity of learners and other constituencies Public statements Efforts to increase access Academic programs Efforts to promote inclusion President’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Diversity Current strategic planning effort (Kee Warner)

Criterion Two: Preparing for the Future The organization’s allocation of resources and its processes for evaluating and planning demonstrate its capacity to fulfill its mission, improve the quality of its education, and respond to future challenges and opportunities.

Core Component 2A: Organization realistically prepares for a future shaped by multiple societal and economic trends Planning TLE Vision 2010 SILO Inventing the Future Not in self-study: New effort based on regents’ call for strategic planning

Core Component 2B: Organization’s resource base supports its educational programs and its plans 2002 Focused Visit progress reported Subsequent state funding cuts Seven-Year Plan Passage of Referendum C Ongoing challenge

Criterion Three: Student Learning and Effective Teaching The organization provides evidence of student learning and teaching effectiveness that demonstrates it is fulfilling its educational mission

Core Component 3B: Organization values and supports effective teaching 86% of faculty: “Teaching in a classroom setting is an important part of who I am professionally” Support for teaching Weight given teaching in faculty evaluations Recognitions and awards Council on Teaching Excellence Teaching and Learning Center Challenge: Less than ½ of sections taught by TTF; role of NTTF; expectations of TTF

Core Component 3A: Organization’s goals for student learning outcomes are effectively assessed Program-level assessment process (SAAC) Baseline requirements Student learning objectives Direct and indirect measures of achievement Collection and analysis of data Use of results to improve the program 92% of faculty report an understanding of the importance of assessing student learning

Core Component 3C: Organization creates effective learning environments College efforts Other efforts Campus Life Student services Freshman Seminar Project Excel Challenge: retention below state expectations

Criterion Four: Acquisition, Discovery, and Application of Knowledge The organization promotes a life of learning by fostering and supporting inquiry, creativity, practice, and social responsibility in ways consistent with its mission.

Core Component 4A: Organization demonstrates that it values a life of learning Research initiative Student engagement through research (CSURF)

Core Component 4B: Organization demonstrates that a breadth of knowledge and skills and the exercise of intellectual inquiry are integral to its educational programs Core Component 4C: Organization assesses the usefulness of its curricula May 2000 adoption of core goals for general education Implementation of general education assessment

Criterion Five: Engagement and Service As called for by its mission, the organization identifies its constituencies and serves them in ways both value.

Evidence of Engagement and Service AASCU: Stepping Forward as Stewards of Place Extended Studies New degree programs to address community need Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Doctorate of Nursing Practice PhD in Educational Leadership Bachelor of Innovation EDC: UCCS a Colorado Springs economic anchor Community partnerships El Paso County support for Referendum C

What can you do? Go to website for more info: http://www.uccs.edu/~ncaport/welcome.htm Read the conclusion to self-study Look at the areas you know most about Take a look at the criteria and core components Be prepared to talk to reviewers Nov. 13 and 14 Realistic about challenges Realistic about campus’ capacity to address them

What happens after the visit? Team presents preliminary findings and recommendations to campus leadership Nov. 15 We get a formal written draft report to comment on in December; campus response is due in January HLC takes actions after that: Reaccreditation with no follow-up (may be concerns) Institutional follow-up (written progress report) Commission follow-up (focused visit) May get recommendations for “advancement”

Review Team Members Dr. Samuel Rankin - Team Chair Dr. Joel Anderson Professor and past president Chadron State College Dr. Joel Anderson Chancellor University of Arkansas at Little Rock Dr. Gregory Gagnon Associate Professor of Indian Studies University of North Dakota

Team Members (continued) Ms. Ingrid Gould Associate Provost University of Chicago Dr. Elizabeth Lenz Dean of Nursing Ohio State University Dr. David Meabon Director, John H. Russell Center for Educational Leadership University of Toledo

Team Members (continued) Dr. Tom Seymour Professor of Management Information Systems Minot State University