LMU’s WASC Special Visit: Preparations and Progress Margaret Kasimatis, Ph.D. Associate Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness

Overview The new WASC review process LMU’s WASC Special Visit Preparations and progress Questions

New WASC Review Process Context based Focus on alignment Focus on self-reflection and continuous improvement Examination of ongoing structures and processes Focus on outcomes Holistic, systems approach

What is a Special Visit? Typical timeline for review process 10-year cycle LMU’s last review concluded in Fall 2003 Institutional proposal for next comprehensive review is due in 2010 A Special Visit occurs when there are issues that the Commission would like to see progress on before the next comprehensive review

LMU’s Special Visit Will occur in Feb or March 2008 Will focus on four issues Creating a culture of evidence related to student learning Linking long-range financial planning to student learning Whole-person education, and education in service of faith Creating a learning organization

Culture of Evidence Understanding of assessment and how it’s useful Motivation (external versus internal) Analysis and use of data

Linking financial planning to learning Long range financial plan, with capacity for continuously monitoring progress Alignment between academic planning and financial planning Focus on enhancement of student learning Analysis of evidence of educational effectiveness

“Whole-Person Education” and “Service of Faith” Clear articulation of meaning Delineation of responsibilities Assessment of effectiveness

Creating a learning organization “LMU needs to continue its efforts to create robust systems and structures by which key measures of effectiveness can be identified, tracked over time, and evaluated by appropriate bodies. The resulting analyses may be used to plan for improvements.” (from Commission Action Letter)

Preparations for Special Visit Steering Committee Has been meeting since early September Assisted by subcommittees and working groups For each issue: Collect and analyze evidence of progress since last review Identify areas that still need attention Develop plans for addressing those areas that need attention

Subcommittees Linking Financial Planning to Learning Subcommittee Chaired by Lori Husein Whole-Person Education & Service of Faith Subcommittee Chaired by Fr. Robert Caro Assessment Subcommittee Chaired by Margaret Kasimatis Communications Subcommittee Co-chaired by Marshall Sauceda and Janet Quattrocchi

Progress on Issues Creating a culture of evidence about student learning Comprehensive review of Core Revision of Core based on learning outcomes New, assessment-based program review guidelines Efforts in schools and colleges

Progress on Issues “Whole-person education” and “service of faith” Position of VP for Mission and Ministry Greater focus on mission-related issues Catholic Studies minor Collaborations between Student Affairs and Academic Affairs Surveys and focus groups

Progress on Issues Linking financial planning to learning We have the commitment to student learning Building this commitment into planning should be formalized Have begun to link budget decisions to strategic plan Move to modified zero based budgeting this year is a good next step Evaluation rubric for budget requests

Progress on Issues Creating a learning organization Have set the goal of creating a culture of evidence Education is taking place Starting to put the right structures in place Positions, committees This takes time!