UC Denver* has been accredited since 1913 – accreditation was continued following consolidation in 2005 Upcoming site visit in April 3-6, 2011 Reaffirming institutional accreditation is required for: specialized accreditations # access to federal student loan Assuring public, students and potential students of quality Demonstrating continuous quality improvement NOT an opportunity for axe-grinding! What is Institutional Accreditation and why is it Important?

The Preparation of the Strategic Plan and Self Study Involved Multiple Constituents UPAC - representatives from all units & governance groups University-wide working groups formed for both strategic planning and accreditation Strategic planning involved extensive vetting by internal and external constituencies Self study involved input from many individuals First complete draft of self study released to entire university community for input Substantial feedback received and being used to create the final document

University-wide Participation in Visit: Open Forums & Random Interviews Concurrent sessions held each day (4 -5 PM?), Monday at Denver Campus, Tuesday at AMC, with 4 groups: Faculty Staff Students External (Community Members, Alumni) Reviewers will walk around campus and speak with faculty, staff and students about accreditation

What might the review team ask? General : Do they know that the university is undergoing institutional accreditation? Can they describe the process that the university undertook to develop the self-study? Who was involved on their behalf? Were they involved? More Specific: Can they describe the university’s mission? Can they outline what is in the self study? What is their overall impression of the university? What has been the effect on them, or their unit, of consolidation?

What are some examples of the achievements of the university? UC Denver “Look at how much we have done”. In spite of the global, national and local economic crisis, we are a success. Despite tough economic times – not standing still - developing new programs Built forward momentum that will continue. Providing “Access to Excellence” We have become a major feature in the economy of Metro Denver & Colorado

What are some examples of the challenges and opportunities facing the university? Fiscal resources already stretched thin (no salary increases; decline in operating funds) Responding to anticipated reductions in state support of higher education (enrollment planning) Our growth has produced a need for increased physical facilities (classrooms, office and research space) at both campuses Branding, Marketing & Identity