Academic Planning for WASC Accreditation ( ). Vice President of Academic Affairs. July 2008

WASC Comission Recommendations Plan Academic Planning ( ) 2020 Strategic Plan WASC Accreditation 2011 ¿What actions must be done to obtain the WASC Accreditation ( )? On June 30th 2008, the WASC Comission notifies the President of CETYS System that Candidacy Status has been awarded to the Institution. Candidacy is awarded for 4 years. What must be done in the next 2.5 years? What follows during this time?

Academic Planning to obtain the WASC Accreditation ( ). Being that CETYS University is a Comprehensive, Vocational Oriented, and Tuition Driven, Higher Education Institution, and that this profile will be present throughout the established accreditation horizon, then:  CETYS University will continue offering Undergraduate and Master’s programs with a Professionalizing Focus, according to it’s 2010 Plan Vision.  With regards to the doctoral programs, the cohorts that have not concluded their corresponding programs, will have full support to finish them according to the specified time frames. The re-opening o the DBA will depend on the elaboration of a new proposal and the corresponding WASC approval.  With regards to the Doctorate in Education, the acceptance of a new cohort in 2009, will be based on follow-up of the WASC recommendations for this program. Actions With these actions CETYS University will respond to the recommendations regarding its doctoral programs, and reafirm the type of institution that CETYS University is.

Academic Planning to obtain the WASC Accreditation ( ). CONT: Being that CETYS University is a Comprehensive, Vocational Oriented, and Tuition Driven, Higher Education Institution, and that this profile will be present throughout the established accreditation horizon, then: Actions With these actions CETYS University will respond to the recommendations regarding its doctoral programs, and reafirm the type of institution that CETYS University is.  The offering of new acadmic programs durint the period mus satisfy the interna requirements established by CETYS University, as well as those established by WASC.  Undergraduate and Master’s programs will attend full time and part time students of youth and adult populations.

Being that CETYS University identifies information and information technologies as critical elements for the design, planning, operation and evaluation of its curriculum, then:  Use of technologies such as Blackboard and electronic portfolios will be fortified, to support a focus on learning outcomes based education.  Use and culture of libraries, and their information resoursces by faculty and students will be fortified. Library spaces will be built in Ensenada, Tijuana and Mexicali according to WASC recommendations. Validation of current situation with regards to our libraries will be evaluated to fo follow-up according to the Library Strategic Plan, seeking to respond in an opportune manner to information requirements and needs. Actions With these actions, CETYS University will respond to recommendations pertaining to improvement of capacity and use of Library resources, and contribute to a research culture in faculty and students. Academic Planning to obtain the WASC Accreditation ( ).

CONT: Being that CETYS University identifies information and information technologies as critical elements for the design, planning, operation and evaluation of its curriculum, then: Actions With these actions, CETYS University will respond to recommendations pertaining to use of academic data and information to promote student success and academic planning. Academic Planning to obtain the WASC Accreditation ( ).  Campus and College Directors will jointly plan the development of all Campi facilities with regards to the operation of the curriculum (Differentiation Strategies).  In conjunction with the development of information resources, a Library and Personnel Development Plan will be designed.

CONT: Being that CETYS University identifies information and information technologies as critical elements for the design, planning, operation and evaluation of its curriculum, then: Actions With these actions, CETYS University will respond to recommendations pertaining to use of academic data and information to promote student success and academic planning. Academic Planning to obtain the WASC Accreditation ( ).  The results of the undergraduate On-line Education Project will be evaluated with faculty participation, to make this model more pertinent and effective. Graduate programs that the Institution considers pertinent will be offered via this model, taking into account technological capacities.  The Academic Information System will be improved and fortified, as well as it’s correct usage for planning, executing and evaluating the academic operation of the institution.  Development of an Academic Portal to fortify internal and external communication.

Being that CETYS University identifies in its Periodic Program Review and Assessment processes, two great opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement in its curriculum, then : Actions With these actions, CETYS University will respond to recommendations pertaining to Assessment activities and the integration of the results to Periodic Academic Program Review, allowing the possibility of improvement and innovation in the curriculum.  Beginning August 2008, the Periodic Academic Program Review Rules and Policies will become operational. This review will make use of the 2004 Academic Reform Evaluation results, which has been implemented since January From this, the current Educational Model will be reviews with the objective of improving its operation in the academic programs under review.  CETYS University education will continue being learning centered, as well as it’s assessment and the generation of evidence. Academic Planning to obtain the WASC Accreditation ( ).

CONT: Being that CETYS University identifies in its Periodic Program Review and Assessment processes, two great opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement in its curriculum, then : Actions With these actions, CETYS University will respond to recommendations pertaining to the incorporation of Periodic Academic Program Review to the new way of updating and improving the curriculum of higher education in CETYS University. Academic Planning to obtain the WASC Accreditation ( ).  Taking into consideration current indicators, a new set of academic indicators will be determined regarding admission, capacity and educational effectivenes; to assess the academic potential of new students, the institution’s capacity to offer quality education according to it’s Mission and assess the Institution’s level of effectiveness in the achievement of the desired learning outcomes.  The offering of partial (half) academic programs in the Ensenada campus will be evaluated.

CONT: Being that CETYS University identifies in its Periodic Program Review and Assessment processes, two great opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement in its curriculum, then : Actions With these actions, CETYS University will respond to recommendations pertaining to the incorporation of Periodic Academic Program Review to the new way of updating and improving the curriculum of higher education in CETYS University. Academic Planning to obtain the WASC Accreditation ( ).  The Institution will continue operating academic programs in the Management Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences and Humanities (including Psychology, Law and Education) disciplines, while it explores how to pertinently incorporate the Natural Sciences (Biotechnology, Bioengineering) disciplines into it’s curriculum.  The Academic Program Review scheduled for August 2008 will include participation of external agents (Government, Employers, Non-Government Agencies) as well as academic experts of other universities. Best practices of the United States will be studied so as to adapt them.

Being that CETYS University identifies in faculty as the human capital and key component to make it’s Mission a reality, in consequence: Actions With these actions, CETYS Univeristy will respond to recommendations regarding adequate number of faculty with the required profile to support each of the academic programs offered by the Institution.  The ratio of 30 to 1 full time faculty with regards to student will be sought, considering equivalent full time students and the graduate population. Also, each program should have at least one full time faculty member.  Full time faculty will be hired that satisfy the profile for each educational level. At least a Master’s degree for undergraduate programs and Doctoral degree for graduate programs. These faculty should be alumni of other institutions. Where pertinent, vacancies for Visiting Faculty will be established. Academic Planning to obtain the WASC Accreditation ( ).

CONT: Being that CETYS University identifies in faculty as the human capital and key component to make it’s Mission a reality, in consequence: Actions With these actions, CETYS Univeristy will respond to recommendations regarding adequate number of faculty with the required profile to support each of the academic programs offered by the Institution. Academic Planning to obtain the WASC Accreditation ( ).  The academic work areas in which faculty productivity will be sought are: Teaching-Learning, Knowledge Integration, Application and Discovery.  Academic, professional and degree development for faculty will be fortified via Career Planning aligned with the Institution’s educational purposes.  Research will be promoted according to the Institutional Research Plan, as well as participation in forums and conferences for the presentation of research results.  Faculty will be encouraged and supported so they may finish and obtaint their doctoral degrees.

CONT: Being that CETYS University identifies in faculty as the human capital and key component to make it’s Mission a reality, in consequence: Actions With these actions, CETYS Univeristy will respond to recommendations regarding adequate number of faculty with the required profile to support each of the academic programs offered by the Institution. Academic Planning to obtain the WASC Accreditation ( ).  The ongoing Faculty Development Program will be updated and fortified in its operation in at least the following aspects:  Professional Development.  Pedagogical Competencies.  Competency in the use of Information Technologies and Resources.  Professional Certification.  A new Category Sistem will be developed to provide incentives and compensation for full time and half time faculty, according to productivity aspects in academic work areas. The current Retirement Plan will be revised.

Being that CETYS University identifies accrediting agencies as external entities that promote educational quality as well as the commitment to educational improvement, in consequence: Actions With these actions, CETYS University will respond to the recommendation of national and international accrediting agencies and continue with faculty certification.  National accreditation of all eligible academic programs will be sought.  Inclusion of Undergraduate and Graduate Programas in the Excelence Listing of CONACYT will be sought.  Strict follow-up to the WASC Comission recommendations will be done, as well as seeking to become a Learning Institutional as established by this regional United States accrediting body.  National and international professional certification for faculty will be sought.  Research will be made regarding all CONACYT resources for Higher Education Institutions, and how to obtain them. Academic Planning to obtain the WASC Accreditation ( ).

The organizational structure of the academy represents a means to better take advantage of the intelectual capital of faculty, as well as the rest of the resources of the academy: budget, information systems and processes; so that the educational services may be delivered under the best conditions. In consequence: Actions With these actions, CETYS University will respond to the WASC recommendations regarding the use of the new organizational structure based on Colleges, also allowing for the Academy to hace a more active role in Institutional decision making.  The organizational structure of the academy will be fortified via the Vice Presidency of Academic Affairs.  Integration of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities.  Integration of the Academic Senate and Academies so faculty may have the means to participate in academic decision making.  Integration of academic commitees to improve the operation of the differentiation shades (Humanism, Entrepeneurial, etc.) Academic Planning to obtain the WASC Accreditation ( ).

CONT: The organizational structure of the academy represents a means to better take advantage of the intelectual capital of faculty, as well as the rest of the resources of the academy: budget, information systems and processes; so that the educational services may be delivered under the best conditions. In consequence: Actions With these actions, CETYS University will respond to the WASC recommendations regarding the use of the new organizational structure based on Colleges, also allowing for the Academy to hace a more active role in Institutional decision making. Academic Planning to obtain the WASC Accreditation ( ).  The support structure for the undergraduate and graduate programs will be fortified with the structure provided by the Colleges and the corresponding Schools. Every program must have a coordinator responsible for its operation.  This organizational structure seeks to contribute to CETYS becoming a Learning Centered Institution.

Since CETYS University has identified that having a research culture favors the ability in students to learn how to learn and develop information seeking abilities from diverse sources with the support of information technology; in consequence: Actions With these actions, CETYS University seeks to develop a research culture and fortify research activities that have been done in the established Centers as well as in some Graduate programs.  Besides the fortification of the capacity and usage of information resources, institutional learning outcomes will be developed so students and faculty may develop these capacities and generate a research culture. Training for faculty and students will be implemented seeking to develop competencies regarding seeking and use of information.  Faculty and students from research networks, as well as CONACYT funded projects will be integrated into the Academic Programs. Academic Planning to obtain the WASC Accreditation ( ).

CONT: Since CETYS University has identified that having a research culture favors the ability in students to learn how to learn and develop information seeking abilities from diverse sources with the support of information technology; in consequence: Actions With these actions, CETYS University seeks to develop a research culture and fortify research activities that have been done in the established Centers as well as in some Graduate programs.  Consolidation of current Centers such as IDE, CEDES, CAOP, etc., as formal research entities.  Integration of academic bodies for research according to CONACYT guidelines, as well as research lines based on current Centers, primarily in Graduate programs.  Fortification of the institutional research program. Academic Planning to obtain the WASC Accreditation ( ).

Being that CETYS University identifies its students as its reason for existence as well as their potential value generated for the community, in consequence, will seek to create, along with student participation, the best environment to achieve the maximum potential, therefore: Actions With these actions, CETYS University seeks to develop an adequate environment for learning and the integral development of students to achieve their maximum potential.  A survey between students and academics will be done, to identify the concept of Student Life that is best suited for the achievement of the Institution´s educational goals. From this definition, student life will be fortified so students achieve the desired learning and attitudes.  Integration of student bodies that actively participate in the improvement of student life, through the participation in diverse academic commitees.  Involvement of Alumni in these activities will be sought. Academic Planning to obtain the WASC Accreditation ( ).

CONT: Being that CETYS University identifies its students as its reason for existence as well as their potential value generated for the community, in consequence, will seek to create, along with student participation, the best environment to achieve the maximum potential, therefore: Actions With these actions, CETYS University seeks to develop an adequate environment for learning and the integral development of students to achieve their maximum potential.  From the definition of Student Life, develop events in which faculty may interact with students, seeking integration.  Alignment of current student events such as simposium and conferences, to Institutional priorities and goals.  Participation of students in external and internal cultural, sporting and academic events, where thay may express their ideas, talents, skills and application of knowledge. Academic Planning to obtain the WASC Accreditation ( ).

Since CETYS Univeristy identifies in Normativity and clear Policies, means to contribute to consistent decision making in the diverse aspects of its academic and administrative life, in consequence: Actions With these actions, CETYS University seeks to formulate a Normativity that is adequate to the present reality of the Institution, its new organizational structure, that allows for better actions toward the achievment of its Mission.  The Vice Presidencies will conduct an holistic review of current normativity to update it, defining the necessary rules and policies so the academy and the administration may have a better understanding with regards to decision making pertaining to conflict management, reprimands, sanctions, and any other circumstances that may arise derived from the interaction of all the groups that are a part of the CETYS University System.  Effectively communicatoe the new rules and policies to our community. Academic Planning to obtain the WASC Accreditation ( ).

Beginning with the defined Actions… Assign responsabilities to convert them in projects and determine the necessary ammounts to generate the… Expected Products or results in the defined time frames. What follows for the Vice Presidency of Academic Affairs: To do appropriate follow-up so that things happen when they should, and also to be able to timely adjust when things are not working Academic Planning to obtain the WASC Accreditation ( ).