Managerial & Technological Services Presentation on Accreditation

1. Managerial & Technological Services Presentation on Accreditation (most of the textual material was prepared by Raleigh C. Muns, M.L.S.)

2. Accreditation Who does it? Why do it? How is it done?

3. Accreditation: Who does it? • NCA North Central Association • HLC Higher Learning Commission • http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org/ The HLC is one of two Commission members of the NCA. FYI, UMSL is accredited by the HLC.

4. A very important point: The US Department of Education “recognizes” the HLC as an official accrediting body for institutions of higher learning.

5. Without Accreditation . . . NO Federal Financial Aid for Students (including student loans). NO Federal Research Grants (e.g., NSF) Salary and wages are dependent on having a good degree. In many states it is a felony to misrepresent that a degree is from an accredited institution when it’s not.

6. The Accreditation process is an opportunity for an institution to validate that it is doing what it says it is doing. The HLC examines the institution using the “Five Criteria”.

7. The Five Criteria Criterion 1: Mission and Integrity. . . . the organization’s mission documents are clear and articulate publicly the organization’s commitments . . .

8. The Five Criteria Criterion 2: Preparing for the Future. . . . the organization’s ongoing evaluation and assessment processes provide reliable evidence of institutional effectiveness . . .

9. The Five Criteria Criterion 3: Student Learning and Effective Teaching. . . . the organization’s goals for student learning outcomes are clearly stated for each educational program and make effective assessment possible . . .

10. The Five Criteria Criterion 4: Acquisition, Discovery, and Application of Knowledge. . . . the organization assesses the usefulness of its curricula to students who will live and work in the global, diverse, and technological society . . .

11. The Five Criteria Criterion 5: Engagement and Service. . . . the organization learns from the constituencies it serves and analyzes its capacity to serve their needs and expectations . . .

12. Notice some recurring themes? …assessment processes… …reliable evidence… …outcomes are clearly stated… …effective assessment… …assesses the usefulness of its curricula… …analyzes its capacity to serve…

13. How is accreditation done? First, a lot of time is spent producing a required Self Study. This is a TRULY HUGE comprehensive document that takes more than two years to prepare.

14. The Self-Study is an Official Document that: States how the university deals with the Five Criteria. Stands alone, with evidence, to support its contentions. Is an official record that is filed with the HLC/NCA. Draft copies are circulated for campus input. Final copy is made available to all for comment and input three months before the Accreditation Visiting Team’s visit. Tentative due date is September 5, 2008.

15. The HLC Visiting Team • Consists of 10-12 individuals from peer institutions. • Participates in an official “Site Visit” to the institution. Tentative dates are November 10-13, 2008. • Writes a report of recommendations following the visit.

16. They can ask ANYBODY ANYTHING!!! Students . . . Faculty . . . Staff . . .

17. What’s the Most Important Job? Example: I clean the building and replace light bulbs. How do I contribute to student learning? You make sure the students have a clean and comfortable environment in which to learn.

18. What’s the Most Important Job? Example: I maintain and run the computer programs that place students in MyGateway. How do I contribute to student learning? You ensure students have access to the materials they need to complete their assignments and participate in class.

19. What’s the Most Important Job? Example: I collect student payments in the Cashier’s Office. How do I contribute to student learning? You contribute to student learning by properly handling the financial resources required to keep the University running. Faculty and staff won’t work long if they don’t get paid!

20. What’s the Most Important Job? Example: I process PAF’s. How do I contribute to student learning? You make sure the faculty and staff needed to teach, conduct research, and operate the campus get paid.

21. What’s the Most Important Job? Example: I answer calls at the Help Desk. How do I contribute to student learning? You help students gain access to the software and services they need to complete assignments for class.

22. What’s the Most Important Job? Example: I manage the campus budget. How do I contribute to student learning? You contribute to student learning by helping each department manage its fiscal resources to ensure faculty and graduate assistants are there to teach.

23. What’s the Most Important Job? Example: I sign contracts for the campus. How do I contribute to student learning? You see to it that the necessary equipment, supplies and services are available that keep the campus operating.

24. What’s the Most Important Job? Example: I work in Institutional Research. How do I contribute to student learning? You provide data and information to faculty and administrators that help them monitor student progress and help identify potential issues.

25. What’s the Most Important Job? Everyone’s job contributes to student learning. Everyone’s job is the Most Important Job!!

26. HLC Follow-up Visits Follow-up visits happen when there are questions about the institution. They are NOT uncommon. Since 2000 criteria were adopted, 95% of institutions have had a follow-up visit.

27. UMSL’s GOAL Re-accreditation for 10 years!