NCA Self Study Plan

Charge

To plan, oversee, and coordinate the self study process and write the self-study report for the comprehensive evaluation of the University by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.  The site visit is scheduled for January 28-31, 2007.

Goal

To present a self study report that actively engages the entire University community.  This process will result in successfully receiving full accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission in January 2007 and lay the groundwork for continuous reflection and improvement in meeting the University's mission. 

Objectives

To create a sub-committee structure that provides one sub-committee for each of the HLC's five criteria.  Each sub-committee will be lead by co-chairs that are members of the Steering Committee.  The committees will range in size from four to five people and will utilize processes that gather input from all University sectors, including: 

• University Board Members,
• University administration,
• College administration (i.e. Deans),
• Faculty members,
• University Staff (e.g. Student Affairs, Financial Aid, Registrar, etc.), and f) Students.  The subcommittees will serve as writing teams for each of the criteria chapters.

To create a communication plan that will inform and engage the University community in the self study process.  This plan will include: 

1. A brief discussion of the process at the April 2005 President's Town Hall Meeting (and subsequent e-mail summary and "Save the Date" notice);
2. The launch of the Steering Committee's website for access and participation for all UDM stakeholders;
3. An e-mailed monthly reminder to the community to access the website for process updates;
4. A focus on the process and the launching of a "theme" for the process at the Fall 2005 Convocation;
5. The dissemination of a brochure at the Convocation that describes the a) theme, b) communication plan, c) information gathering plan, d) document review plan, e) site visit plan, and f) resource room plan.; and
6. Create "talking points" for Steering Committee members to use at pre-arranged meetings with the following stakeholder groups: 
   • the Board ofTrustees,
   • the Academic Leadership Team (ALT),
   • the President's Cabinet (PC),
   • College meetings on Convocation Day,
   • the council of chair(person)s (or its equivalent in each college/school),
   • the undergraduate program coordinators committee,
   • the graduate program directors committee,
   • the Assessment Committee and other pertinent committees,
   • major administrative staff areas, and
   • the student senate organization
7. NCA Agenda item and question and answer session at the President's Town Hall meetings (held twice per semester).

To create an information gathering plan for obtaining data and information for the self study report.  This plan will include: 

1. Sub-committee meetings to determine location of evidence;
2. Preparation of summary reports of existing documents/data available through Institutional Research (IR);
3. Posting IR reports on the Steering Committee website; and
4. the implementation of  new surveys and focus groups to gather data from faculty and staff.

To create a document review plan for reviewing drafts of the self study report.  This plan will include: 

1. Facilitated discussions of community sectors to respond to each chapter of the self study report;
2. electronic dissemination of draft versions of each chapter to the University community for reflection, review, and comment.

To create a site visit plan for hosting members of the HLC's visiting team.  This plan will provide tasks, roles, and responsibilities for the steering committee and other key stakeholders.

To create a resource room plan for storage and retrieval of relevant documents and evidence for the HLC's visiting team.  The resource room will be centrally located on campus and will provide ample resources and space for the site visitors to conduct their evaluation requirements.