LSSU and NCA logoThis page presents historical information from the year 2000 related to LSSU Institutional Accreditation Self Study.
Executive Summary of the Self-Study Report:
Preface
This is an executive summary of Lake Superior State University’s Self-Study Report that has been submitted to the North Central Association (NCA) for their review. More than 100 trustees, administrators, faculty, staff, students, and community members examined the University and prepared the Self-Study Report. The campus community was provided with several opportunities to comment on the self-study process and on drafts of the Self-Study Report during 1999 and 2000.
The self-study process was viewed not only as a requirement of the re-accreditation process, but also as an opportunity for introspection. It was an opportunity to evaluate performance, to review strengths, and to ascertain how well those strengths support the University’s mission. It also provided a forum to identify areas of potential improvement and to crystallize, through oral and written articulation, issues surrounding the future directions of the University. From February 5-7, 2001, the NCA Site Evaluation Team will be on campus to examine Lake Superior State University’s request for continuing accreditation. The Team members will visit with faculty, staff, students, and others about the progress the University has made since1991, the current state of the University in relation to NCA criteria, and the future plans for the University. The full Self-Study Report is available for review in the Kenneth J. Shouldice Library, in each department, and on the University’s common “O” drive. It provides a history of the University, contains a response to the 1991 NCA Team report and other NCA visits, outlines the self-study findings in relation to the NCA requirements and criteria, and looks to the future. The resulting self-study document stands as evidence of the effectiveness of the self-study process and affords Lake Superior State University the opportunity to demonstrate, both to itself and to its external examiners, the quality and dedication with which the University has pursued its goals in the past decade. And, perhaps most importantly, it will serve as an invaluable starting point for continued planning as the University strives for excellence in the next decade. Executive Summary of the Self-Study Report: Introduction
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Executive Summary of the Self-Study Report:
2000 Self-Study Process
In the fall of 1998 and the spring of 1999, President Robert Arbuckle established the membership of the self-study steering committee and invited volunteers to serve on five subcommittees arranged around the five criteria for accreditation. The steering committee and the five subcommittees were comprised of trustees, administrators, faculty, staff, students, and community representatives.
During 1999 and 2000, the subcommittees collected, compiled, and reviewed information related to their assigned areas. Their work culminated in written reports to the steering committee. Initial drafts of the reports were presented to the campus community at six campus-wide meetings held during the 1999-2000 academic year. Feedback from the sessions was incorporated into the Self-Study Report and reviewed by the steering committee and the entire campus community. The steering committee was charged with the following primary tasks: (1) To coordinate implementation of the Self-Study Plan. (2) To oversee the preparation of the Self-Study Report. (3) To provide assurance that the patterns of evidence provided demonstrate that Lake Superior State University has met the 24 general institutional requirements, the five criteria for accreditation, and the concerns set forth in the last self-study process. (4) To ensure that the University has fairly examined any difficult or controversial issues and self-reported concerns uncovered by self-examination.
Recommendations and action plans developed as a result of the self-study process will be incorporated into the University’s next strategic planning cycle for 2001-2002. Strengths and Challenges NCA Criteria for Accreditation |
Executive Summary of the Self-Study Report:
Conclusion
Lake Superior State University is requesting re-accreditation for another ten-year period. The University believes that it has presented strong patterns of evidence indicating that it meets all accreditation criteria, and it has demonstrated fulfillment of all requirements. |
NCA Self-Study Plan (Fall 1999)
Table of ContentsNCA Steering Committee Membership Steering Committee Duties Goals for the Self-Study Process Table of Contents for Self-Study Report Comprehensive Evaluation Process Self-Study Calendar and TimetableNCA Steering Committee Membership (1999-2000)Dr. Robert Arbuckle President Mr. Thomas Bugbee Vice President for Student Programs and Services Dr. George Denger Criterion One Chair, Assistant Professor of Speech Dr. Polly Fields Criterion Two Chair, Associate Professor of English Ms. Kay Floyd Self-Study Report Editor, Director of Grants and Contracts Mr. James Madden Criterion Four Chair, Professor of Criminal Justice Dr. Donald McCrimmon Acting Executive Vice President and Provost, Committee Chair Ms. Debra McPherson Faculty Association President Dr. Dennis Merkel Coordinator and Criterion Three Chair, Special Assistant to the Provost, Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Susan Ratwik Professor of Psychology Mr. Scott Smart Acting Vice President for Business and Financial Operations Ms. Heidi Witucki Criterion Five Chair, Upward Bound DirectorSteering Committee DutiesThe primary tasks of the Steering Committee are: To coordinate implementation of the Self-Study Plan
Goals for the Self-Study Process Goal 1 Lake Superior State University will demonstrate that the University satisfies the five criteria and 24 general institutional requirements for reaccreditation by North Central Association for Colleges and Schools. Goal 2 The self-study process will involve a broad representation of the University community. Goal 3 The self-study process will foster openness among University constituents, enhance information sharing, and stimulate dialogue about present concerns and future directions. Goal 4 The recommendations and action plans developed, as a result of the self-study process, will be incorporated into the Universityโs next strategic plan update.Table of Contents for the Self-Study Report Introduction A. Lake Superior State University: Past and Present B. Accreditation History C. Purposes of the Self-Study Report D. Self-Study Report E. Self-Study Process F. Response to NCA Team Reports (1991, 1994, 1998) and Response to Staff Analysis of Progress Reports G. Significant Developments Since 1990-91 Chapter 1–Criterion One: Clear and Publicly Stated Purpose A. Introduction B. Mission and Vision Statements C. Goals D. Operational Significance of the Mission and Goals E. National and Regional Recognition of Universityโs Commitment to Higher Education F. Summary Strengths and Challenges Chapter 2–Criterion Two: Effectively Organized Resources A. Introduction B. Organization and Governance C. Human Resources: Faculty, Staff, and Students D. Financial Resources E. Physical Resources F. Information Technology & Resources G. Business/Financial Operations Resources H. Student Services Resources I. Learning Center Resources J. Summary Strengths and Challenges Chapter 3–Criterion Three: Accomplishing Educational and Other Purposes A. Introduction B. Academic Programs
C. Academic Colleges and Schools 1. College of Arts, Letters, and Social Sciences a. School of Criminal Justice, Fire Science, and Education b. School of English and Speech c. School of History and Humanities d. School of Social Sciences 2. College of Business and Economics 3. College of Engineering and Mathematics a. School of Engineering and Technology b. School of Mathematics and Computer Science 4. College of Natural and Health Sciences a. School of Natural Sciences b. School of Nursing and Health Sciences 5. University College D. Assessment
E. Student and Faculty Academic Services F. Student Support Services G. Service to Community and Region
H. Summary Strengths and Challenges Chapter 4–Criterion Four: Continue to Accomplish Purposes A. Introduction B. Strategic Planning Process C. Impact of Self-Study Process D. Issues for the Next Decade and the New Millennium E. Summary Strengths and Challenges Chapter 5–Criterion 5: Demonstrate Integrity in Practices and Relationships A. Introduction B. University Publications C. Policies and Practices for Resolution of Internal Disputes D. Policies and Practices for Equitable Treatment E. Institutional Publications, Statements, and Advertising F. Relationships with Other Institutions of Higher Education G. Appropriate Support for Shared Resources H. Policies and Procedures Regarding Institutional Relationships and Responsibility I. Oversight Processes for Monitoring Contractual Arrangements with Government, Industry, and Other Organizations J. Summary Strengths and Challenges Chapter 6–Summary and Request for Continued AccreditationA. Basic Institutional Data Forms B. General Institutional Requirements C. List of Items Available in Resource Room D. Self-Study Subcommittees |
Steering Committee
Members of the Steering Committee:Robert Arbuckle, Bill Becker, Tom Bugbee, Carol Campagna, George Denger, Polly Fields, Kay Floyd, Kari Jastorff, Jim Madden, Dennis Merkel, Sue Ratwik, David Toppen, Heidi Witucki
The Chair of the Steering Committee is Dr. David Toppen, ext. 2211. |
Criterion 1: Clear and Publicly Stated Purpose
Members of Criterion 1 Subcommittee:Tom Coates, Bill Crawford, George Denger, Tony Fabbri, Eric Gadzinski, Cheri Hoornstra, Daretha Huntz, Mark Jastorff, Jeff King, John LaVoy, Leisa Mansfield, Ann Marinoni, Cary Miller, James Moody, Donna Payment, Annette Ryckman, Shirley Schoenemann, John Shibley, Steve Yanni.
The Chair of the subcommittee is Dr. George Denger, ext. 2330. |
Criterion 2: Effectively Organized Resources
Members of Criterion 2 Subcommittee:Kathy Albrough, Richard Back, Judy Bawks, Bill Becker, Meg Brown, Sally Childs, Stella DePlonty, Deb Faust, Polly Fields, Lee Freedman, Judy Hendrickson, Beth Hronek, Jim Madden, Ann Marinoni, Cindy Merkel, Fred Michels, Tom Pink, Colleen Rye, George Rye, Kahler Schuemann, Scott Smart, Deb Stai, Stacey Swanson, Aaron Tadgerson, Houston Tucker, Beverly White.
The Chair of the subcommittee is Dr. Polly Fields, ext. 2179 |
Criterion 3: Accomplishing its Purpose
Members of the Criterion 3 Subcommittee:Kathy Albrough, Steve Atkinson, Meg Brown, Susan Camp, Sally Childs, Stella DePlonty, Polly Fields, Lee Freedman, Eric Gadzinski, Paige Gordier, Pam Hayward, John LaVoy, Jim Madden, Don McCrimmon, Dennis Merkel, Nina Rynberg, Jessica Stanaway, Trent Sutton, Heidi Witucki
The Chair of the Subcommittee is Dr. Dennis Merkel, ext. 2152. |
Criterion 4: Continue to Accomplish its Purpose
Members of the Criterion 4 Subcommittee:Ray Adams, Paul Besteman, Lee Comer, Deb Faust, Paul Fenlon, Nancy LeGreve, Jim Madden, Robbin Manor, Deb McPherson, Dennis Merkel, Rebecca Scheelk, Kahler Schuemann, Scott Smith, Tom Smith
The Chair of the Subcommittee is James Madden, ext. 2173 |
Criterion 5: Demonstrates Integrity in its Practices
Members of the Criterion 5 Subcommittee:Richard Back, Jim Blashill, Dave Castner, Bill Crawford, Susan Fitzpatrick, Mark Jastorff, Jacquey Pateman, Sherri Pavloski, Colleen Rye, Scott Smith, Beverly White, Heidi Witucki
The Chair of the Subcommittee is Heidi Witucki, ext. 2186. |