Institutional and Programmatic Accreditation

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

To coordinate implementation of the Self-Study Plan

1. To oversee the preparation of the Self-Study Report
2. To provide assurance that the patterns of evidence provided demonstrate that Lake Superior State University has met:
   1. the 24 General Institutional Requirements (GIR)
   2. the five Criteria for Accreditation; and
   3. the concerns set forth in the last self-study process
3. To ensure that the University has fairly examined any difficult or controversial issues and self-reported concerns uncovered by self-examination

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 University’s 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 University’s 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

1. General Education
2. Masters in Business Administration
3. Masters in Public Administration
4. Academic Delivery—Continuing Education, Distance Education

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

1. Introduction
2. History
3. Assessment of General Education
4. Assessment of the University Environment

E. Student and Faculty Academic Services F. Student Support Services G. Service to Community and Region

1. Faculty and Staff Participation
2. Outreach and Extension

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
E. University Committees

The Chair of the Steering Committee is Dr. David Toppen, ext. 2211.

The Chair of the subcommittee is Dr. George Denger, ext. 2330.

The Chair of the subcommittee is Dr. Polly Fields, ext. 2179

The Chair of the Subcommittee is Dr. Dennis Merkel, ext. 2152.

The Chair of the Subcommittee is James Madden, ext. 2173

The Chair of the Subcommittee is Heidi Witucki, ext. 2186.