1	Accreditation Update January 5^th, 2007
2	Self-study is complete Thank you to the Steering Committee members and those of you who helped in other ways. Available electronically S:\Accreditation Self-study Also on reserve in library Visit February 26^th-28^th An Executive Summary will be distributed soon
3	Concerns of 1997 team Despite significant progress, the financial situation remains fragile. Although progress is being made toward achieving salary targets, these targets are only a modest first step in remediating inadequate compensation. Immediate attention must be paid to inferior quality classrooms, inadequate technology, and insufficient instructional equipment. Current library space is inadequate. The Master’s program may not be viable, given its history of low enrollment. The lack of faculty development opportunities is a serious problem.
4	Actions and responses Balanced budgets for each of the 10 years since the last visit A doubling of the endowment since May of 1996 Enrollment gains which, although smaller than hoped for, have provided substantial additional revenues Substantial compensation increases over the 10-year period, although these have not kept pace with targets identified in the salary model, especially in recent years Substantial upgrades throughout campus in classroom conditions, technology, and other instructional equipment
5	Actions and responses continued The new McGovern Library represents in many ways the signature achievement of the last decade, and will help provide an enhanced learning experience for students for generations to come The re-established Master’s program has shown robust enrollment in its first three years of operation Faculty development opportunities have been greatly enhanced, both through institutional funds and external funding. The university is aware of the need to continue to seek additional external funding, or consider how institutional funding can be enhanced
6	Findings Criterion 1: Mission and Integrity Areas of strength: The university’s various mission documents are consistent with each other, and clearly articulate the organization’s goals and commitments. The university has adequate processes and structures in all areas to insure integrity in its operations. Despite the challenges presented by its location, the college has expanded its commitment to diversity, and has experienced success in recruiting and retaining diverse students. There is a high degree of identification with and support for the university’s mission among employees, administration, and the board. The university is aware of the importance of maintaining this mission focus, even in an era where external pressures require adaptive responses and creative thinking.
7	Findings Criterion 1: Mission and Integrity Other major findings: More attention and effort are required to increase awareness of the identified student learning outcomes, particularly outside of the faculty, and to better document student achievement of these outcomes. The university would benefit from maintaining the current strong linkage between the mission and the strategic plan, and giving additional attention to communication and collaboration within governance, planning, and budgeting processes.
8	Findings Criterion 2: Preparing for the Future Areas of strength: The university is well aware of the demographic trends which impact its recruitment environment, and is proactively responding to successfully address the challenges this environment presents. The university has been successful in keeping abreast of technological changes, the technology backgrounds and expectations of its students, and the potential of technology to enhance learning and teaching. It provides quality technological resources and support to its students and faculty, even in a modest resource environment. The university has shown the ability to quickly adapt and respond effectively to both challenges and opportunities which present themselves. The university has successfully achieved a number of major strategic planning goals, and has developed reasonable and forward-thinking goals within the next stage of its strategic plan. The physical resources of the university have been dramatically enhanced in a number of areas in recent years. The university has engaged in substantial and productive efforts to enhance its assessment and planning structures and processes in recent years.
9	Findings Criterion 2: Preparing for the Future Other Major Findings: Continued efforts will be required to reach employee compensation goals, particularly with respect to faculty and professional staff. Continued growth in enrollment will be a critical factor, perhaps the critical factor, in further enhancing the university’s operational resource base. The university has been pro-active in addressing this need. Areas that still utilize physical space which is less than ideal have been identified and a tentative prioritization of these is reflected in capital fund-raising goals. Continued effort will be required to formalize institution-wide assessment processes, enhance communication of assessment data and findings across the university, and more fully incorporate use of assessment data into decision-making and planning.
10	Findings Criterion 3: Student Learning and Effective Teaching Areas of strength: The university has appropriate, identifiable learning outcomes that are well-supported by the faculty and other constituencies. The ethos of the university continues to be one that values teaching and learning, personal interaction with students, supporting student growth and success, and the development of innovative learning experiences. The high value placed on teaching and learning at DWU is perceived and appreciated by students and has a positive impact on their learning experiences. Learning and teaching strategies at DWU are interactive and varied, have a positive impact on student learning experiences, and have evolved significantly over the past 10 years, particularly with respect to the use of technology, and the incorporation of additional research opportunities for students. Most academic departments have assessment processes which are at least adequate, and some are robust and of high quality. Steps have been taken to implement structures and processes which should provide for sustainable, enhanced assessment of student learning.
11	Findings Criterion 3: Student Learning and Effective Teaching Other Major Findings: While significant efforts have been made to develop greater knowledge of assessment, more robust assessment processes, a wider institutional perspective on assessment, and better communication and use of assessment data, assessment is an area that will require continued and sustained attention, and possibly additional resources, in the future.
12	Findings Criterion 4: Acquisition, Discovery and Application of Knowledge Areas of strength: The promotion of life-long learning is an essential aspect of the mission of DWU. This ideal is reflected in the structure and importance of the General Education program, as well as support for and public acknowledgment of the scholarly work of students and faculty. The university has placed greater emphasis on student research and other opportunities for enhanced scholarly activity and experiential learning in recent years, and has implemented policies to help insure that this activity, as well as faculty scholarship, takes place in a responsible manner.
13	Findings Criterion 4: Acquisition, Discovery and Application of Knowledge Other Major Findings: The university has been fortunate in recent years to have several sources of grant funds to promote professional development. As these funding opportunities expire, the university will need to take action to find other sources or strongly consider increasing institutional funds devoted to professional development. Although adequate evidence exists that the general education program is meeting its goals, more robust ongoing and systematic assessment of the program would be beneficial in order to better document student learning and inform future changes in the program, whether these changes be modest or more far-reaching.
14	Findings Criterion 5: Engagement and Service Areas of strength: All levels of the university are committed to and engaged in service to both internal and external constituencies. University personnel identify with the university’s service ethos, and live out this ethos in both their personal and professional lives. The university has ample capacity to serve the needs of both its internal and external constituencies.
15	Findings Criterion 5: Engagement and Service Other Major Findings: Although the university has made significant progress in many areas and students do perceive university services to be of value, additional work is needed to identify areas where DWU is perceived to be ‘behind’ its competitors, and address the factors contributing to these perceptions.
16	Still to come Schedule for visit We may need help with additional items for the Resource Room. The official report and action on accreditation status will follow several weeks after the visit Party!