Monmouth College’s Special Emphasis  Accreditation Review

In preparation for the spring 2008 re-accreditation visit from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC/NCA), an on-campus steering committee has been appointed to do a campus-wide self-study.  With the support of President Ditzler and Dean Ambrose, and the endorsement of the Faculty Senate, this steering committee has proposed a special emphasis self study that addresses the topic:

Advantages of special focus self-study:

• Fits the distinctive nature of Monmouth College.

• Promises to have an impact beyond the HLC/NCA visit.

• Builds naturally on existing and ongoing interests and initiatives

• Satisfies HLC’s criteria for accreditation while at the same time producing a study useful to the College.

• Matches the self-study to our own mission, goals, and priorities

• Allows the College to focus on issues that we consider essential to future progress

• Invites committed involvement from College constituencies

 What HLC/NCA says about the special emphasis self study option…

 “In conjunction with its focus on self-study, an organization obtains Commission authorization to focus in-depth attention on a select group of issues critical to its pursuit of continuous improvement and educational excellence.  The organization provides evidence that it fulfills the Criteria for Accreditation and reports on agreed-upon strategies and efforts it will use in pursuing ongoing organizational improvement.  The Commission sends an evaluation team to the organization not only to address assurance issues associated with accreditation review but also to spend considerable time in a consultative role related to the previously agreed-upon special emphasis foci.” (HLC/NCA Handbook of Accreditation, 2003, p 5.3-2)

“The customized (special emphasis) accreditation review process is an opportunity for an organization to move beyond the basic mode of self-reflection.  The process allows the organization to pursue planning and evaluation that further enhance the self-study process and contribute to the attainment of its organizational priorities.” (HLC/NCA Handbook of Accreditation, 2003, p 5.3-1)

“Through participation in the customized accreditation review process, an organization demonstrates a high level of inspired and creative leadership, establishes goals and priorities, and invests energy, time, and resources in strategies designed to improve organizational effectiveness.” (HLC/NCA Handbook of Accreditation, 2003, p 5.3-1)