Executive Summary for Board of Trustees
 Monmouth College Self-Study Report
December 17, 2007

Dean Jane Jakoubek

In preparation for a March 2-5, 2008 team visit from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (required for reaccreditation), the College conducted a self-study.  A committee (5 faculty and 4 administrators) was appointed in Fall 2005.  The self-study used the new curriculum, Integrated Studies, as a lens through which to examine the College’s effectiveness in delivering its mission. 

 The major findings of the self-study are:

• Monmouth made significant strides in the last decade in its financial position, enrollment, visibility, academic programs, and campus. 
• The College addressed the concerns identified in the 1998 review: faculty workload, library, organization of the Board, and the development office.
• Integrated Studies (four courses, one taken each year):
  • is based on extensive analysis of the previous curriculum;
  • is designed to improve student learning;
  • has been implemented quite smoothly;
  • requires coordination, proper governance and funding;
  • depends on adequate staffing and funding;
  • is an effective mechanism for delivering the College’s mission.
• Introduction to Liberal Arts (freshman year) emphasizes communication and critical thinking.  Progress in critical thinking is at expected levels.
• Cultural awareness is emphasized Global Perspectives (sophomore year) and reinforced by campus programming and off-campus opportunities.
• Reflections (junior year) addresses spiritual and ethical inquiry.  Student and faculty response to this new requirement has been excellent.     
• A capstone course, Citizenship, asks seniors to address real world challenges by drawing on their entire liberal arts education.  Exciting projects are underway. 
• The College has a history of effective planning and resource allocation.  With growth and its improved finances, some changes would be beneficial.
• Monmouth serves its stakeholders (community, alumni, employees, etc.) well.

 The self-study recommends that the College take the following steps:

·        Ensure coordination of the courses at each level to maintain the intended goals.

·        Ensure adequate funding and support for Integrated Studies;

·        Establish a routine for institutional research and use of assessment data;

·        Allocate resources strategically;

·        Strengthen minority recruitment, internships, and off-campus programs;

·        Appropriately maintain documents (i.e. catalog and website).

 The self-study concludes that Integrated Studies is effective and that Monmouth College is fulfilling its mission and has met the standards for reaccreditation. 

Jane Jakoubek 2/1/08