current | 4-29-04 | 4-22-04 | 4-20-04 | 4-6-2004 | 3-24-04 | 3-10-04 | 3-03-04 | 2-26-03
March 24, 2004
This is the fourth in a series of bulletins on preparation at UNC for the NCA Accreditation review. This bulletin focuses on the first criterion of the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities (NCA). For each of its five criteria, the NCA Handbook of Accreditation offers a title, definition, core components, and examples of evidence. Institutions preparing a self-study report respond to these guidelines with narrative descriptions and documents regarding how they fulfill the criteria. In the UNC self-study report, we address each criterion in a separate chapter. In these chapters, we include assertions, data, web sites, evidence, reference to documents, and summaries of interview responses. In addition, we identify and explain strengths, challenges, and opportunities. Following are examples of strengths, challenges, and opportunities related to Criterion 1, Mission and Integrity. Please be advised that these notes represent a draft under revision. These points and others are elaborated in the self-study report (currently being edited). Subsequent bulletins will examine the remaining four NCA criteria as well as provide other updates regarding preparation for the site visit.
NCA Criterion 1: Mission and Integrity
The organization operates with integrity to ensure the fulfillment of its mission through structures and processes that involve the board, administration, faculty, staff, and students.
Examples of Strengths, Challenges, and Opportunities at UNC Related to Criterion 1
-- The University has a clear mission statement that publicly articulates
its vision, values, purposes, goals, and priorities.
-- During the last ten years, two refinements to the mission statement
elevated attention to students' needs, specified learning outcomes for
undergraduate and graduate students, and formalized expectations that
everyone acts honorably and inclusively.
-- The University's mission statement has been disseminated broadly
and endorsed enthusiastically by constituent groups.
-- A commitment to including all segments of society is present in the
University's mission. Such an inclusive climate is fostered by shared
governance, mechanisms of diversity enhancement, regulatory policies
that protect the rights and dignity of individuals, and respectful exchanges
among students, faculty, staff, administrators, and other constituent
groups.
-- The programs, activities, and procedures of the University of Northern
Colorado are implemented with scrupulous attention to mission directives
and University policies.
-- The mission has been both a source of stability and a tool for reflection
during periods of change and planning.
-- Shared governance is strong and strides have been made in trust over
the last decade.
-- Cultivating and assessing the mission-specified learning goals are
formidable tasks; these goals include citizenship, leadership, life-long
learning, critical thinking, a disposition to live a healthy lifestyle,
appreciation for artistic expression, and the ability to work in a diverse
and technologically advanced society. Individual programs address these
outcomes in specific ways; however, the nature of students' cumulative
learning is somewhat uncertain. For example, the University does not
have extensive data on what students learn about citizenship or diversity
as the result of their several years of study at the University.
-- With a limited budget, the University has an opportunity to refine
and prioritize each aspect of its mission, including comprehensive baccalaureate
programs, specialized graduate programs, statewide access, and research
and scholarship.
-- As the University evolves, it must continually assess and nurture
its climate and address any serious barriers to a healthy campus environment,
one that encourages equal opportunity and shared governance. These needs
are ongoing.
-- The University can improve its operations by considering how new
regulations can be disseminated more effectively.
Thanks for your attention and willingness to learn more about preparation
for the NCA accreditation review. The draft chapters are almost ready
for circulation to the NCA Steering Committee. Also, a new website at
UNC devoted to NCA preparation has been under construction; it is nearing
release.
Vincent Scalia and Teresa McDevitt, Co-Chairs, NCA Steering Committee