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
April 6, 2004
To the University Community:
This is the fifth in a series of bulletins on preparation at UNC for
the NCA
accreditation review. This bulletin focuses on the second criterion
of the
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges
and
Universities (NCA). Following is a draft of strengths, challenges, and
opportunities related to Criterion 2, Preparing for the Future. These
and other
points are elaborated in the self-study report; a draft of this report
is
currently under review by the campus-wide NCA Steering Committee.
NCA Criterion 2: Preparing for the Future. The organization's allocation
of
resources and its processes for evaluation and planning demonstrate
its capacity
to fulfill its mission, improve the quality of its education, and respond
to
future challenges and opportunities.
Examples of Strengths, Challenges, and Opportunities at UNC Related
to Criterion
2
-- During the last decade, substantial progress was made with facilities.
Now a
range of funding options must address unresolved facility needs. Current
proposals include using tuition to fund construction projects; issuing
bonds
based on revenue from room and board to fund capital projects; and pursuing
funds from the state historical society to restore, renovate, and maintain
buildings in the designated historic district. The University also has
the
opportunity to expand its historic district from residence halls to
other
academic buildings on the central campus.
-- The Technology Plan creates opportunities for enhancement of academic
instruction, research, and management. An Academic Technology Advisory
Group is
addressing needs for communication and coordination.
-- The University is enriched by the diversity of its members. The
University
has an opportunity and an obligation to examine its strategies for recruiting
and retaining students, faculty, and staff from under-represented groups.
There
is also a need to develop long-range plans for analyzing the curriculum
and
possibly expanding its multi-cultural content and diverse perspectives.
-- Assessment is an area of rich opportunity. Assessment should continue
to
inform the ongoing improvement of academic programs, academic support,
and
administration.
-- Investment in the creative works of faculty, staff, and students
can advance
the institution's leadership in education, other professional fields,
and basic
academic areas. The University should continue to support a broad base
of
research, creative works, and scholarship. In addition, it should consider
investment in several well-defined research agendas that are closely
aligned to
the mission.
-- There is a need for systematic collection, archival, and preservation
of
university materials. Records management strategies are being developed
by
University Archives.
Thanks for your attention and willingness to learn more about the University's
preparation for the NCA accreditation review. For additional information,
please
visit www.unco.edu/nca.
Vincent Scalia and Teresa McDevitt, Co-Chairs, NCA Steering Committee