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HLC and MeWhat does HLC stand for?Hydrocarbolyte Liquid CrystalHoly Living in CommunionHer Left CheekHysterical Laughing ClownWhatever it is I dont want it!

HIGHER LEARNING COMMISSION

Higher Learning Commission the regional accrediting body of the North Central Association that reviews and monitors resources, quality, and effectiveness of colleges and universities sort of in the middle United States Degree granting institutions incorporated in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming or federally authorized sovereign nations that are authorized (licensed) by the same state or nation to award higher degrees (associate, baccalaureate, master's, first professional and/or doctoral degrees (both research and professional)). 3HLCMom, and Apple Pie

Why are We Doing This?

Renewal Accreditation is about renewal.

The time spent in self-evaluation and reflection gives us the opportunity to showcase who we are, to identify strengths and challenges, and to plan for an exciting future.

Dr. David King, President of Malone University February 2012 Required Follow UpMalones last HLC accreditation visit was in March 2004

Our timeline was accelerated (moved to an earlier date) due to concerns raised in the mandated focused visit of March 2009 about Malones progress in identifying and implementing effective student learning outcomes, especially in General Education

Malone conducted a self-study during the 2002-2003 academic years with an HLC site visit in March 2004.

Subsequent to the 2004 site visit, the HLC mandated more than one focused visit specifically to address concerns regarding perceived weaknesses in Malones student learning assessment plan 6If it squawks like a duck . . . What is a Self-Study Anyway?

Some Benefits of Self-StudySelf awarenessRe-affirm and re-visit mission, goals, and values of the UniversityTell our storyIdentify opportunities and develop strategies for the futureRenewal

84 Cs:Self-study provides an opportunity and forum to:Give clarity make sure everyone is on the same page; helps in understanding where things are now, how they got here, and whats on the horizon; reaffirms uniqueness of Malones contextA forum for intra-school and university-wide communication colleagues can discuss important issues together, share concerns and ideas, examine the larger landscape of trends and opportunitiesCooperation reinforces the value of working together for common goodConsensus doesnt mean we all agree about everything, but it does mean that shared values and goals can be reinforced and ultimately, potential strategies for the future can be identified and developedHow the Process WorksBasis for Review is the Criteria for Accreditation (5 core components)Institutional Self-Evaluation (self-study)Peer Review (on site visit)Commission on Accrediting (reviews recommendation and decides)Notification to Malone (via CEO)9HLC 5 Core Criteria

Integrity and MissionPreparing for the FutureStudent Learning and Effective TeachingDiscovery, Acquisition, and Application of KnowledgeEngagement and Service

Self-Evaluation identify strengths weaknesses and effectiveness; use of self-study in assessing, planning, and evaluating

Peer Review On site visit by peers with expertise in various areas (academic, finances, administration, library, student services, etc.)

Commission members of the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association; reviews reports and makes decision on petitions submitted

Notification action of the commission is sent directly to the CEO (president) of the university with a copy to the chairperson of the board.HLC - Core CriteriaMission and IntegrityPreparing for the FutureStudent Learning and Effective TeachingAcquisition, Discovery, and Application of KnowledgeService and Engagement10See packet green handout w/summary info.For Each Criteria and ThemeWhat is the main issue?What evidence is required?What sources are available?What does this mean? So what?Strengths? Challenges? Opportunities?Anticipate the futureSelf-Study ContentDescriptivedata and narrative

Analytical interpretive judgments

Visual display of pertinent informationApril 23 - target date for public document to be on Malones website for public review and comment

12Goals of the Self StudyAddress HLC concerns especially about student learning outcomes Identify and affirm areas of excellenceEnhance teaching and learning across the universityInform strategic planning and budgeting processesPosition Malone for the futureDemonstrate compliance with HLC criteriaGoals of Self-StudyThe six goals of the Malone University Self-Study are to: Address HLC concerns regarding weaknesses in the structure and execution of student learning outcome assessments and the creation of a culture of continuous improvements and documented evidence. Affirm the presence of and identify areas of excellence which support strong organizational commitment and alignment between mission and institutional activities.Enhance teaching and learning across the university through the analysis of baselines, benchmarks and goals for student learning, co-curricular impact on student development, and overall institutional effectiveness.Inform strategic planning initiatives and influence decision making and budget prioritization for the future growth and development of the University.Position Malone to continue to understand and meet the needs of the external community in collaboration with constituents and stakeholders.Demonstrate compliance with HLC criteria for accreditation.

13The Peer Review ProcessSite visit scheduled for September 24-26, 20128-10 external visitors from other colleges and universitiesReview of documents prior to visit and when on campusInterviews with board, faculty, staff, students and others

We dont know yet who the team members will be. Typically there are persons on the team with expertise in academic areas, student development, finances, and governance. There may or may not be CCCU people. We will receive a preliminary list of potential site team persons sometime later this spring. 14Avoiding TroubleOwnership of self-studyComprehensive review analytical and self-reflectiveThorough evaluation of challenges and opportunitiesAnalysis and recommendations for moving forward

15Read the self-study thoroughly. Prior to the site visit, re-read the summaries for each chapter, especially the strengths and challenges identified.

Important ThingsBefore the Site Team visit:Read the self-studyReview and know your department or program assessment reportBe familiar with HLC core components

When Site Team is here:Be availableSmile, be kind and courteousAnswer questions candidlyIf you dont know, say so

Bookmark has 5 core criteria and 5 educational principles

Wear name tag

Avoid criticizing, disparaging remarks about other institutions or people

Be in the office Sept 24-26 not a time for vacation, off campus appointments, etc.

Be helpfulBe honestBe courteousDont make up stuffDont exaggerateRepresent CURRENT Malone interests not some idyllic 18th Century version of Malone College!This is not a time for personal gripes, old wounds, historical gaps and errors

Answer the question asked if you find yourself rambling STOP

16Previous HLC Concerns17Committee members review current self-study and supporting documents but also review previous documents and actions of HLC to see if Malone has adequately responded to these concerns. A visiting team will start with previous info as well as the current snapshot. Note: Many of these issues have already been addressed or are in process of review and response. Weaknesses noted 2003Lack of comprehensive assessment process curricular and co-curricularStrategic planningFacilities and space allocationGovernance and organizationFaculty researchUse of part-time instructors18Reminder: We dont want to make the same mistakes noted from the past. Malone has made significant improvements in recent years in our assessment processes, newer buildings and facilities, additional resources (especially in educational technology), governance processes, organizational alignments, faculty scholarship. We still have work to do on comprehensive strategies and planning and budgetary prioritization strategies, but we are using this self-study to help inform these actions.Self-StudyMaximizing the Process

Some Findings from Current StudySTRENGTHSOpen and collaborative curricular processUpgrades in technology infrastructureMultiple direct and indirect assessmentsEmphasis on global awareness and service-learningQuality and commitment of facultyHolistic approach to teaching and learning

CHALLENGESLack of a systematic and comprehensive strategic plan tied to budget priorities and performance indicatorsDiversity in faculty and administrative positionsImprovements in financial strength and marginOrientation for adjunct faculty and administratorsAuthority and oversight of university-wide marketing effortsThese are just a few of the preliminary summaries from the current iteration of the study. A more comprehensive list will be available once the documents are finalized. Results of this study are intended to inform and shape priorities and future strategic planning and budgeting for the university. 20The site visit What to expect when the team is hereTypical Team Visit MorningAfternoon/EveningSundayTeam arrivesTeam meeting and orientationMonday

Chair and president meetInterviews and visitsTeam meetingLunch w/ campus groupsInterviews and visitsTeam dinnerTeam meetingTuesday

Interviews and visitsTeam meetings and reviewReport writingLunch w/campus groupsInterviews and visitsTeam dinnerTeam meetingReport writingWednesday

Report writingNeeded follow-upPrep for oral reportFinal debriefingPrepare oral reportExit interviewThe Visiting TeamTeam work room 2d floor library (currently the faculty resource room)Many interviews will be arranged once the team is on site (be flexible)Exit Interview will be Wednesday, September 26 (oral summary given)Exit interview is with CEO and any others invited by the CEO

23Important RemindersNo surprisesTruth will prevailPet peeves cagedData analysis evaluationReflection and projectionPlanning and budgeting24We should know ourselves (warts and all) better than anyone. The worst thing you can ever do is paint a rosy picture of yourself! We do want to showcase what we are doing well but we also have to be honest about things that could be better.Cant hide stuffPet peeves not a time for personal gripes about other people, what you hate about the University, past fights, your wish list of tings you want, etc. The site visit is an inappropriate forum for these things. Responses should be data driven (culture of evidence), not personal opinion, hearsay, emotional issues, historical grievances, etc.If there is a legitimate concern about Malone University policy, practice, operations, or anything else, use the third party comment forum that will be on the website later this spring.

Look into the future:What are skills, aptitudes, knowledge, attitudes, formational characteristics needed by future church and community leaders, practitioners, and thinkers?What does the future look like (economic trends, demographics, legal and political landscape, technology, etc.) Examine and discuss the possibilities and the cascading consequences of these futuristic issues.What is the role of Malone University in helping shape these things?

Your RoleBe knowledgableBe courteousBe honestDont make up stuffDont exaggerateKnow the self study content and findingsKnow HLC criteria and expectationsReview the University mission statementKnow your department and/or program assessment materialKeep phone directory handy in order to connect visitors to othersIt doesnt hurt to pray for good results!!!25Commission ActionThe Institutional Action Committee of HLC reviews documents and recommendations from the site team and makes determination of statusCommission meets in February, March, June, AugustOur site visit is September 24-26, 2012. Once the on-site team finishes their report, we are given opportunity to respond to their report and correct any factual errors. Review and decision regarding Malone University will probably be made at the February 2013 meeting of the Institutional Action Committee. We will have to wait until spring term to know final results. Once results are known, presidents office will communicate findings to the campus community.26