April 2008 Accreditation Report - Pacific Lutheran University

1.B.1 Planning Processes
The planning process is clearly defined
through the yearly initiative process. The
process is consistently applied and has proven
to strengthen operations and the academic
program. This year’s process is similar to that
used in prior years.
In May 2007, units within the five divisions
(academics, admission and enrollment,
development, finance and operations, and
student life) established their initiatives for the
year. Each initiative includes those responsible
for the initiative’s implementation. Unit
initiatives are reviewed with the appropriate
vice president.
Unit heads then worked with their vice
president to establish divisional initiatives. For
this year, each division brought forward five
draft initiatives.
In June, the President’s Council held a retreat
to review the divisional and unit initiatives.
Discussions about initiatives, resources,
collaboration, and implementation strategies
were a critical part of the meeting. The
meeting also enabled the council to develop
five university initiatives out of the divisional
initiatives.
The divisional and university initiatives were
then shared back with the community and
with the Board of Regents at the university
fall conference and the fall board meeting,
respectively.
In December, each unit, division, and
university initiative was evaluated regarding
progress to date. Those unit initiatives and
divisional initiatives which need attention
or discussion were addressed at the division
level and at another President’s Council
retreat. This provides an opportunity to
discuss resources and personnel for initiative
completion. It also provides a framework for
the following semester of work. Notes from
the President’s Council retreat are available in
the Exhibit Room.
Units and the President’s Council will
undertake a year-end evaluation in May.
University initiative results will be reported
back to the Board of Regents at its October
meeting.
In addition to evaluating success and further
needs, the review process also provides the
opportunity to discuss possible initiatives
for the next year. The process loop is thereby
completed, with a year of activity informing
planning.
This process of initiative development
and review is well received by the PLU
community. It is structured and measurable.
Although the process is time consuming, the
process fosters both stability and growth. It
has helped us move major initiatives with
continuity, transparency, and the capacity for
continuous institutional growth and change.
1.B.2 Systematic Planning and Evaluation
As noted in 1.B.1, planning is systematic and
enduring. Planning and evaluation in the
academic arena includes teaching, research,
and service, and is administered through the
Provost’s Office as well as through committees
such as Rank and Tenure. Faculty orientation
engages faculty on these three areas of
responsibility, and scheduled evaluations
address them with each faculty member. The
Rank and Tenure committee not only reviews
for individual accomplishments in teaching,
research, and service, but also periodically
reviews these standards for equity and
consistently. The committee is charged with
upholding the integrity and process of the
rank and tenure system.
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