Challenge - Winter 2007/2008 - Tiffin University

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2 0 0 9 / 2 0 1 0 > R e - A c c r e d i t a t i o n Re-Accreditation process Begins In the United States, schools and colleges voluntarily seek accreditation from non-government bodies. There are two types of educational accreditation: institutional and specialized. Institutional accreditation is provided by six regional associations of schools and colleges. The regional associations are independent of one another, but they cooperate extensively and acknowledge one another’s accreditation. An institutional accrediting agency evaluates an entire educational or ganization in ter ms of its mission and the agency’s standards or criteria. It accredits the or ganization as a whole. 30 CHALLENGE > Winter 07|08
TU began its decennial (10 year) self-study review process during fall semester 2007 to prepare for its second comprehensive evaluation site visit and re-accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC/NCA). Dr. Teresa Shafer, Dean of Assessment and Accreditation and Professor of Sociology, is coordinating the self-study process. “This is an exciting time to be involved with educating our nation’s youth,” Shafer says. “With so many educational choices that families can make, institutions must constantly review their operations to make sure they are offering the highest quality of education possible.” More than 75 TU staff and faculty members are serving on five working committees to examine specific areas for the self-study. “The self-study process is designed to be introspective, inclusive, and provide the entire academic community an opportunity to participate,” she says. Many institutions adopt a self-study theme to help unify efforts during the process. Themes tend to highlight a strategy or expectation surrounding the efforts as well. Our theme, “Keep the Ball Rolling” was selected to focus our attention on our forward progress. The self-study will also reinforce the effectiveness of TU’s new brand promise of “Real Connections, Real Results.” After completing an initial self-study repor t by mid-2008, the final repor t will be submitted in the summer of 2009, with the accreditation site visit taking place during the 2009-2010 academic year. Shafer notes that The Higher Learning Commission adopted a new set of five criteria in 2005 that member institutions must successfully achieve. These include: n Mission and Integrity n Preparing for the Future n Student Learning and Effective Teaching n Acquisition, Discovery, and Application of Knowledge n Engagement and Service Tiffin University has defined the eight goals below for its selfstudy: 1) Achieve 10-year re-accreditation from HLC/NCA without follow-up visits or reports. 2) Confirm that TU’s academic programs and administrative policies are aligned with its Mission Statement, Principles for Action, and Strategic Plan. 3) Document the University’s strengths and opportunities, weaknesses and challenges. 4) Celebrate successes, recognize challenges and establish action plans for improvement. 5) Involve a broad cross-section of campus constituents so as to encourage and improve collaboration and communication among staff, faculty, and students. 6) Institute a transparent process and share results widely among constituents. 7) Reward organizational citizenship for those most closely involved in the self-study process. 8) Position TU for continued growth and prosperity. About The North Central Association The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools was founded in 1895 for the purpose of establishing close relations between the colleges and secondary schools of the region. Throughout its history, the Association has been committed to the improvement of education at all levels through evaluation and accreditation. Today, the Association is a membership organization of colleges and schools in 19 states (Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming), Department of Defense schools, and the schools and colleges in sovereign U.S. tribal nations within the 19 states. About The Higher Learning Commission The 26-member Higher Learning Commission Institutional Actions Council (IAC) reviews institutional evaluations. This is the body that makes accrediting decisions. Twenty members are experienced peer reviewers, while six members are representatives of the public. www.tiffin.edu > 31
Page 1 and 2: Challenge The Magazine of Tiffin Un
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Page 9 and 10: Gildner author Award-Winning Author
Page 11 and 12: TU Dean Attended Har vard Seminar D
Page 13 and 14: Tiffin University’s Office of Stu
Page 15 and 16: Dr Zhaolu Lu, Professor of Philosop
Page 17 and 18: etiring in 2001 as the South Region
Page 19 and 20: When Earl is not busy with her eque
Page 21 and 22: Real Programs Bachelor of Arts n Ar
Page 23 and 24: “We are very proud of all of our
Page 25 and 26: Center: Jim and Sue Karel, Parents
Page 27 and 28: Matt Brosovich, Senior Right Tackle
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Page 33 and 34: prison consultant to Haiti, and now
Page 35 and 36: Show Your TU Pride How many of you
Page 37 and 38: Nick and Melissa (Woods) Coe ’97,
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Page 41 and 42: KIM (Novotny) SCHWARTZ Kim (Novotny
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Page 45 and 46: Men’s Basketball Preview The Tiff
Page 47 and 48: Earn Income and Help TU Students As

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