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NORTH CENTRAL ACCREDITATIONCollege applies for reaccreditationNCA site visit set for February 2000By Kristen MartinezPublic Relations OfficeNearly two years ago, Cowleybecame the first community collegein the nation to be asked to conduct aspecial emphasis self-study towardreaccreditation.And as the 1998-99 academicyear drew to a close, the college wasinching closer tohaving completed"By being the firstschool presenting this topic, we willserve as a model for other two- and four-year schools that doself-assessments. This is something that is totally new; it isan honor for Cowley."Connie BonfyDirector of Institutional Grants & Humanities Programmingthat study.The purpose of the NorthCentral Association of Colleges andSchools Self-Study is to get Cowleyreaccredited for the next 10 years.Cowley was first accredited in 1975and its lastin 1989.10-year accreditation wasThe purpose of the self-study isnot only to be reaccredited but it alsoserves as a self-improvement processfor the college, according toMichelle Schoon, biology instructorand Natural Science Departmentchair.According to Connie Bonfy,director of institutional grants andhumanities programming, Cowley isprogressing very well with the workfor the study. Bonfy was chosen tobe the lead writer of the report. Shesaid a final draft was expected to beready for the printer by Nov. 1 , 1999.Itlikely will be sent to NCA in mid-November.Cowley's special study centerson total quality management andcontinuous improvement. For years,business and industry has used thepractice to improve products andservices. Cowley began TQM/CItraining and practices in 1990.Cowley's study, Bonfy said.likely will help NCA shift its thinkingfrom traditional self-studies tothose that are more beneficial to theinstitutions."By being the first school presentingthis topic, we will serve as amodel for other two- and four-yearschools that do self-assessments,"Bonfy said. "This is something thatis totally new; it is an honor forCowley."The team that is writing thestudy began collecting data nearlytwo years ago. It finished the firstphase in May 1999.visit,After the Feb. 7-9. 2000. sitethe Self-Study Report and theTeam Report willbe reviewed by aReader's Panel and/or by a ReviewCommittee that meets with representativesof the institution and theteam. Then a decision about theaccreditation will be made by theCommission.Some required, general informationis being integrated into theMay draft, Bonfy said. Also, the collegeisbeginning the annual assessmentprocess."Before the site visit, we stillhave to collect the reference materialused to write the paper," Bonfy said.According to the "Accreditationof Higher Education Institutions: AnOverview," there are five criteria foraccreditation. They are:Criterion 1: The institution hasclear and publicly stated purposesconsistent with its mission andappropriate to an institute of highereducation.Criterion 2: The institution haseffectively organized the human,financial, and physical resourcesnecessary to accomplish its purposes.Criterion 3: The institution isaccomplishing its educational andother purposes.Criterion 4: The institution cancontinue to accomplish itspurposesand strengthen its educational effectiveness.Criterion 5: The institutiondemonstrates integrity in its practicesand relationships.The North CentralAssociationalso assesses such characteristics asgovernance and administration,financial condition, admissions andstudent personnel processes, institutionalresources, and relationshipswith outside communities.H9