1. Dutchess Community College Middle States Self-Study 2015
Open Campus Forum
March 26, 2013

2. Agenda Overview of Middle States
What are the 14 Standards of Excellence?
Introduction to the DCC Self-Study
Initiation of the self-study
Self-Study Design
Keys to a successful self-study

3. Overview of Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Covers the region including: DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA
Provides accreditation for member institutions
Peer directed evaluation process
Federal government requires accreditation for eligibility for federal funds including financial aid
Accreditation process involves ten-year self-study with on-site evaluation and a five year intermediate periodic review report.
Possible Commission actions

4. Possible Commission Actions
Reaffirm Accreditation
Recommendations
Progress Report
Monitoring Report
Warning
Probation
Suspended Accreditation
Show Cause
Removal of Accreditation

5. Fall 2012 Middle States Institute
The basis for accreditation was defined as follows: “ Colleges and universities become members of Middle States Association upon accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Membership in the Association includes a commitment to continuous self-assessment.”

6. Peer Review Criteria
Based upon the results of an institutional review by peers and colleagues assigned by the Commission, accreditation attests to the judgment of the Commission on Higher Education that an institution:
has a mission appropriate to higher education;
is guided by well-defined and appropriate goals, including goals for student learning;
has established conditions and procedures under which its mission and goals can be realized;

7. Peer Review Criteria ( Continued)
assesses both institutional effectiveness and student learning outcomes, and uses the results for improvement;
is accomplishing its mission and goals substantially;
is organized, staffed, and supported so that it can be expected to continue to accomplish its mission and goals; and
meets the eligibility requirements and standards of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

8. What are the evaluation standards?

9. Characteristics of Excellence Standards
Mission and Goals
Planning , Resources Allocation, and Institutional Renewal
Institutional Resources
Leadership and Governance
Administration
Integrity
Institutional Assessment

10. Characteristics of Excellence Standards Continued
Student Admissions and Retention
Student Support Services
Faculty
Educational Offerings
General Education
Related Educational Activities
Assessment of Student Learning

11. Dutchess Community College
Middle States
Self-Study 2015

12. Charge to the Co-Chairs
To lead the self-study process
To assure transparency in this shared process
To assure open and reciprocal communication both formally and functionally across the College

13. Timeline of Self-Study Process
Fall 2012 Orientation Spring 2013 Organization of the Self-Study Fall 2013 Self-Reflection Process Spring 2014 Complete Self Reflection and Prepare Written Documentation Summer 2014 Preparation of Draft Report Fall 2014 Campus Review of Draft Report Spring 2015 Evaluation Team Visit

14. What is different from 2005? Focus is on: process versus task
institutional self reflection
data and other evidence
integration of institution-wide assessment
institutional renewal or continuous improvement
sustainability

15. Self-Study Design

16. Elements of Self-Study Design
Institutional Overview
Nature and Scope of the Self-Study
Intended Outcomes of the Self-Study
Organizational Structure of Steering Committee and Working Groups
Charge to the Working Groups and Reporting Guidelines
Standard Assignments
Research Questions
Standardized Templates

17. Nature and Scope: Self-Study Models
Comprehensive *
Comprehensive with Emphasis
Selected Topics
* Models selected for DCC self-study

18. Intended Outcomes
Demonstrate sustainable compliance with the 14 Characteristics of Excellence;
Enhance communications and inclusiveness college-wide that can continue beyond the self-study process;
Development of sound recommendations that address challenges identified during the self-study process;
Examine and enhance the interrelationship between mission and goals with the budgeting and planning process;

19. Intended Outcomes Continued
Examine the level of support committed to outcomes assessment activities, and determine the extent to which the College collects assessment data and is responsive to the data in planning and budgeting;
Examine in light of the College’s strengths, challenges and opportunities the delivery of effective and efficient programs, services and support operations; and
Celebration of the accomplishments since the previous self-study and Periodic Review Reports.

20. Organizational Structure
Defines structure and lines of communications
Groups standards with common themes
Identifies working group leadership and membership
Distribution by areas across campus
Distribution of seniority at the College
Distribution of content and non-content experts
Identifies structure within College
Identifies institutional support

22. Elements of Self-Study Design (Continued)
Inventory of Supporting Documentation
Editorial Style and Format of All Reports
Profile of the Visiting Evaluation Team
The Organization of the Self-Study Report
Timetable for the Self-Study and Evaluation
Self-Study Design must be approved by the College Middle States Staff Liaison

23. Elements of Self-Study Report (100 Pages)
Executive Summary
Description of the findings
Recommendations of the Study
Introduction
Description of Dutchess Community College
Description of the Self-Study process
Chapter 1 Overview
Nature and scope of the study
Intended outcomes of the study

24. Elements of Self-Study Report
Chapters
Replicate the standards under consideration
Description of topics under review
Detailing relevant College documentation
Analysis of the evidence
Cross-referenced with other standards
Recommendations
Conclusions
Summary of major conclusions
Summary of the recommendations

25. Timeline Co-Chairs Appointed (11/12)
Self Study Model Selection (12/12)
Self-Study Organizational Structure (1/13)
Self-Study Preliminary Design Due (3/13)
Middle States Liaison Visitation ( 4/11/13)
Self-Study Design Approved ( 6/13)
Working Groups beginning work (3/13)
Working Groups submit Reports (11/13-4/14)
Ongoing Open Forums (Academic year )

26. Timeline Continued Steering Committee prepares draft Self-Study( 6/14)
Self-Study reviewed by college community (9-10/14)
Final draft of Self-Study completed (11/14)
Team Chair visit and draft report review (11 or 12/14)
Final Self-Study report completed (1/15)
Report sent to Evaluation Team(2/15)
Evaluation Team visit ( 3 or 4/15)
Draft report for College response(4/15)
Commission Action on DCC accreditations (6/15)

27. Key Elements to a Successful Middle States Self-Study
An informed and engaged college community
Acknowledgment and respect for diverse opinions
Clear and effective self-study process
Communications both formal and informal
Data analysis and other forms of evidence
Open discussion of findings
Understanding of our strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats based on evidence

28. Questions and Discussion