SNU HLC/NCA Accreditation Update SNU Graduate & Professional Studies Fall Meeting October 24, 2008

SNU Accreditation through North Central Association (NCA)’s Higher Learning Commission (HLC) SNU Self-Study providing 10-year look at campus Preparations underway for NCA/HLC campus visit October 5-7, 2009

Accreditation Self-Study Are we doing what we say we are doing? What are our strengths and our challenges? How can we prepare for the future? What do we want students to learn and how well are they learning ? Telling the SNU Story

1. Mission & Integrity HLC Criteria/Themes 5. Engagement & Service 2.Preparing for the Future 4. Acquisition, Discovery, & Application of Knowledge 3.Student Learning & Effective Teaching A. Future-oriented B. Learning-focused C. Connected D. Distinctive

Observations emerging from SNU surveys (faculty, staff, students, alumni, department chairs, Board) National surveys with comparative data (SSI-students, NSSE-students, HERI- faculty, BCW-staff/faculty) Findings of SNU faculty/staff committees based on evidence from interviews & examination of documents

Sample faculty findings competent colleagues need to reward faculty for good teaching student ethnic diversity educationally valuable not enough involvement in campus decision-making department alignment with SNU mission

highest stressors: lack of personal time, working with underprepared students, self- imposed high expectations electronic databases top priority for library need to link planning & budget decisions to mission appreciate having flexibility in the workplace need improved teamwork across departments

Higher than the national average for religious 4-year colleges emphasis on personal service & using scholarship to address community needs professional support through travel funds, internal research grants, association memberships/dues, paid sabbaticals, workshops on classroom teaching adequate support for integrating technology into the classroom

Emerging SNU Strengths

Core Strengths Widespread support for SNU mission Institutional partnerships Educational access for students Commitment to student learning Programs addressing educational needs Innovation in learning environments Culture of service Strong connection with sponsoring church PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Where can we improve?

Recommendations Do more to address diversity Continue to improve campus security & emergency preparedness Improve campus communication Follow our graduates after graduation Publicize faculty accomplishments Equip adjunct instructors Emphasize doing & using assessment

More discussions around Academic freedom Acknowledging faculty contributions Dealing with plagiarism Under-prepared students Diversity on campus Global & environmental emphases Research & scholarship Church relationships

How will this impact me?

... as an instructor? Reporting on adjunct faculty professional involvements & activities New means of routine communication Emergency preparedness emphasis Collecting information on former students Faculty development opportunities

... in my classes? Increased attention to assessment & learning outcomes Continuing emphasis on academic honesty Technology promoting learning Curricular global perspectives “Green” emphasis on campus

Credits Created for SNU GPS Faculty Meeting, 24 October 2008 by Gwen Ladd Hackler, Photo credits, in order of appearance: