NIU gearing up for 2004 accreditation visit

by Mark McGowan

Although the accreditation team from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools will not visit NIU until February of 2004, many faculty and staff already are hard at work preparing the university's self-study.

President John Peters last spring appointed members of a steering committee of senior faculty headed by Jan Rintala, professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education. The members of the steering committee now are leading subcommittees, including other faculty and staff, and beginning the task of gathering data for the important self-study.

First drafts of each chapter of the self-study are expected by the end of the fall semester.

"This is a comprehensive review of the entire organization," said Virginia Cassidy, associate vice provost for academic planning and development. "It's viewed as an opportunity to benchmark all facets of the university, from academic programs to our facilities to our financial solvency to our technical support and research and artistry. We'll report on our governance structure, on our mission, the planning that has occurred since the last site visit, and on our support services for students."

"We turn the lens on everything at once," said Rintala, who welcomes more "eyes" interested in participating. Call 753-1894 to volunteer.

Accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, which can be awarded for up to 10 years, provides NIU an outward distinction as a competent, comprehensive university with a clear map for the future.

Examiners from accrediting agencies for specific programs - such as the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, which recently reaccredited NIU's teacher preparation programs - also look for NCA accreditation as one of their routine checkpoints.

NIU, which has enjoyed NCA accreditation since 1915, must meet five criteria:

• The institution has a clear and publicly stated purpose consistent with its mission that is appropriate to an institution of higher learning.
• The institution has effectively organized its resources to accomplish its purposes.
• The institution is accomplishing its educational and other purposes.
• The institution can continue to accomplish its purposes and strengthen its educational effectiveness.
• The institution demonstrates integrity in its practices and relationships.

"It means the institution is doing its job and that this is a good place for people to get their education," Rintala said. "The university as a whole is doing what a university community should do."

Once the first drafts of the individual chapters are completed, the steering committee members will spend the spring semester reviewing, revising and making sure nothing is missing in the overall self-study. During the summer, Rintala herself will write the final version of the self-study.

A final look at the report comes next fall before it is forwarded to the North Central Association. Meanwhile, Rintala and the steering committee members will prepare a resource room for the team with all supporting documents for the team's review.

"The self-study is one of the primary mechanisms we have for informing the NCA site team about the university," Cassidy said. "After they receive the self-study and supporting materials, they will review those materials and go to our Web site for confirmation that the information we've provided is accurate."

For NIU, Rintala said, the benefits of the accreditation process are greater than the NCA's stamp of approval and the federal funding opportunities.

Putting the university under a microscope allows its members and leaders to find strong points that could stand a greater focus and to identify areas with room for improvement, she said.

But it also will confirm the common notion that NIU is a top-class university, she added.

"Sometimes in our daily living and working, we get caught up in getting the immediate tasks done and do not take time to look at the bigger picture," Rintala said. "However, when we have an opportunity to reflect and place it all in context, it's easier to see the overall strength of the institution."

11/4/2002