Discussion of 2000 Self-Study

Accreditation 101 - Insight into your self-study process.

October 17, 2008

Karla Rush, Mary Ellen Hawkins, Judy Cannady, & Joan Stirling presented a review and discussion of Ozarka's 2000 Self-Study.

For several employees at Ozarka College, the current self-study is the second time around. Librarian, Mary Ellen Hawkins, who has been here 22 years, also went through an NCA visit when Ozarka was a vocational-technical school.

She, Judy, Karla and Joan were very informative in sharing a thorough review and healthy discussion of the 2000 self-study.

Some points were given about prior, during and the aftermath! There were also strengths, challenges and advice & suggestions for improvement.

PRIOR

appointment of a steering committee
the buzz word: "ASSESSMENT"
the catch phrase: "Enhance Student Learning."
GIRS were assigned to committees to research.
Self-study prepared and submitted to HLC
Date for campus evaluation announced.

DURING

four consultant evaluators arrived October 16, 2000 (almost 8 years ago to this date!)
group met with students, faculty, staff, trustee, alumni, community leaders and self-study members.
October 18th the team gave its report and recommended Ozarka for a ten-year reaccreditation with a focus visit.

AFTERMATH

assess and make improvements based on strengths & challenges.
continue building a body of evidence to support the college mission.

Some of Ozarka's Strengths were stated as followed:

Exceptional community support
Ample space for growth
Student centered philosophy
Responsive computer services
President is astute to political environment and institutional advancement

A few Challenges were identified:

Additional staff needs
Division chair structure is new
Program evaluation and curriculum development improvement
Financial contingency plans if state funding declines.

Some advice and suggestions made, which have all been implemented, by the way:

Addition of voicemail
Administrative Council should be actively involved in budget process
Develop a long-range matrix for human resources
Strengthen resource development and involvement of Foundation

Judy Cannady presented a Top Ten List in classic David Letterman style!

Top Ten List of Things We'd Change

#10 Be prepared for new challenges.

#9 Be sure to point out the highlights of campus updates since last self-study.

#8 Ensure involvement opportunities for all.

#7 Don't get personal!

#6 Hold off of making major changes to the organizational structure on the eve of the team visit.

#5 Concentrate more on development of evidence to support the self-study.

#4 Try to get it right the first time - avoid focus visits later!

#3 East up on the wine & dine.

#2 Improve and broaden communication.

and the #1 thing we'd change: Start preparing for self-study earlier.

This meeting ended with group work. Each group were to come up and discuss 3 to 5 things they would be interested in reviewing if they were consultant evaluators for HLC.