Transcript What is Institutional Accreditation and why is it Important? UC Denver* has been accredited since 1913 – accreditation was continued following consolidation in.

What is Institutional Accreditation and why is it
Important?
UC Denver* has been accredited since 1913 – accreditation
was continued following consolidation in 2005
Upcoming site visit in April 3-6, 2011
Reaffirming institutional accreditation is required for:
•specialized accreditations#
•access to federal student loan programs@
Assuring public, students and potential students of quality
Demonstrating continuous quality improvement
NOT an opportunity for axe-grinding!
The Preparation of the Strategic Plan and Self
Study Involved Multiple Constituents
• UPAC - representatives from all units & governance groups
• University-wide working groups formed for both strategic
planning and accreditation
• Strategic planning involved extensive vetting by internal
and external constituencies
• Self study involved input from many individuals
• First complete draft of self study released to entire
university community for input
• Substantial feedback received and being used to create the
final document
University-wide Participation in Visit:
Open Forums & Random Interviews
Concurrent sessions held each day (4 -5 PM?), Monday at
Denver Campus, Tuesday at AMC, with 4 groups:
• Faculty
• Staff
• Students
• External (Community Members, Alumni)
Reviewers will walk around campus and speak with faculty,
staff and students about accreditation
What might the review team ask?
General :
• Do they know that the university is undergoing institutional
accreditation?
• Can they describe the process that the university undertook
to develop the self-study?
• Who was involved on their behalf? Were they involved?
More Specific:
• Can they describe the university’s mission?
• Can they outline what is in the self study?
• What is their overall impression of the university?
• What has been the effect on them, or their unit, of
consolidation?
What are some examples of the
achievements of the university?
UC Denver “Look at how much we have done”.
• In spite of the global, national and local economic crisis, we
are a success.
• Despite tough economic times – not standing still developing new programs
• Built forward momentum that will continue. Providing
“Access to Excellence”
• We have become a major feature in the economy of Metro
Denver & Colorado
What are some examples of the challenges
and opportunities facing the university?
• Fiscal resources already stretched thin (no salary increases;
decline in operating funds)
• Responding to anticipated reductions in state support of
higher education (enrollment planning)
• Our growth has produced a need for increased physical
facilities (classrooms, office and research space) at both
campuses
• Branding, Marketing & Identity