2008 Woodie Awards
Webster readies for reaccredidation process
By: Breanna Herschelman
Issue date: 3/29/07 Section: News
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Webster is preparing a self-study report for reaccreditation from the Higher Learning Commission's North Central Association, a regional accreditor.
Webster has had accreditation from the HLC since 1925. Every 10 years, the university is eligible to be accredited again. Without gaining accreditation, it would be difficult for Webster to continue as a university because students would not be eligible for financial aid through the federal government.
The HLC has six regional associations that accredit their respective areas. Webster falls in the largest region, the North Central Association, which covers 19 states including Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas and Missouri.
In order to be accredited again, Webster has a two-year preparation plan. In March 2006, the Office of Academic Affairs started planning the self-study process. Preparations for a site visit from the NCA will continue until March 2008.
Jim Staley, associate vice president for Academic Affairs, was chosen to coordinate the self-study process. Along with key administrators, Staley chose faculty and staff throughout the university to fill five subcommittees. The subcommittees were designed to fit the five criteria placed on universities by the HLC.
The subcommittees each have different responsibilities. For criterion one: "Mission and Integrity," the university must prove its mission statement matches up with what is occurring on campus.
Bill Lynch, a professor in the theater and dance department, is the co-chairman of this committee.
"Our objective is to look at the institution and honestly assess how well we accomplish things," Lynch said.
Lynch said if the university finds areas where it needs to improve, the report would include that information as well.
Jim Brasfield, president of the Faculty Senate and co-chairman of criterion one, said his committee conducted focus group studies with students, faculty and staff to find out if the university's mission statement is effectively understood and executed.
Webster has had accreditation from the HLC since 1925. Every 10 years, the university is eligible to be accredited again. Without gaining accreditation, it would be difficult for Webster to continue as a university because students would not be eligible for financial aid through the federal government.
The HLC has six regional associations that accredit their respective areas. Webster falls in the largest region, the North Central Association, which covers 19 states including Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas and Missouri.
In order to be accredited again, Webster has a two-year preparation plan. In March 2006, the Office of Academic Affairs started planning the self-study process. Preparations for a site visit from the NCA will continue until March 2008.
Jim Staley, associate vice president for Academic Affairs, was chosen to coordinate the self-study process. Along with key administrators, Staley chose faculty and staff throughout the university to fill five subcommittees. The subcommittees were designed to fit the five criteria placed on universities by the HLC.
The subcommittees each have different responsibilities. For criterion one: "Mission and Integrity," the university must prove its mission statement matches up with what is occurring on campus.
Bill Lynch, a professor in the theater and dance department, is the co-chairman of this committee.
"Our objective is to look at the institution and honestly assess how well we accomplish things," Lynch said.
Lynch said if the university finds areas where it needs to improve, the report would include that information as well.
Jim Brasfield, president of the Faculty Senate and co-chairman of criterion one, said his committee conducted focus group studies with students, faculty and staff to find out if the university's mission statement is effectively understood and executed.
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