Preparing Your Self Study

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OBJECTIVE

To Provide A Better Understanding of the Self Study Process and Requirements

1. Institutional Self-Review Institutional Effectiveness Plan (IEP)– An on-going

process Self-Study

2. Review by Peers On-Site Visit – Validate information in the Self Study Team Report Intermediate Review Committee (IRC )and Council

Review

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Identifies Areas for Improvement Documents Activities related to criteria Foundation for Visiting Team to

Evaluate/Validate the Institution’s Compliance with the Accreditation Criteria

ACCREDITATION PROCESS Self-Study Purpose

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SELF STUDY

• Self Evaluation of school operations• Considered the most important part of the

process• Requires involvement of administration, staff

AND faculty• Also serves as a planning vehicle for

improvement of school services

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SELF STUDY

The submitted documents along with the school visit are what the visiting team base their report on for the school.

It is only a snap shot in time, the team does not have the ability to see the day to day hard work that goes on at the campus, therefore, meticulous detail and professional presentation are very important.

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ACICS SUGGESTIONS

1. Ensure Appropriate Staff appointed to Lead/Direct Self Study

2. Involve: Faculty Administration, Governing Board Student and Graduate Representatives

3. Coordinating Committee: make suggestions and edit final report

4. Subcommittees: prepare specific sections of the self-study

5. Adopt reasonable time schedule and enforce it. 1. Limit narrative to 100 pages in length.

2. Exhibits ONLY if they are essential to the team's review and preparation prior to the visit and shall be at the end of narrative.

3. Information that can be reviewed during the visit should be provided in the team meeting room.

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PROJECT TOOLS

Use an Excel Workbook Guide to assist in the completion of the self-study and preparation phase for your accreditation visit.Sample Project ChartAdditional Items to Consider Chart

Each institution is unique and may find alternative routes to get them to the same end point, use what information you feel will benefit your campus.

Faculty & Staff

Ideas to involve faculty General Education Faculty – proof read and critique final Core Faculty – address specific areas of expertise – for example -

curriculum committee members address curriculum questions, etc.

Getting Staff involved in process/ educating the team Games such as Jeopardy / Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Lunch & Learn – Town Hall Meeting ACICS Trivia Challenge

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SAMPLE PROJECT CHART

Jim 3.4.9, 3.7, 4.7, 4.8 - 5.5, 7.6 June 2 June 3

Section Numbers Responsible for Completing or Having CompletedChampion

June 1

100% Due Date

50% Due Date

25% Due Date

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ADDITIONAL ITEMS

IEP Committee ChairExplanationFuture PlansIEP - Institutional Effectiveness Plan (ACCSC = IIP)Catalog Committee ChairOwnership DisclosureAcademic Credit Analysis "ACA"(ACCSC Clock to Credit Hour Conversion)Inventory of EquipmentFaculty & Staff Summary FormFile Audit ChairRoom Prep Committee ChairMake sure to address (and document) specific ACICS required policy/procedural items with team (such as faculty governance, employee (faculty & staff) grievance policy, academic freedom, & copyright, let employees know where to find these items

Action Item Due DateChampion

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SELF STUDY TEMPLATE

Always cross check the Date Last Updated to assure ACICS has not updated their Self Study since the release.

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CONCLUSION – Best Practices

Always have a copy of the Self Study and Accreditation Criteria

Set up a meeting schedule An initial meeting to discuss the project and

assign tasks. Set up follow-up meetings to answer questions

and ensure action is being taken to complete the project.

Upon completion, submit to Regulatory Operations for review prior to ACICS Submission

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QUESTIONS?