Inside Iowa State

March 10, 2006

Accreditation site visit is March 27-29

by Diana Pounds

Thus far, the reviewers who will make recommendations on Iowa State's next accreditation have been studying the university from afar, poring over the online self-study. The accreditation process will get more personal later this month when the review team comes to campus for a first-hand look at Iowa State.

The accreditation team -- nine individuals from other universities -- will visit campus March 27-29. During the visit, the reviewers will meet with administrators, students, faculty, staff, several university groups and others.

Open forum

The reviewers also will hold an open forum for faculty, staff, students and the public on Tuesday, March 28, from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m., in the Memorial Union Gallery.

David Holger, associate provost and leader of the self-study steering committee, encourages members of the campus community to attend the forum, where the reviewers are expected to ask lots of questions about the university.

"The reviewers are here to get to know Iowa State University," he said, "and we want them to get a chance to meet with as many people in the university community as possible."

The self-study

Review team members are preparing for their campus visit by reading Iowa State's self-study, online at http://www.iastate.edu/~accreditation. The document summarizes findings of a 2.5-year self-study process and is the frame of reference for the accreditation review.

The accreditation team will recommend whether Iowa State should by reaccredited by the Higher Learning Commission and for how long. The maximum re-accreditation period is 10 years. The team also will likely suggest ways the university can improve.

The team's preliminary report on Iowa State's accreditation will be submitted in late spring. ISU officials will respond and a final team report likely will be released in early fall.

Higher Learning Commission Site Visit (tentative schedule)

Mon., March 27

• Opening session
• Morning meetings with administrative leaders
• Lunch with student leaders
• Afternoon meetings with faculty/staff leaders and campus constituencies
• Team work session

Tue., March 28

• Morning meetings with campus constituencies
• Lunch with external constituencies
• Public open forum (1:30-2:45 p.m., MU Gallery)
• Open time to be scheduled, based on team needs
• Team work session

Wed., March 29

• Team work session
• Exit session