University preparing for review

Panel to find strengths, weaknesses

Matt Crist

Issue date: 2/2/06 Section: News
 
Marshall University is preparing for a major evaluation, where a panel of 11 will evaluate, scrutinize, appraise and ultimately determine the value of MU student education.

This spring Marshall University will be under attack for its accreditation status. An evaluation team from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools will walk the campus in search of deficiencies. The team will conduct an analysis of Marshall April 10 through 12 as part of a routine 10-year accreditation review.

Leonard Deutsch, dean of the Graduate College, said the evaluation is the most important event of the year.

"It's absolutely essential that we become accredited," he said. "If we lose our accreditation, we might as well close our doors."

Deutsch said if we fail to keep our accreditation, federal grants and contracts would no longer come to Marshall, the university would no longer receive financial aid and accredited schools would no longer accept transfer credits from Marshall.

For the past two years, Marshall University has been working on and refining a self-study report. The report serves to provide evidence that Marshall University meets five criteria for accreditation. Among the criteria is the school's need to provide evidence of an efficient student learning environment, effective teaching, preservation of integrity, and preparations for the future. The self-study report, about 220 pages, is available online.

Dr. Mary Breslin, associate director of the Higher Learning Commission of the NCA, said the review board, consisting of 11 members, will evaluate the self-study report, as well as handbooks and other comprehensive materials. The team will also visit the campus for three days, talk to students, and see how business operates through observation.

One of the things the HLC found in its 1995 report is a budget constraint. The panel reported a lack of funds hindering development of the university was present.

The self-study report provided by a Marshall University appointed steering committee addresses this concern. According to the report, "Despite additional cuts in state appropriations, a pervasive national trend, Marshall University continues to produce positive financial results, as evidenced by the university's annual financial reports. This can be attributed to an efficient and effective system of operation, a focused mission and significant student fee increases in the past five years."

Including Marshall University, the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools evaluates 1013 other institutions in a 19 state area.

E-mail Matt Crist at crist6@marshall.edu.