Progress Report for February 29, 2012

The Reaffirmation Initiative

• Marquette University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an agent of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Marquette University voluntarily goes through the peer reaffirmation process that includes preparation of a self-study followed by a campus visit every 10 years. The next campus visit and review will take place in AY2013-14.
• The present reaffirmation initiative has been conceptualized as a means to tell Marquette’s story and in doing so to document, using evidence, the ways in which we meet and exceed stated criteria. This is also a moment to reflect on what we do and how we do it in order to identify areas where we can grow, excel and lead. As such, the theme for the present initiative is Reflect - Affirm - Inspire.

First Quarter 2012 Goals

Four goals were established for the first quarter of 2012. Each is listed along with a progress report.

Complete campus presentations

Reaffirmation co-chairs Drs. Meyer and Peters completed 33 presentations across campus in an effort to inform the Marquette University community about accreditation, its relevance and importance to the university and the reaffirmation initiative underway. Approximately 950 individuals attended the presentations which were well received by interested and engaged attendees.

Ensure subcommittees working toward draft outline

Reaffirmation subcommittees met on multiple occasions to discuss criterion components, determine how best to divide labor across group members, and to identify evidence that may be used to help specify the ways in which Marquette meets and exceeds the criteria. The evidence and communication subcommittees also met with a focus on continued support for the other subcommittees and initiative more generally.

Develop 2012 communication plan

While some aspects of the 2012 communication plan have been finalized, development of the full plan continues with an anticipated completion date prior to the end of the 2012 first quarter.

Prepare team for HLC Annual Conference (April 2012)

Nine individuals will attend the 2012 HLC annual conference including faculty, administrators, and an undergraduate student on the reaffirmation steering committee. The majority will attend a full-day workshop focused on reaffirmation as well as panels focused on assessment of student learning, institutional effectiveness, quality improvement, organizational leadership, and strategic planning. Reaffirmation co-chairs Drs. Meyer and Peters meet with Marquette HLC liaison Dr. John Taylor to review progress to date.

Second Quarter 2012 Goals

• Complete 2012 communication plan
• Review self-study criterion outlines
• Finalize timeline for self-study and site visit