Marquette Hall
Accreditation at Marquette University

Progress Report for March 6, 2013

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 September 30 – October 2, 2013.
  • 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 2013 Goals

Four goals were established for the first quarter of 2013. Each is listed along with a progress report.

Place self-study online for campus review and comment

The self-study was placed online for MU comment and review January 28 - February 22. Guiding questions were provided for subsections as well as for chapter-ending sections focused on strengths, challenges, and opportunities.

Invite targeted university committees to review self-study criterion sections

Several university committees were invited to review the self-study. Also, more than 50 individuals with specific institutional knowledge were invited to review the document. Full-page advertisements were placed in the Marquette Tribune along with an insert that provided an update on reaffirmation progress and next steps in the initiative. Finally, information was provided in online “News Briefs” encouraging document review.

Conduct campus-wide listening sessions to obtain feedback on self-study

Five feedback sessions were hosted by co-chairs to provide the opportunity for in-person feedback. Each feedback session corresponded to one of the five criteria for reaffirmation.

Prepare for HLC annual conference

Eight Steering Committee members are scheduled to attend the annual conference of the Higher Learning Commission in April 2013. Seven will attend the all-day workshop designed to assist institutions as they prepare for reaffirmation of accreditation. Initiative co-chairs will meet with several individuals including Marquette’s HLC liaison, the consultants hired to review the draft self-study, and the site visit team chair assuming this person is known and in attendance.

Second Quarter 2013 Goals

  • Synthesize feedback for use in self-study revision.
  • Begin revising self-study.
  • Prepare for fall 2013 site visit.