Progress Report for December 5, 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.

Fourth Quarter 2012 Goals

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

Finalize the first draft of complete self-study

Reaffirmation co-chairs Drs. Meyer and Peters are working very closely with Dr. Laura Abing, Senior Writer (University Advancement) to complete the first full draft of the self-study. With a deliberate and intentional process in place, progress has been slow but steady. We fully expect to complete the self-study (excluding appendices) by the end of the calendar year.

Prepare materials for Board of Trustee's December meeting

Reaffirmation co-chairs Drs. Meyer and Peters prepared the quarterly update for the Board of Trustees as well as PowerPoint slides for presentation to the full board during the afternoon session.

Finalize plans for obtaining campus feedback on self-study draft

Plans have been finalized for obtaining campus feedback of the self-study draft. In late January 2013, the self-study will be placed online and the Marquette University community (faculty, staff and students) will be encouraged to review and comment (online) on any or all sections. Drs. Meyer and Peters will hold “listening sessions,” one for each of the five criteria, in mid-February thereby allowing for oral feedback as well. Multiple university-wide committees will also be asked to review one or more sections of the self-study. News Briefs as well as “advertisements” in the Marquette Tribune will be primary communication tools. In addition, the self-study will be reviewed, in full, by two experienced members of the Higher Learning Commission Peer Review Corp. These consultants will come to campus in April to share their impressions of the self-study as well as our broader process for the reaffirmation initiative.

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.

First Quarter 2013 Goals

• Place self-study online for campus review and comment.
• Invite targeted university committees to review self-study criterion sections.
• Conduct campus-wide listening sessions to obtain feedback on self-study.
• Prepare for HLC annual conference.