The Plan

Introduction

Northeastern State University is preparing its application for re-accreditation, which will culminate with the North Central Association Evaluation Team visit scheduled for February 11 - 13, 2002. Dr. Dunn Faires has been selected as Self-Study Coordinator and Chair of the NCA Self-Study Steering Committee which will provide leadership in preparation of the Self-Study Report. A fourteen member Self-Study Steering Committee has been appointed by President Larry Williams.

Goals for the Self-Study Process

· To demonstrate that Northeastern State University is academically strong and anticipates the challenges of the next decade.

· To assure that the re-accreditation process is of long-term benefit to the University.

· To clarify and fulfill our vision of what it means for Northeastern State University to be "Oklahoma's premier regional university."

General Institutional Requirements (GIRs) and Criteria for Accreditation

The twenty-four GIRs are divided into seven major areas: mission, authorization, governance, faculty, educational program, finances, and public information. They define broad parameters, outline basic expectations of institutions affiliated with the NCA, and lay the foundation for the major portion of the self-study criteria.

Five criteria are identified and each one is related to several GIRs. A complete review of the criteria requires an in-depth, comprehensive examination of the institution. The criteria of accreditation build the structure on the foundation prepared by the GIRs. Various working teams will prepare responses to the GIRs and the Criteria for Accreditation.