UT providing full picture to Higher Learning Commission

June 22, 2011 | UToday
By Meghan Cunningham



The Higher Learning Commission expects universities to show they are dynamic and living organizations, have a commitment to transparency, and demonstrate integrity in the self-study process.

Dr. Penny Poplin Gosetti, vice provost for assessment and strategic planning, told the UT Board of Trustees June 6 that the ongoing self-study has identified three activities where campus constituencies have divergent perspectives: shared governance, open access and higher standards, and economic development.

The self-study notes tension between the need for both full and careful debate and expeditious action. The report also notes an ongoing discussion about the University’s historic role as an open-access institution while raising admission standards at the college level, and also how UT’s role in economic development benefits student learning, according to Poplin Gosetti, who is serving as administrative chair of the Higher Learning Commission preparations.

It is important for an institution to show that it is using the information gathered in the self-study process to benefit the institution, and UT is already doing that by sharing these results throughout the campus and with the board, she said.

The self-study report in progress is addressing these areas and remains available for the UT community to review and provide input. It can be found at www.utoledo.edu/accreditation, and comments can be sent to utselfstudyfeedback@utoledo.edu.

The Higher Learning Commission site visit is scheduled for Feb. 27-29.

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