The editing process is expected to last through the summer months. During the Phase II period, several events are scheduled to provide updates to the University community on the self-study progress. Two town meetings to discuss the results of the self-study with faculty, staff, students, and community leaders are scheduled for September 21 and October 26. The results of discussions during these events will produce further revisions of the self-study document. It is anticipated that the final document will be forwarded to the visiting team by February, 2001.
Accreditation is a means of self-regulation and peer review adopted by the educational community.
The accrediting process is intended to strengthen and sustain the quality and integrity of higher education, making it worthy of public confidence. The extent to which each educational institution accepts and fulfills the responsibilities inherent in this process is a measure of its concern for freedom and quality in higher education and of its commitment to strive for and achieve excellence in its endeavors. Accreditation is a voluntary process. Institutions choose to apply for accredited status. Once accredited, they agree to abide by the standards of their accrediting organization and to regulate themselves by taking responsibility for their own improvement.