Dr. Carrell reminded the committee that SACS institutions have been given a ten-year period to phase in institutional effectiveness initiatives, and since 1993, are expected to be in compliance with the criteria on institutional effectiveness. This is an area that will be looked at very critically. Dr. Carrell also discussed the differences between the standard and alternative models for accomplishing the self-study. Georgia State University has adopted the alternative model which includes the strategic component. In the alternative model the site team takes a less intense look at academic programs, does less interviewing, and spends more time reviewing the collected documents used to demonstrate compliance.
Institutions have two years to comply.
It is left to the institution to determine how they will come into compliance with the recommendations. Georgia State University has a number of resources in faculty who have been on site visits. Dr. Carrell handed out a draft of a communications plan for the committee's review and comments. We need to ensure that the entire university community is targeted in our communications.