The self-study process is expected to take between one and two years to accomplish, and should be a rewarding experience for the campus. It should also be a process that links to other strategic planning efforts, so that the campus can build on this evaluation to set future goals. This individual chairs the Steering Committee and oversees the planning and writing of the self-study document. In addition to ensuring that timelines are met and a well-written document is produced, this person is responsible for ensuring that supporting data are collected and made available to reviewers. Typically, the Steering Committee does not write the document but is charged with reviewing early drafts and the final document to ensure that responses are objective, candid, and thorough.
Representation usually includes several faculty, administrators, students, staff and alumni.
The organization of the committees will vary, with representation on the committee reflecting the nature of the standard. There may be a separate committee to address each standard, or the standards may be grouped together, with several standards assigned to one committee. In the case of FSC, we are planning to have large committees of 15 to 20 members. Larger committees will be assigned two or three inter-related standards. The committee may, however, choose to divide into subcommittees in order to address each standard separately.