Further, the graduates are academically well-prepared in their major fields. Even with tight operational budgets imposed by shrinking operational funds, meaningful interaction between students and faculty, and among students, continues to be a spin-off from the effective teaching of a quality faculty. Student and faculty involvement in research is viewed as a strength. From the students' perspective, research projects provide opportunities for quality interaction with faculty on cutting-edge frontiers of their disciplines. From the faculty perspective, funded research has continued to expand even during highly competitive periods providing scholarly opportunities and funding for equipment and other research needs.
Students feel that the institution is responsive to student academic needs in all domains.
Further, the University expands its educational mission to the community in a variety of ways. While the University's assessment plan received approval by NCA, mechanisms for coordinating assessment on a university-wide level have been inadequate. University constituencies are generally ill-informed and unaware of university assessment efforts other than those required by specific program accreditation agencies or associations. Efforts should be aimed at substantially revising the Statement on Assessment with the involvement and awareness of the faculty and administration. Identification of gaps in current assessment activities should be part of the revised Statement .