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 I can envision nothing as important institutionally as our Middle States
accreditation. Not only is this a process of self-study and peer evaluation, it is an exciting opportunity for renewal.
I am extremely pleased with the self-study theme, Understanding our Past/Shaping our Future, with particular emphasis upon shaping our future. We are a far different university than we were a
decade ago when Middle States last visited us. Indeed, we are a far different institution than we were just two years ago. Through this self-study process, we have an opportunity to further
shape our future by linking our accreditation review with other important planning elements such as our strategic Mansfield Plan and our Performance and Outcome Plan now required by
the State System of Higher Education, and our annual Institutional Planning Meeting with the Chancellor's staff. Finally, it is encouraging that we have a broad-based Steering Committee that
is immediately focusing on three important areas which are also integral to our strategic plan:
- Student Learning and Experiences
- Faculty Roles and Effectiveness, and
- Technical and Instructional Resources.
I urge our entire academic community to embrace the Middle States accreditation process--we will emerge as an even stronger university as a result of this review and renewal.
John R. Halstead
President
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