ASU seeks community input

October 02, 2002

TEMPE, Ariz. -- The community is being invited to comment on Arizona State University at a series of public forums, beginning Oct. 3. The forums are part of the continuing accreditation efforts for ASU Main and ASU's Polytechnic campus from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).<separator></separator>The forums come as the university's Self-Study Steering Committee is putting the finishing touches on a draft self-study report. Now, input is needed from the community and various ASU groups.<separator></separator>"This is a very important process and involvement from the general ASU community and the community at large, is needed," says Dan Jankowski, an engineering professor and self-study coordinator.<separator></separator>The accreditation, often seen as a "seal of approval" or "license to operate" for a university, is for ASU Main and East only. ASU West is accredited separately. Regional accreditation enables a university and its students to apply for federal funds and allows course credits and degrees to be accepted at other accredited institutions.<separator></separator> The forums are scheduled as follows: <ul><li>Main Campus: 7-8 p.m., Oct. 3, ASU Main Memorial Union Cochise Room 212; and 1-2 p.m., Oct. 31, MU Ventana Room 226A.</li><li>ASU's Polytechnic campus: 7-8 p.m., Oct. 8, ASU's Polytechnic campus Williams Campus Union Fireside Room 130.</li></ul> <separator></separator> Additional forums are planned for ASU faculty, staff and students.<separator></separator>The self-study, overseen by a 40-member steering committee, is a major step in the accreditation process. During March 24-26, 2003, ASU Main and ASU's Polytechnic campus will host a site visit by consultant-evaluators from selected universities, including ASU peer institutions. The results from the site visit, as well as information from the self-study, will determine the outcome of the accreditation process.<separator></separator>The self-study report tells the "ASU story" for the last 10 years, including institutional strengths and concerns, and will point toward the university's future. The forums will allow participants a chance to comment on the report and about where they think the university is and where it is heading.<separator></separator>A copy of the draft report, the specific dates and times for the forums and other information on the accreditation process can be found on the Web at <a href="http://hlc2003.asu.edu/">http://hlc2003.asu.edu</a>.