University Accreditation Begins
The university community is gathering data and information in preparation for a visit from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities in October 2007.
For more information on the accreditation process and requirements, you can download a set of PowerPoint slides from a presentation given by Dr. Al Johnson from the NWCCU. The slides are also available in PDF format for online viewing or printing.
Download: Dr. Al Johnson's Presentation (175 kB 
)
Download: Dr. Al Johnson's Presentation (46 kB 
)
Provost's Announcement (January 20, 2006)
Dear Colleagues,
It is time, once again, for the University to prepare for its decennial accreditation with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, which has been scheduled for October 1-3, 2007. While this may seem somewhat distant, assembling the accreditation self-study is a massive undertaking that examines the entire scope of the University.
I am very pleased to announce that Prof. Eric Herzik of the Department of Political Science has agreed to direct the effort to carry out the University self-study as part of our re-accreditation process. Eric has a distinguished record of research and teaching as a faculty member, and extensive leadership experience on campus, including service as chair of the Political Science department, chair of the Intercollegiate Athletics Board, member of the Faculty Senate, and most recently, as interim dean of both the College of Arts and Science and the College of Liberal Arts.
The Northwest Commission provides nine (9) standards by which our self-study must be organized. The simplest definition of the self-study is that it provides an evidence-based assessment that we are achieving the stated goals of the University. However, the real value of the accreditation process is that the self-study provides a guide of where we have been, where we are, and where we aspire to go. While coincidental in terms of timing, the preparation of the self-study will also be an invaluable tool in familiarizing our next President with all aspects of our institution.
Eric has already begun the self-study process by identifying chairpersons for each of the nine standards. These chairs are currently recruiting individuals from across the campus to serve on committees to examine the extensive list of goals, issues, strengths, weaknesses and concerns that are part of a thorough self-study. Ultimately, each of the nine standards committees will be recruiting individuals to serve in analyzing and writing parts of the institutional self-study.
While this initial team is being drafted, there must be extensive faculty, staff, and student involvement with the preparation of the self-study. The self-study must truly be a product of the campus community. The process is to be completely open, with no agenda other than providing the most honest description of how the University defines and attempts to achieve its goals.
Over the next 18 months there will be multiple avenues for input from all parts of the campus community. In conjunction with the Faculty Senate, the accreditation committees will be hosting open forums - organized as social mixers - where the diverse parts of the campus can come together to express opinions, share concerns, review data and perhaps even share a drink.
A webpage is also being established that will provide specific details of the Northwest Commission Standards and also an outline of the process and calendar of the accreditation effort. A message board for informal input will also be part of the webpage.
The self-study reflects the whole range of what the University is and what it hopes to be. I urge you to volunteer your time and effort to this task.
Please watch for announcements concerning forums and the posting of various reports and data that invite response. If you want more information or wish to volunteer ahead of the start-up of the webpage, feel free to contact Eric. His email address is herzik@unr.nevada.edu and he can also be reached via phone at 775-682-7764.
It is Eric's and my hope that all of us will learn more about the University, provide suggestions as to how the institution may be improved, and even have a little fun along the way. I thank you in advance for your participation in this important undertaking, and express my gratitude to Eric for his willingness to lead the effort.
John H. Frederick
Executive Vice-President and Provost
Office of the Provost/005
University of Nevada
Reno, NV 89557
(775) 784-1740
FAX: (775) 784-6220
