Accreditation Self-Study: Executive Summary
In preparation for a site visit to Judson University on February 18-20, 2008 from the Higher Learning Commission:
Mission Statement:
Judson is an evangelical Christian university that represents the Church at work in higher education, equipping students to be fully developed, responsible persons who glorify God by the quality of their personal relationships, their work, and their citizenship within the community, the nation and the world. Through a broadly based education in the liberal arts, sciences and professions, the university enables its students to acquire ideas and concepts that sharpen their insights, develop skills appropriate to their career goals, and develop the skills and commitment for lifelong learning. The Judson community experience challenges graduates to be decisive leaders and active participants in church and society, articulate proponents of Biblical Christianity, persuasive advocates for the sovereignty of God over all life, and effective ambassadors for Christ.
Introduction:
Judson University is engaged in a self-study process in preparation for an accreditation site visit from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association on February 18-20, 2008. The HLC is one of six regional accrediting bodies in the United States; Judson received initial accreditation in 1973. Our last full comprehensive visit was in 1997.
Accreditation is voluntary and ensures the university’s commitment to accomplishing its academic mission with excellence. Accreditation is necessary to receive federal financial aid. The self-study process evaluated university operations in light of its mission and strategic plan and the HLC criteria.
The Higher Learning Commission has established five criteria (each with a set of subcomponents). These criteria assess the university’s “formal educational activities” of teaching and student learning, scholarship, and service along with the institution’s mission, planning and governance processes, and responsible stewardship of resources. Further information regarding accreditation and the Higher Learning Commission is available at www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org. The HLC may also be contacted at 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504 or at 312/263-0456.
The following document represents a summary of the self-study and is intended to help prepare the campus for a site visit by a team of consultant-evaluators, faculty and administrators at peer institutions. This executive summary provides a snapshot of the processes and discoveries which have been in play for the past 2 years.
A PDF version of this Executive Summary is available here.
Marsha Vaughn, PhD
Self-Study Coordinator
mvaughn@judsonu.edu