Self-Study Goals

Iowa State University President Gregory Geoffroy directed Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Benjamin Allen to lead efforts to prepare for the University’s accreditation review, including development of the self-study. President Geoffroy requested the use of a consultative process. The University community was to be given ample opportunity to become familiar with the accreditation process prior to the visiting team’s arrival and well versed in the findings that emerge from the self-study

President Geoffroy charged the Provost to develop a self-study that comprised a clear and accurate description of the University’s accomplishments, challenges, and opportunities for improving academic and support programs. The self-study was to demonstrate strong compliance with all of the Higher Learning Commission’s criteria for accreditation and complement the Strategic Plan in fostering the following four goals while recognizing the University’s changing fiscal realities:

1. Make recommendations for improving the experience of undergraduate students (particularly high ability students and those enrolled in the open major option), improving the overall academic success of undergraduates as measured by persistence and degree attainment, and ensuring that the results of learning outcomes assessment are being used to increase the quality and rigor of undergraduate curricula.

2. Make recommendations for increasing the number of graduate and research programs counted among the best in their respective fields including disciplinary and interdisciplinary graduate curricula, and scholarship-focused centers and institutes.

3. Evaluate the many facets of campus diversity and make recommendations for improving the University’s ability to attract and foster the success of a diverse faculty, staff, and student body, and prepare students to work in an increasingly diverse state, nation, and world.

4. Make recommendations for creating a greater entrepreneurial mindset amongst the University’s students, faculty, and staff.