TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF FIGURES

LIST OF APPENDICES

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

PREFACE
Purposes of the Self-Study Report

The Saginaw Valley State University 1992-93 Self-Study Report was written to demonstrate that the University has met the North Central Association for Colleges and Schools criteria for continued accreditation.  In addition, this Report demonstrates that the University has pursued and achieved its accreditation goals during the past eight years.

The Saginaw Valley State University self-study process was structured to involve as many campus community members as possible to promote openness among University constituents and to share information. Finally, the Self-Study Report provided the campus community with opportunity to define the University's present and future qualities, its roles, and to clarify understanding about its purposes and directions. This study will serve as a valuable point for continued planning as the University strives for excellence in the next century.

Self-Study Process

Saginaw Valley State University began preparations for its institutional review in March 1991 when the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs attended the North Central Association Annual Meeting in Chicago to become more informed about the continuing accreditation process. In August 1992, President Eric Gilbertson appointed the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs to serve as Institutional Reaccreditation Coordinator and Chair of the Self-Study Steering Committee. At the same time, the President appointed a 12-member Steering Committee to organize and conduct the self-study. Each Steering Committee member served as a chair or co-chair of a subcommittee. Each chair selected subcommittee members from across the campus community .The Steering Committee and the subcommittee members are listed in Appendix A.

In March 1993, three members of the Steering Committee and the Vice President for Academic Affairs attended the North Central Association Annual Meeting in Chicago to participate in workshops and gather materials related to the accreditation process. During the fall and winter semesters of 1992-1993, the Steering Committee met bi-weekly to discuss processes, coordinate and formulate information-gathering strategies, plan for campus forums, and receive updates on the subcommittee progress. Subcommittees held five campus forums during the 1992- 93 academic year to review collected information for the preliminary report and collect additional input. Following these forums, the Steering Committee discussed the subcommittees' preliminary reports. The self -study coordinator prepared several preliminary drafts which were reviewed by the Steering Committee during the summer 1993. A complete Self-Study Report draft was distributed to each faculty member, student government leaders, and the administrative and professional staff before the fall 1993 semester. This report reflects information gathered during campus-wide forums during the fall semester 1993.

Organization of the Self-Study Report

The Self-Study Report begins with this Preface and an Introduction, followed by four main sections that address the four evaluation criteria for continuing accreditation. The Introduction provides:

1)   Overview of the University and its Service Area

2)   Review of the Institution's Accreditation History

3)   Summary of Significant Developments since the last comprehensive accreditation review

4)   Responses to the concerns expressed by the North Central Association visiting team in the last comprehensive evaluation

5)   Information about several aspects of Saginaw Valley State University

Following the main report is the Statement of Affiliation Status and all appended materials, including the General Institutional Requirements and Basic Institutional Data Forms.

INTRODUCTION
Overview of Saginaw Valley State University

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SVSU was founded as a private institution named Saginaw Valley College in 1963. It is the newest of the state's universities. The name of the College was changed to Saginaw Valley State College in 1965 to reflect its status as a state-supported public college. The name again changed on November 4, 1987, as the state of Michigan authorized the renaming of this institution to Saginaw Valley State University.

Saginaw Valley State University has enjoyed continuous growth since its inception in 1963. Classes began in 1964 with 119 students, and enrollment has grown steadily to 6,975 in fall 1993. In the recent past (fal11981 through the present), enrollment has grown an average of 5% per year. As the only public four-year institution of higher education serving East Central Michigan, SVSU serves as an educational, public service, and research resource for the greater Saginaw valley.

The majority of SVSU’s students come from the surrounding area, which has a population base of approximately 400,000. About one-ha1f of SVSU students are in the traditional age range for college students; the nontraditional students often have labor-market experience and are preparing for occupational change. Over 90% of the students commute to the campus.

The institution's growth is a result of many factors, including generous private support that enabled the institution to purchase its campus site and begin holding classes. Private support has also enabled the institution to expand its physical facilities to accommodate new programs. Continued private support has prompted the development of academic programs and co-curricular activities that draw students and nonstudents alike to the campus.

The institution's growth has also been a result of the attractiveness of strong academic programs, small class sizes (averaging 24 students), reasonable tuition and fees, and diverse extracurricular activities. The University's location amid three cities (Saginaw, Bay City and Midland) combines a rural atmosphere and urban advantages. The University is large enough to support a variety of learning opportunities while also offering personalized attention and considerable interaction between students and faculty. International exchange of professors and students brings the added dimension of other cultures to the campus.

Figure 1 (Back to List of Figures)

The institution has grown in its public service and research capabilities over the past several years. Many of these activities are detailed in later sections of this Report.

SVSU consists of five colleges: the College of Arts and Behavioral Sciences, the College of Business and Management, the College of Education, the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, and the College of Science, Engineering and Technology. Presently, students are enrolled in more than 60 programs of study leading to bachelor's and master's degrees.

The University has 176 full-time faculty, 82% of whom hold doctoral or terminal master's degrees.  Many faculty have received local, state or national recognition for their work, including the achievement of Fulbright Fellowships.

Since 1986, several major buildings have been constructed: Brown Hall which houses classrooms and faculty offices; a Science Building which has state-of-the-art laboratories; the Zahnow Library which has expanded holdings and facilities by 50%; the Arbury Fine Arts Building and the Marshall Fredericks Sculpture Gallery; and a student apartment complex. In addition, a physical education complex, Ryder Center, has an indoor track, an arena for basketball, a multipurpose area, an Olympic-size swimming pool and racquetball courts, as well as classrooms and office facilities.

The University is located on a 782-acre site three miles south of I- 75 on M-84, Bay Road at Pierce. (See Figure 1.) Its central location to three cities and easy access via freeway from other communities has enabled many to commute to and from the campus and has contributed to the University's growth.

Accreditation History

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Saginaw Valley State College became a candidate for accreditation with the North Central Association in 1968. Accreditation at the baccalaureate level was granted in 1970. Following a comprehensive NCA visit in 1974, SVSC was granted accreditation at the master's level (with special reference to the Master of Arts in Teaching, MAT). In 1977, SVSC was granted accreditation for its Master of Business Administration. The next comprehensive visit was in October 1979. Following this visit, the Commission continued accreditation at the master's degree-granting level with the requirement that all new master's Degree Programs be granted approval by the Commission prior to initiation. In March 1984, SVSC requested approval of a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice / Political Science beginning in the winter semester of 1985.  This request was approved by the Commission in June 1984.  Approval of a Master of Science in Nursing was granted in 1989.

In 1986-87, SVSU received an NCA comprehensive evaluation. The commission acted to continue accreditation with a request for a focused visit in 1989-90. The NCA team conducted a Focused Evaluation on February 12 and 13, 1990, to determine whether there had been improvement in the relationship between the administration and the faculty since the 1986 on-site visit. The team recommended that the Focused Evaluation had been satisfactorily completed. They stated that the institution had markedly improved the relationships between administration and the Faculty Association. (This relationship will be described in more detail in the section devoted to responses to the North Central Association Team report.) The Team agreed that SVSU met all the requirements for continued accreditation and had the capability to continue to meet the requirements of the Commission. The next comprehensive visit was then scheduled for 1993-1994.

Significant Staff and Administration
Changes Since 1987

• Retirement of President Dr. Jack M. Ryder in 1989; Dr. Eric R. Gilbertson appointed August 1989
• Resignation of Dean of Arts and Behavioral Sciences; Dr. Judith B. Kerman appointed 1991
• Resignation of Dean of Education; Dr. Ellen Curtis-Pierce appointed 1992
• Resignation of Library Director; Jean Houghton appointed 1992
• Retirement of Dean of Business and Management; Search in process

New Positions and Program Expansions
Since 1987

Program expansions, in response to the University-wide long-range plan published in 1991, led to the following new positions:

Responses to the North Central Association
Team Report

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In Report of a Visit to Saginaw Valley State College (November 1986), the North Central Association evaluation team identified four areas of concern.  This section will describe each of these four areas of concern and summarize the action taken by the University in response to each. Some of these topics will be discussed in additional detail elsewhere in the Self-Study Report.

1. "The adversarial relationship which exists between the administration and the Faculty Association has hampered both confidence in administration policies and effective communication between faculty and administration. This situation may well threaten the institution's ability to reach its full potential in serving its constituents."

Because of the concern about the adversarial relationship, a focused visit was recommended: “An evaluation is scheduled for 1989-90 focused on the relationship which exists between the administration and the faculty.”  A Self-Study For The Focused Evaluation was submitted in December of 1989, and the visit took place in February 1990.  The focus visit team held interviews that included a broad cross- section of faculty and staff in relation to the issue.  A total of 26 individuals were interviewed, including the former president, the current president, current and immediate past presidents of the Faculty Association, Board of Control members, deans, department chairs, faculty, and self -study committee members. The team reported that the interviews “clearly show that the relationships that exist between the administration and the Faculty Association at this time are considerably improved since the Evaluation Team Report of November 3-5, 1986.” Since 1990, the faculty and administration have successfully negotiated two Contracts, one for the 1990-93 period and the second for the 1993-96 period.

2. "Planning at SVSU does not effectively integrate budget allocations with the planning process. The administration also needs to respond more specifically to requests for priority consideration, and to the specific planning documents submitted by all academic and administrative units."

In 1990, President Gilbertson initiated a new planning approach, which began by establishing the Planning Task Force made up of 25 people affiliated with the University. The Planning Task Force included students, faculty, alumni, deans, controller, physical plant staff, registrar, coordinator of minority services, vice president for academic affairs, vice president for public affairs, and Board of Fellows members. Eight focus groups were formed composed of the task force members to deal with specific identified dimensions of the University. The focus groups addressed the following areas:

Each focus group presented its findings and recommendations to the Planning Task Force. The entire Planning Task Force dealt with two additional areas: campus physical planning and the Consortium for International Earth Science and Information Network (CIESIN). The Planning Task Force held hearings with all parts of the campus community invited. The final report included findings and recommendations and is presented in the document entitled Promises to Keep: Towards a University of Vitality, Distinction and Pu1pose. This document will be available for inspection by site visitors. Among the results of the planning process is a more systematic identification of hiring priorities to meet programs' needs. The President also holds regular meetings with representatives of the Faculty Association Budget Advisory Committee to discuss institutional priorities.

3. "The Academic Vice President and the faculty should jointly address the issue of enrollment management, resource availability and the issue of the number of overloads and part-time faculty being utilized to meet student enrollment demands."

Since this concern was identified, the University has taken a number of actions. In the 1989 report, it was noted that admissions standards were voted by the faculty and accepted by the administration. In 1989, the proportion of first-time-in-college (FTIC) students with exceptionally low-grade point averages (below 2.0) fell to 1.2% (8 students out of 681). These students were admitted because they demonstrated other characteristics that were desirable and part of SVSU' s overall mission and goals. In addition, the University abides by the 1989 NCAA Proposition 48 which mandates and raises academic standards for student athletes.

Since 1989, there have been selected admissions for certain students with low GPAs and beginning in 1990, the University has required these students to participate in the Summer Challenge Program. The University started this program in response to requests by high-school counselors and parents to extend opportunity to underachieving students. The Summer Challenge Program enrolls approximately 20- 25 students per year and provides intensive supervision, assistance with study skills, and a head start on the academic experience. Partly related to the Summer Challenge Program's existence, the number of FTICs with low GPAs increased to 20-25 students.

In 1989, the Enrollment Management Committee was formed. This committee has subsequently been replaced by the Enrollment Planning Team composed of the Vice President for Public Affairs (Chair), Directors of Institutional Research, Admissions, Academic Advising, the Controller, the Registrar and an Academic Dean. The number of course sections to be offered each semester is controlled by the Academic Vice President. Usually the number of sections remains constant or is limited to an increase of one or two percent. The approach has been one of "controlled growth" with modest increases in the number of faculty in order to meet needs. The amount of overload teaching is Contractually defined so that no faculty member is permitted to teach more than 30 hours in an academic year. Pressures continue from students and other segments of the University to increase offerings; however, the Vice President for Academic Affairs is committed to matching offerings with qualified faculty and adequate classroom resources.

4. "The Academic Vice President and the faculty should work cooperatively to address campus-wide concerns about the current General Education requirements."

Following a period of study and debate, the Vice President for Academic Affairs encouraged the Curriculum Committee to complete the task of general education revisions. A completed plan was submitted to the faculty in March 1987. The plan included 39 credit hours of required general education courses, which both expanded and broadened the areas of expected student knowledge. The faculty ratified the revised program in April 1987. Beginning fall 1988, this program affected entering first-time students. These requirements applied to transfer students with associate degrees beginning in 1990. Most faculty have accepted the revised requirements as an improvement over the previous requirements. However, there is now a movement to refine and/or clarify some aspects of the general education requirements as described in Part 2.6 of this report. This movement was prompted in part by the Planning Task Force recommendations.

Unique Dimensions of Saginaw Valley State University

Commuter Students

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Nine out of ten students attending SVSU commute to campus. They often leave campus as soon as possible after class to continue work or family responsibilities; however, many stay on campus for special events and participate in the campus activities.   Both commuter and campus-resident students participate in Student Government and the many campus clubs and organizations.

Nearly half (47%) of the students attend SVSU part time, and many of these may work at full-time jobs outside of school. Of those attending full time (12 credits or more for undergraduates), many also work at least part time. While the University does not collect systematic data on student employment, a survey of new freshmen conducted in fall 1992 indicated that 12% intended to work full time while attending SVSU. Similarly, most MBA students report in class that they are employed full time, as do most master's degree students in Nursing and Education.

Figure 2(Back to List of Figures)

The average age of SVSU students is 28, well above the traditional college-age population. (See Figure 2 for the distribution of ages.) At least one measure of different behaviors among students of different ages is the average credit-hour loads. The older students tend to carry one or two classes while the youngest students more often carry a full-time course load. There are other differences that age data alone cannot measure. The adult education literature has thoroughly documented the fact that adult students often have very different demands on their time and consequently different learning needs than do younger students. SVSU faculty and staff are cognizant of the differences among students. Also, to better assist these students, the University supports an office for nontraditional student services (Lifelong Resource Center), as well as an Office of Evening Services.

Student Profile

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In fall 1993, SVSU enrolled 6,975 students. Of these, 5,678 (81.4%) are undergraduates, 750 (10.8%) are graduate students, and 547 (7.8%) are nondegree students.  (Figure 3)  Nondegree students include teacher certification students, post-baccalaureate

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students and some undergraduate guests and anditors.  Four-hundred twenty-three (423) students attend classes off campus. Undergraduate off-campus students attend classes at Cass City.  Graduate students in Education attend off -campus classes in Macomb County. The off - campus courses and programs are closely linked to on-campus programs, and many Cass City students take classes both on and off campus in any given semester.

The student body includes 703 (10%) from minority groups (African American, Hispanic, Asian, and American Indian) and 78 (1%) nonresident aliens. As the University's total student body has grown, so too has the number of minority students. The service region (14-county area) in which SVSU is located is approximately 10.13% minority. Thus the University, through recruiting and retention programs, seeks to attract minority students. (Figure 4)

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Most SVSU students come from the four-county region of Saginaw (35.9%), Bay (17.2%), Tuscola (8.5%), and Midland (7.7%). The remainder are largely residents of nearby counties in the Thumb (5.7%), and north along the Lake Huron shore (4.3%). Ninety-four students (1.3% of the total) are from outside Michigan, including foreign countries. (Figure 5 on the next page)

Nearly 60% (4,179) of SVSU's students are females. On average, the female students carried 9.4 credit hours while the males carried 10.3 credit hours. Female students are typically slightly older than the male students. The average age of female students is 29 years while male students average 27 years. Nearly 64% of the minority students are female.

SVSU offers several majors that females predominantly choose: teacher education, social work, and nursing. Engineering tends to be male-dominated while other disciplines include a more even gender mix. The University has at least one formal program in place (Project GET -SET) to help support students' choices to enter fields in which they are not the predominant gender. Additionally, the Lifelong Resource Center sponsors a mentor program for female students who want to meet people in their future professions. This program is operated in conjunction with a local executive and professional women's service club.

SVSU offers more than 60 majors through its five colleges. Figures 6 and 7 list the fall 1993 breakouts of undergraduates and graduates by college.  (Figure 7 on the next page).

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Geographic Region Served by SVSU

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SVSU was established to serve a 14-county East Central Michigan region. The campus is located in the region's population center. Students, faculty, staff, and site visitors come to campus from many of the region's communities -- and some from beyond this area. Figure 5 presented earlier shows the student enrollment from each of the 14 counties in the service region.

Valley Library Consortium

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The Valley Library Consortium was established in 1980 with three founding members: Delta College, the Public Libraries of Saginaw, and Saginaw Valley State University. As early as 1985, the Consortium took steps to allow for future growth. SVSU served as the host institution and leader in determining the Consortium's development. In June 1989, following several months of discussions, the group issued a formal invitation to area libraries and library systems to join the Consortium. By late September, 14 regional libraries and library systems expressed interest in joining the group.  A Wickes Foundation grant and matching funding provided resources to share the automated library system with the libraries committed to the project.

The Consortium worked together for over eight months to identify and select an automated system, Dynix. Subsequently, SVSU has been in the process of implementing this automation. The Consortium successfully meshes needs of libraries with widely varying size, which serve different constituencies, and which fill compatible but different missions. The goals are both technologically and politically ambitious, but thanks to the generous support of the Wickes Foundation they are now being realized. A detailed report of the automated library system will be available on site for site visitors to review.

Marshall Fredericks Sculpture Gallery

The mission of the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Gallery is to collect, preserve, protect, exhibit, study, and interpret the art of Marshall M. Fredericks and the records and materials related to his life and work. The Gallery builds, presents, and maintains its collections and programs for the enjoyment, enrichment, and edification of the Saginaw Valley State University community and the public. The Gallery is used frequently for curricular and extracurricular activities. Students utilize the collection through class visits, independent studies, and internships in addition to informal visits for personal satisfaction. More than 100 K-12 school groups (2,500 people) visit annually for special guided tours. Another 2,500 come in groups associated with the University, local churches and civic organizations, or in commercial tour packages. Total attendance averages about 10,000 annually.

Regional Math / Science Center

The Center includes services and materials for teachers in area high schools. The Center provides in-services for teachers, student enrichments, science consultation and a resource library. A lab on wheels for K-8 students allows teachers to check out an entire teaching module that contains all the materials necessary to do a unit in earth science, physical science or life science. An activity booklet is included to match the materials. The 21 modules have been recently revised to meet the new State Science Objectives. In addition, many math learning materials are available for checkout. A resource guide lists all available materials.

Earth Vision - Environmental Education: An EPA Priority

As a result of the 1990 National Environmental Education Act, environmental education has become one of the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) critical assignments. Earth Vision, EPA's Grand Challenge for High Schools, is one of the new environmental initiatives. This is a professional development and educational program for high-school teachers and students. It is a joint venture between the EPA and Saginaw Valley State University. Earth Vision will help high schools develop environmental research programs using computational science and access to high-speed computers. It is the first computational science education program to concentrate solely on environmental issues. It offers Saturday tutorials and provides multitiered outreach activities. During the summer, competitively selected teams of high-school teachers and students participated in a three-week educational program at SVSU. Each team is supported by mentors and by an SVSU outreach support team. Each student is supplied with a scientific workstation and a telecommunications link to the National Environmental Supercomputing Center in Bay City. During the academic year, the participants conduct environmental research activities at their high schools. Students and teachers benefit by enhanced curricula in science, mathematics, and computer science. Additional information will be available in the site visitors room.

Project SOLVE

This project has been funded by the Michigan Department of Education Title II Grant each year since 1986. The 1994 grant will allow the University to serve the needs of intermediate school districts in the area of professional development for elementary, middle and high-school science teachers. A two-week workshop is presented by University faculty in a mentoring relationship with four to five high-school teachers in biology, chemistry, earth science and physics. Teachers and students who are in schools with modems have the ability to communicate with SVSU faculty and ask questions and receive answers by using the computer linkage and a toll-free phone line at no cost to their district. Each participant receives science content updates and recent development lectures in each of the four science areas. Each teacher receives a manual of science projects developed by SVSU, Delta College faculty and elementary and middle-school science teachers that can be used in their own classroom. The teachers have a total of 30 hours in various laboratories to work on the science projects. An additional 10 hours of laboratory rotations are included in the workshop. Teachers must apply for admission to the program and provide part of the fees.

PART ONE:          The Mission and Goals of Saginaw Valley
State University

Evaluative Criterion One:

SVSU publishes a purpose (mission) statement in its bi-annual Catalog. As the University responds to growth and organizational changes, the purpose statement is reviewed and changed to reflect accurate goals and purposes which are appropriate for this institution. This section will review past mission statements and present the current mission statement.

1.1 EARLY MISSION STATEMENTS

Five Early Objectives

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The 1966-67 catalog provided five objectives supported by the Board of Control. Each objective was described in terms of the institution's beliefs:

(1)  The maintenance of a free society:

We believe the strength of the American people rests on our position as free men. We also hold that the health of society depends on the fulfillment by the individual of the responsibility that liberty imposes. We believe that higher learning has the duty to maintain the traditions of freedom and to extend its horizons.

(2)  Quality:

We affirm our belief that craftsmanship is a responsibility of each individual. In the academic world, teacher and student alike must accept a personal commitment to high- level performance. This means that the quality of achievement at this College should compare favorably with that of other institutions where a commitment to excellence is evident.

(3) The search for truth:

We believe a free society requires the availability of truth. Public processes are dependent on freedom of inquiry and the right to know. We have faith in the free market of ideas in which we test the declarations and assumptions of others, and are willing to have our own positions tested as well.

(4) Service:

The primary impact of this institution, especially during its early years, will be on the immediate metropolitan area in which a third of a million people now reside. The College is dedicated to serve the area by helping to make it a center for learning, discovery and culture.

(5)  Cooperation between public and private enterprise:

It is our intention to create an atmosphere in which public and private efforts may work together in cooperation and with effect, and to pioneer ways in which private giving may assume a larger share of leadership in meeting the needs of higher education in cooperation with public support.

1980 Character and Goals of SVSC

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The 1980-81 catalog described the Character and Goals of SVSC:

Saginaw Valley State College is a comprehensive State college which grants bachelor's and master's degrees. Its primary mission is to meet a regional need for higher education, although the college also serves students from across the State of Michigan, other States and foreign countries. SVSC’s original liberal arts curriculum continues to provide a firm base for programs currently offered through schools of Arts and Behavioral Sciences, Business and Management, Education, Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, and Science, Engineering and Technology.

“The four goals of the College are:

1. To foster the intellectual and personal growth of students. In pursuit of this goal, SVSC is committed to provide opportunities for acquiring accurate and pleasing use of language, understanding numeration and performing rapid and accurate simple computation, distinguishing between the essential and irrelevant and between straightforward and sophistical reasoning, acquiring a general understanding of society and. of the individual within it, engaging in problem-solving and conducting scientific inquiry, emulating the scholarly life, choosing between opposing viewpoints, overcoming provincialism, demonstrating respect for human diversity, training in chosen professions, participating in co curricular activities, developing a general view of our cultural heritage, preparing for graduate programs and professional schools, developing self discipline, a sense of personal worth and purpose, enthusiasm for learning and life, and the skills and attitudes needed to nurture effective interpersonal relationships.
   
2. To encourage and support research, pure learning and intellectual and artistic creativity by attracting a faculty committed to academic inquiry and expansion of human knowledge, developing balanced and adequate library facilities, acquiring facilities suitable for research, obtaining professional quality fine arts facilities, and affording faculty members opportunities to increase their professional development.
   
3. To advance human capability in society at large by conducting applied research, sharing ideas with community groups and institutions, helping talented persons select areas of greatest personal fulfillment and social need, and enhancing the knowledge and culture appreciation of the public at large.
   
4. To encourage constructive evaluation of society. The College recognizes that society must change in order to endure, and must tolerate people of different philosophies, convictions and values. It also supports participation in activities aspiring to improve community life.”

1986 Mission Statement

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In October 1985, the Board of Control adopted a revised statement:

Saginaw Valley State College was founded in 1963 primarily to meet higher education needs in East Central Michigan. The University offers a comprehensive array of traditional baccalaureate degrees. The same general education requirements support all of the undergraduate curricula. Master's degrees also are granted in fields for which there is substantial regional demand. Approximately one-half of SVSU’s students are in the traditional age range; the others are older students, most of whom are preparing for occupational advancement or leadership roles in their community. The primary mission of SVSU is to promote the intellectual and personal growth of students. A highly qualified faculty, most of whom hold terminal degrees, teach in both day and evening classes. Classes are designed to be relatively small. Support services and co-curricular offerings are planned to meet the needs of both residential and commuting students. Periodic program review is used to monitor the quality and the impact of formal and informal learning opportunities. As an important part of its mission, the University fosters research and creative activities. The goals of the research program are to extend knowledge, inspire superior teaching and contribute to the intellectual life and social well-being of the region. Community service is another element of the University mission. SVSU sponsors continuing education courses, conferences, workshops and technology transfer efforts. Cultural events, many campus activities and the University library are open to the public. The library serves as the administrative center of a regional consortium formed to encourage resource-sharing. SVSU faculty and staff cooperate with area businesses and civic organizations in ways that contribute to the economic and cultural vitality of the region. Two commitments are common to the instructional, research and community service components of the University mission.First, SVSU actively cooperates with area community colleges to assure broad access to education and efficient use of resources. Second, SVSU is dedicated to helping students and area citizens acquire the knowledge and skills they need to function effectively in the increasingly interdependent nations of the world.

1.2 INSTITUTIONAL MISSION AND GOALS

Assessment of Mission and Goals

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During this self study process, the Mission and Goals Committee carefully studied the mission statement that was adopted in 1985. The committee sought to clarify and to simplify the wording of that statement in order to better guide institutional activities. After the committee developed a revised statement, the self study committee held a University wide forum to discuss this draft and to receive reactions and input. Following this forum, the Board of Control studied the revised statement and offered some minor suggestions to the Committee. The President devoted his January 1993 State of the University Address to the proposed mission and purpose statement. The committee further considered all suggestions, and submitted a final draft statement to the Board of Control, which was adopted on March 29, 1993. This mission statement will be printed in the fall 1994 96 catalog. The revised, adopted mission statement is as follows:

The Mission of Saginaw Valley State University

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The primary mission of Saginaw Valley State University is to provide opportunities for individuals to achieve intellectual and personal growth. A concurrent mission is to develop individuals' potential to provide leadership and professional skills for the civic, economic and cultural well-being of the region, state and society.  The University also exists to serve as a cultural and intellectual resource dedicated to the development, acquisition, and dissemination of knowledge.

The Purpose of the University

To provide a comprehensive array of baccalaureate degree programs and a select number of master's degree programs.

Baccalaureate degree programs are based upon a foundation in the liberal arts, the development of strong academic skills, and include studies in depth in one or more academic or professional disciplines. Master's degree programs concentrate studies in fields that address the needs of the East Central region of Michigan or take advantage of unique opportunities and particular strengths within the University.

To strive for excellence in teaching, learning, research, service and creative endeavors, and to stand as an example in those regards.

To provide academic and support services that address the educational needs of a diverse student population that varies by gender, age, ability, experience, lifestyle, cultural background and economic circumstances.

To represent and advance the ideals and values of higher education in a democratic society by:

Pursuing and defending freedom of inquiry, thought and expression.

Practicing and encouraging respect, integrity, civility, decency and fairness in human relationships.

Promoting understanding among people and by people for their world.

Maintaining an openness of opportunity for all people to reach their fullest personal and professional potential.

To contribute to the quality of life for the people of the region, state, and society by:

Providing expertise, leadership, and other support in the development of ideas and strategies for addressing social, technological, and economic issues.

Creating, sponsoring, and hosting events and activities that help people understand and appreciate the varieties of human culture, art and accomplishment.

Promoting responsible participation in a democratic society by people both within and outside of the University community.

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SVSU’s mission and goals statement evolved in harmony with the institution's dynamic nature, growth and regional constituency. The current Statement of Mission and Purposes will continue to be examined on a regular basis to affirm its relevancy to the changing needs of SVSU’s students, the region, and society in general. This ongoing review reflects SVSU’s institutional commitment to provide quality education which will prepare the graduates to contribute to the region's vitality. Copies of the Statement of Mission and Purposes are posted throughout the campus to serve as a reminder for faculty, staff and students of the University's focus.

“The institution has effectively organized adequate human,
financial and physical resources into educational and other
programs to accomplish its purposes.”

2.1 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND SYSTEMS

Organization

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Saginaw Valley State University is a public institution of higher education that grants baccalaureate and master's degrees. Saginaw Valley State University's governing body is an eight member Board of Control appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The University President is an ex officio Board of Control member without a vote. Each member's term of office is eight years. The Board of Control annually elects from its members a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. A chart depicting the organizational structure of the University appears in Appendix B.

Board of Control:
By statute (Public Acts of 1965, No. 278), the Board of Control is the state's designated legal authority for supervision of the University's affairs, including property control. The Board's powers include enactment of rules, bylaws and regulations for the conduct of its business and institutional governance. The Board approves tuition and fees, appoints or removes personnel on the institution's behalf based on the generally accepted principles of academic tenure, determines compensation to be paid for services and materials, confers such degrees and grants such diplomas as are indicated. The Board of Control is the “Body Corporate” of the University. It is a policy-making, rather than an administrative, body. It meets in regular session each month except July. Special meetings may be called. All meetings of the Board are open to all interested public, students, faculty, staff and are usually held on the campus. Requests made to the legislature for operating and capital outlay resources must be approved by the Board of Control.  The current Board of Control members are listed in Appendix B, following the organizational structure of the University.

As specified in the Michigan Constitution, Article VII, Section 3, SVSU is excluded from the State Board of Education’s control.

President:
The Board appoints the President, who is the institution's chief executive. Acting on authority delegated by the Board, Saginaw Valley State University's President assumes primary responsibility for the University's educational, financial, and administrative functions. The President ensures that the University operates according to policies established by the Board of Control. The President communicates institutional present and future needs and concerns to the Board of Control and relays pertinent University matters to the campus community. The President serves as the chief external spokesperson for the University as it carries out its many roles, as defined in its Statement of Mission and Purposes. The office's responsibilities are presented in the presidential position description.

Vice Presidents:
The President has delegated authority over the major functional activities of the University to three vice presidents: the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Vice President for Administration and Business Affairs, and the Vice President for Public Affairs. In addition, the Dean of Student Affairs holds a comparable level position. Four other executive positions report directly to the President as well.

The Vice President for Academic Affairs administers all phases of the University's instructional programs. This position oversees planning and budgetary supervision for all undergraduate and graduate courses of study offered by the University. The Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, each of the Deans of the five Colleges, the Director of the Bilingual / Bicultural Center, the Director of the Melvin J. Zahnow Library, and the Director of Sponsored Programs report directly to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. These individuals make up the Deans and Directors Council which meets regularly during the academic year to confer on academic matters, share information, and participate in decision making related to the institution's academic operations. The Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs are members of the President’s Staff, which meets bi-weekly to discuss and consider all aspects of University operations.

The Vice President for Administration and Business Affairs reports directly to the President and is responsible for the planning and administration of the budget, Bookstore, Food Services, Computer Services, Engineering Services, Personnel, Physical Plant, and Public Safety. This officer, as well as the Controller, serves on the President’s Staff, which meets bi weekly to discuss University operations.

The Vice President for Public Affairs reports directly to the President and is responsible for advancement, Admissions, alumni relations and annual giving, the Business and Industrial Development Institute, Conference Bureau, corporate relations, development and the SVSU Foundation, Marketing Research and Information Services, and Public Information. This person meets with the President’s Staff for bi weekly meetings. In addition, this Vice President serves as liaison with the Michigan legislature related to all matters which have importance for or relate to the University.

The Dean of Student Affairs serves on the President’s staff and reports directly to the President. This position is responsible for Academic Support Services, Athletics and athletic promotions, Housing and Residential Life, the Lifelong Resource Center, Minority Services, the
Registrar's Office, the Scholarships and Student Financial Aid Office, and Student Life. The Dean of Student Affairs serves the traditional Dean of Students role, which deals with student problems or complaints and acts as an advocate for both students' rights and responsibilities. This office also serves as Team Leader for the University Orientation Program and is advisor to Student Government, the Professional Journalistic Practices Committee, and other student organizations.

The Executive Assistant to the President and Secretary to the Board of Control assists the President in his service as the University's chief executive officer. This position coordinates details related to the Board of Control meetings and carries out assignments relating to Board matters or actions. This position oversees the agenda and serves as secretary for the President’s Staff.

The Special Assistant to the President for International Programs reports directly to the President and serves as a member of the President’s Staff. This position oversees SVSU’s relationships with foreign institutions, all international students and faculty coming to the University, and the SVSU programs for students and faculty going abroad.

The Director of Institutional Research reports directly to the President and serves as a member of the President’s Staff for the bi weekly meetings. This position supports administrative decision making by providing the necessary enrollment, staffing, financial, and other data and information. This position maintains official enrollment records and cost of instruction data for the University and develops reports for internal and external use based on official records, surveys and other sources.

The Director of Multicultural Programs / Affirmative Action reports directly to the President and provides guidance and supervision in recruitment and appointment of any faculty or staff in line with affirmative action guidelines. In addition, this office provides guidance and supervision for the offering of multicultural programs for faculty and students on campus and in the community.

Governance

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Several organized groups and formal structures share decision making at Saginaw Valley State University. This section briefly describes the three standing groups: President’s Staff, Deans and Directors, and Student Senate. In addition, there are two labor organizations, and three major committees which directly affect the governance of SVSU. A detailed description of the structures, procedures, functions, and roles of these groups will be available for review in the Site Visitors' Resource Room.

The President’s Staff is chaired by the President with the Executive Assistant serving as the secretary. This group includes the three Vice Presidents, the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean of Students, the Executive Director of Development and SVSU Foundation, the Director of Sponsored Programs, the Director of Institutional Research, the Assistant Vice President for Administration and Business Affairs and Controller, and the Special Assistant to the President for International Programs. This group meets bi-weekly and serves as an executive-level advisory group which establishes the administrative procedures needed to implement Board policies, assists in administrative decisions, considers budget and enrollment matters, regulates University facilities use, and determines the appropriate group or committee to address University-related issues.

Deans and Directors meet regularly, usually bi-weekly, to discuss academic matters, faculty development, planning of academic offerings, and related matters within their respective units. This group holds an annual summer two-day “retreat” to review and evaluate the prior year's activities and to plan for the coming academic year.

Standing Committees related to the faculty include the Professional Practices Committee (PPC), College Research and Development Committee, Curriculum and Academic Policies Committee (CAPC), and the Graduate Committee.

a) The PPC is responsible for reviewing and recommending on matters of tenure, promotion, sabbatical leaves, serious discipline, discharge, termination and evaluation of faculty.

b) College Research and Development Committee is responsible for recommending the allocation of funds for research and development and for release time recommendations according to a two-step process as defined in the Saginaw Valley State University / Faculty Association Contract.

c) The CAPC reviews and makes recommendations on all proposals dealing with any change in existing curriculum, new courses, new academic programs and the academic calendar as well as the annual review of existing policies and/or procedures related to:

1) Academic Admissions, Retention, Probation and Dismissal standards in all programs
2) Standards for Academic Honors
3) Academic Policies of Financial Aid
4) Other Student Academic Regulations

d) The Graduate Committee is responsible for curriculum and academic policies / procedures related to the graduate programs only, monitoring the quality of graduate programs, granting approval for faculty to teach graduate courses, and related matters.

Each committee's membership and procedures are specified in the Contract.

Student Government

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The budget for the support of student government comes from the assessed student fees each semester. Spaces for the elected officers are provided by the University with guidance and consultation provided by the Dean of Students. The Student Government President is paid $ 135 per week, the Vice President $112 per week and the Treasurer $95 per week.

SVSU’s Student Government is comprised of twelve elected senators and three elected officers: president, vice-president and treasurer. Elections for these positions take place each spring. Student Government convenes weekly in the fall and winter --biweekly during the spring / summer. The meeting times and locations are posted at the Student Government Outpost (Brown Concourse) or may be obtained from the Student Government office (first floor Wickes). These meetings are open to the student body.

Senators and Officers, who have regular hours in the Student Government office, are available to discuss concerns or ideas students may have. Student Government, which is the voice of the student body, needs continual student input to act on behalf of the students. Senators are involved each semester with various committees. Some of the standing committees include Budget, Legislative / Bills, Publicity, Quality Control, and Special Events. It is not necessary to be a member of Student Government to serve on a committee.

Student Government Focal Points:

• Acts on the Students' behalf in matters of campus-wide concern
• Allocates money for clubs, events, research grants and study abroad
• Assists with grade grievances
• Rents popcorn machine to clubs for fund raising

Labor Organizations

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The Saginaw Valley State University Faculty Association, MEA/NEA, represents full-time faculty members and is affiliated with the Michigan Education Association and the National Education Association. This collective bargaining unit has generally ratified a three-year agreement (with some one-year Contracts early on) which 1) covers all major aspects of employee-employer relationships including salary adjustments and fringe benefits; 2) defies certain rights and responsibilities of each party; 3) provides a grievance procedure; and 4) determines the faculty's role in academic procedures. The current agreement is effective 1993-1996.

The Support Staff Association, MEA/NEA, consists of secretarial, clerical, custodial, grounds and maintenance staff. Recently a four-year (retroactive) agreement was concluded through the 1994-1995 academic year. The collective bargaining agreement covers all major aspects of employee-employer relationships and includes provisions for salary adjustments, evaluations, and related matters.

2.2 HUMAN RESOURCES

Students

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Characteristics and qualifications of SVSU’s students have been described earlier in the Introduction to this Report.

Qualifications:

SVSU employs admissions standards recommended by the faculty and approved by the administration. Ordinarily, students applying for admission on the basis of their high-school records must graduate from high school with a grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher in college-preparatory subjects. Those with a minimum seven-semester grade point average of 2.0 or higher may be admitted if test scores and extracurricular involvement indicate they are likely to succeed in college. Students who did not graduate from high school are eligible for admission if they present satisfactory results on the General Education Development Test. The University evaluates factors such as experience, apparent level of motivation, and testing for mature students, admissions. Test results of basic skills (reading, composition, mathematics) for each student are used for counseling and placement purposes and are not a factor in the admissions decision. In addition, the Summer Challenge Program as described in the Introduction allows selected students to enter the University under those provisions.

Clubs and Organizations:

There are currently 53 student organizations on campus. These clubs provide opportunity for students of similar professional, political, social and special interests to meet together and plan activities. A complete listing will be available for the site visitors. Clubs and organizations register with the Office of Student Life and Campus Activities. The University cooperates with club / organization activities as long as events are approved and function according to University policies and procedures. A registered club does not indicate that the University supports or adheres to a club's views or positions, nor that SVSU will be held liable for actions taken against a club or organization because of its association with the University.

Student Publications:

There are three student publications available for participation and contributions by students: the Valley Vanguard student newspaper, the Cardinal Sins (featuring students' original works of poetry, short fiction, essay, photography and two-dimensional art) and the Health Concepts Newsletter (published by students in the nursing curriculum). Each publication is assisted by faculty advisors and monitored by the Professional Journalistic Practices Committee, chaired by the Dean of Student Affairs. Students are encouraged to submit articles and participate in each publication's production.

Faculty

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One major institutional strength is the well-prepared and dedicated faculty which has a strong interest in student learning. The faculty comes from a broad range of undergraduate and graduate preparation to add diversity and a broad view in teaching and professional development. There are 176 full-time faculty members with 82% holding doctoral degrees or terminal master's degrees. The full-time faculty is supplemented by a well-qualified adjunct faculty.

There are 122 male members of the full-time faculty and 54 females. As of summer 1993, the average age of male faculty is 49.4 years, with females 45.8 years. The faculty percentage with tenure at SVSU is 76.5%. Full-time faculty salaries and benefits are comparable with other public institutions of higher learning which have a similar size in the state of Michigan. The faculty Contract establishes minimum salaries for each rank.

Faulty Appointment, Promotion, Tenure, and Recognition:

All faculty recruitment and hiring are carried out following standardized procedures, including the involvement of the Affirmative Action Office. Employment notices are prepared by the appropriate department head, approved by the dean and the Vice President for Academic
Affairs, and sent to the Personnel Office, where they are placed in The Chronicle of Higher Education, the appropriate professional publications, and other publications as recommended by the faculty and dean of the respective college. The hiring department's search committee reviews all applications and then recommends candidates for campus interviews. While on the campus, the interviewee is given an extensive itinerary which includes conferences with department members, meetings with the department chair, dean, and Vice President for Academic Affairs. The candidate usually gives a classroom presentation as requested by the departmental search committee. The search committee recommends a candidate to the dean for probationary appointment, which decision is finalized by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The dean prepares the final appointment letter which includes specific elements required by the Contract. The University's President follows with a letter of confirmation.

The University also recognizes faculty members' excellence in teaching, research, and service by bestowing formal awards each year at spring commencement exercises. The nominees are solicited from among faculty, staff, students and alumni; the committees related to each major award review the nominees' qualifications and recommend the recipient to the President. The Landee Award for Teacher Excellence carries a monetary award of $1,500. The Warrick Award for Excellence in Research has a $1,000 monetary value, as does the House Award for Teacher Impact. The Ruben Daniels Award (also available to staff) is given in recognition of community service. Each of these major awards represents a different aspect of faculty members, responsibilities and capabilities. In 1994, the adjunct faculty will be included in such recognition of excellence through the creation of the Mary H. Anderson Adjunct Faculty Award, with a $750 monetary value.

In addition, the Faculty Association presents annual awards to faculty members who have made outstanding contributions in research and University service during the academic year. SVSU is also recognized for distinguished teaching by the Michigan Association of Governing Boards of State Universities (MAGB). The annual Statewide Higher Education Awards Convocation honors each institution's distinguished teachers. SVSU submits the winner of the Landee and the Warrick awards for this recognition.

Staff

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Administrative, Technical, and Support Staff:

The members of the Administrative and Professional (A/P) staff at Saginaw Valley State University are not unionized and include the directors, librarians, and technical staff positions. Executive Administrative/Professional positions are advertised in The Chronicle of Higher Education as well as throughout the contiguous states of Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota. Executive Administrative/Professional positions require a master's or doctoral degree; others usually specify education either at the associate or baccalaureate level. In relation to education, Administrative/Professional personnel at Saginaw Valley State University are well qualified for their respective positions. Figure 8 depicts the numbers of administrative personnel in four seniority groups. SVSU’S Administrative/Professional ranks include an appropriate balance between new and more experienced staff. This balance enables a diverse and dynamic work environment.

Clerical and service staff are represented by the SVSU Support Staff Association (MEA/NEA). There are 71 full-time and 12 part-time secretarial / clerical staff and 56 full-time service staff.  The 176 full time faculty are supported by 14 secretaries for a ratio of 1: 12.57. Of the secretaries two are on 10 month assignment, one is at .6 and one at .75 time. The resulting full time equivalent secretaries not counting the 10 month appointees is 13.35 for a ratio of 1:13.18. Secretaries provide test preparation, letters, course syllabi and take telephone messages for faculty in their respective areas. Qualifications for each position are established through the department with advice from the Personnel Office. Most openings are recruited via advertisement in local newspapers. Figure 9 depicts the umber of full-time faculty, A/P, clerical, and service staff employed at SVSU.

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Advisory Boards

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Advisory Boards serve the University in relationship to a variety of programs, as well as the University as a whole. The Board of Fellows advises the President and holds monthly breakfast meetings. This group is composed of business, professional, and community leaders in the region who have indicated a sincere interest in the University's roles, functions, and welfare. The President appoints the Board of Fellows, with the approval of the Board of Control. The Board of Fellows may nominate new members.

Each College has at least one or more advisory groups composed of community members with particular qualifications and/or interests in line with the role of the respective college. Selected programs have advisory groups to enhance a program's efforts, such as the program for the Lifelong Learning Center and Multicultural Advisory Committee.

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) serves to review projects and research efforts in order to protect human and animal subjects. This group is appointed by the President and includes four or more faculty members from across the University, a representative from the Alumni Association, a representative from the Board of Fellows as a community member and a Veterinarian in relation to animal subjects. The group meets as needed to review procedures and protocols and approve projects.

Summary

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Saginaw Valley State University has created a climate of mutual respect and appreciation among its many human resources and the constituencies they serve. Because of its relative small size and emphasis on personal attention both in and out of the classroom, students have ready access to faculty and all administrative offices.

2.3 FINANCIAL RESOURCES

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Saginaw Valley State University maintains records in accordance with the principles of fund accounting to observe limitations and restrictions placed on the uses and resources available by the state legislature, the governing board, management, or other authorities. The University uses four current and three noncurrent fund groupings for reporting and internal operating purposes. The current funds consist of the General, Designated (use restricted by administrative policy), Auxiliary Activities, and Expendable Restricted (use restricted by donor or supporting agency). The noncurrent fiends consist of the Student Loan Fund, Plant Fund, and the Agency Fund. The Student Loan Fund is used to account for loan transactions to students. The Plant Fund accounts for institutional physical properties / acquisitions, reserves fiends for maintenance, remodeling and replacement. The Agency Fund accounts for amounts withheld from payrolls, the employer portions of payroll taxes, various payroll benefits and for the amounts held in custody for students, University organizations, or others.

Revenues

Total current funds revenue (General, Designated, Auxiliary Activities, Expendable Restricted) for fiscal year 1992 93 was $43 m