Chapter 2
Accreditation History

 

Overview of the 1994 NCA Report

A comprehensive visit was conducted on March 13-15, 1994, for the purpose of continued accreditation at the Masters degree level. The 1994 evaluation team submitted a report favorably reviewing the institution on the basis of all GIRs and Criteria, noting that “the institution meets the General Institutional Requirements as specified by the North Central Association Commission” (Evaluation Team Report, p. 2). The report further commented on each criterion in turn, elaborating on the ways in which SVSU met or fell short of the expectations of the accrediting body. The evaluators found “the mission to be consistent with the university’s purposes.” They also indicated that the governance system “provides remarkable freedom for the institution to carry out its mission.” This included institutional control over financial resources with little intervention from the state. The evaluation team found the resources to be sufficient for carrying out the mission, while recognizing that “there likely would be financial challenges in the future.” Significant financial challenges, of course, have emerged over the past two years, as noted in Chapter One; however, prudent financial planning has enabled the institution to carry on its work without lay-offs or severe program cuts.

The 1994 team commented positively on the strong support of the Board for the quality of academic programs. It also commented on strong faculty commitment to teaching and service as well as “extensive faculty credentials in scholarly activities” (p. 4). Students also reported satisfaction with faculty and with their programs of study (p. 22). Overall, the 1994 team concluded that “Saginaw Valley State University is a strong institution committed to meeting the needs of its unique student population. In its 30-year history, the campus has consistently increased its student enrollment, expanded its physical plant, and enhanced its academic programs.”

The Commission recommended that the next comprehensive visit take place in 2003-2004 and renewed accreditation for ten years; however, it requested that follow-up plans in three areas be submitted to NCA in June 1995. The Commission requested a report “regarding general education specifically related to its principles and goals, assessment, and the individuals responsible”; a plan for assessing student academic learning; and an additional “statement of goals and initiatives for Affirmative Action.” The team also expressed concerns about institutional planning, class size and offerings, part-time faculty, library resources, and student involvement.

The required reports were submitted in June 1995. The following sections discuss in more detail the university’s efforts to address these areas of concern. These discussions are developed further in subsequent chapters of the self-study.