New Criteria

The Higher Learning Commission recently published the third edition of its Handbook of Accreditation. The criteria for evaluating institutions included in this third edition are distinctively different than those used in 1996, when the Commission last reviewed Iowa State University. The new criteria are oriented to the future rather than the past or present, focus on learning rather than teaching, focus on outcomes rather than inputs and resources, emphasize connectedness rather than insularity and autonomy, and emphasize distinctiveness rather than uniformity.

This change in focus creates important synergies between the University’s self-study and its recently completed strategic plan for 2005-2010. In many ways the University’s self-study is an extension and elaboration of ideas and materials that informed the strategic planning process. Together, the strategic plan and accreditation self-study form a compelling description of the University’s present condition and a strong guide for the decade ahead.

Iowa State University’s self-study is organized around the five new criteria for accreditation:

Mission and Integrity
The organization operates with integrity to ensure the fulfillment of its mission through structures and processes that involve the board, administration, faculty, staff, and students.

Preparing for the Future
The organization’s allocation of resources and its processes for evaluating and planning demonstrate its capacity to fulfill its mission, improve the quality of its education, and respond to future challenges and opportunities.

Student Learning and Effective Teaching
The organization provides evidence of student learning and teaching effectiveness that demonstrates it is fulfilling its educational mission.

Acquisition, Discovery, and Application of Knowledge
The organization promotes a life of learning for its faculty, administration, staff, and students by fostering and supporting inquiry, creativity, practice, and social responsibility in ways consistent with its mission.

Engagement and Service
As called for by its mission, the organization identifies its constituencies and serves them in mutually beneficial ways.