SHEPHERDUNIVERSITY
HLCAssuranceArgumentSummary
P
Preparedforthe4-year,mid-term
PathwaysAccreditationSiteVisit,
HigherLearningCommission
March7-8,2016
SU-AssuranceArgumentSummary
2
Introduction
ShepherdUniversity,astate-supportedinstitutionwithintheWestVirginiasystemof
highereducation,islocatedintheEasternPanhandleinhistoricShepherdstown,Jefferson
County.ShepherdstownandtheUniversityaresituatedonabluffoverlookingthePotomac
Riverwherethequaintcollegecommunityoffersarich,uniquelearning-living
environment,locatedwithinafewmilesofneighboringMaryland,Virginia,and
Pennsylvania.ThemetropolitanareasofWashington,D.C.,andBaltimore,MD,within70
milesoftheUniversity,providemanyculturalandcareerexperiencesforShepherd's
studentsandfaculty.
Remainingcognizantofcurrenttrendsandfuturechallenges,ShepherdUniversityworksto
achieveitsmissionbasedonstrategicplanning,assessment,andtheeffectiveandefficient
useofitsresourcestoeducateengaged,globally-awarecitizens.Enhancedstudent
learningexperiencesandeffectiveteachingremainacentralfocusofplanningand
assessment.Theexpansionofacademicofferingsincludesnewundergraduateprograms,a
centerforadultlearnersinMartinsburg,andShepherd'sinauguraldoctoralprogram,the
DoctorofNursingPractice.Curricularreform,retentioninitiatives,andcontinuedacademic
supportservicesthateffectivelyassiststudents,faculty,andstaff.TheUniversitycontinues
toseekexternalfinancialresourcestosupportitsmissionandcorevalues.
TheUniversitypromoteslifelonglearninginstudents,faculty,andstaffbyproviding
opportunitiesforprofessionaldevelopment,communityengagement,continuing
education,andscholarship.Technologyandupdatestofacilitiessupportcurrentlearning
strategiesandresearchpartnerships.Thecompletionofthenextcampusmasterplanand
prioritizationofstrategicinitiativeshelpfulfillourmissionandvisiontobecomeapremier
publicliberalartsinstitution.
Theevidencepresentedthroughoutthisassuranceargumentdemonstratesthat
organizationalstructuresareinplacetosustainthefutureofShepherdUniversity.
Theassuranceargumentandsubsequentreportsandchangedocumentssubmittedtothe
CommissionprovideevidenceofcontinuousimprovementssincethelastHigherLearning
Commissionvisitforre-affirmationofaccreditationin2012.TheShepherdcommunity,its
constituents,andtheHigherLearningCommissioncanbeconfidentofShepherd
University’songoingcommitmenttomeetingthecriteriaforreaffirmationofaccreditation.
Dr.SylviaManning,InterimPresident
SU-AssuranceArgumentSummary
3
1-Mission
Theinstitution’smissionisclearandarticulatedpublicly;itguidestheinstitution’s
operations.
1.A-CoreComponent1.A
Theinstitution’smissionisbroadlyunderstoodwithintheinstitutionandguidesits
operations.
• DemonstrationofhowShepherdUniversity'sgovernancestructure,planning,and
assessmentprocessesprovidetheframeworkforsuccessinthefulfillmentofitsmission
andcorevalues.
•HistoryofthedevelopmentofthecurrentmissionandShepherd’sdesignationasa
COPLACinstitution.
•Descriptionoforganizationalstructureandinstitutionalbudgetprocess.
Question:Howdoesmyroleattheinstitutionfitintotheplanningprocess,budgetprocess,
andorganizationalstructure?
EvidenceFilesinclude:StrategicPlanningdocuments,CampusMasterPlan,Compact,IR
datasets,SUPublications,SampleMissionStatements
1.B-CoreComponent1.B
Themissionisarticulatedpubliclyandcommunicatedthroughthewebsite,handbooks,
catalog,andthrougheffortsbyUniversityCommunicationssuchaspressreleases,
publications,photography,andadvertising,andmaintainssocialmediasitesandwebpages.
1.C-CoreComponent1.C
Theinstitutionunderstandstherelationshipbetweenitsmissionandthediversityof
society.
Diversityattheinstitutionisnotedinavarietyofways,fromourmissionsstatementand
corevalues,tothetypesofstudentsweserve,suchasadultlearners,FTICstudents,and
veterans.Theimportanceofdiversityisarticulatedinactivitiesnotedinthestudent
handbookandsponsoredbystudentaffairs.
SU’sracialandethnicdiversityreflectsorismorediversethantheregionfromwhich
students,faculty,andstaffemanate.Informationondiversityispresentonmanyweb
pages,includingtheConsumerInformationPage.Diversityisalsoincludedinthecore
curriculumandLEAPstudentlearningoutcomes,aswellasprogrammingsponsoredbythe
OfficeofMultiCulturalStudentAffairs,andeffortsatcampusinternationalization.
ComplianceisalsonotedineffortsbytheDiversityandEquityCommitteeandtheOfficeof
HumanResources.Evidencesourcesinclude:AcademicAffairsDatasets,HRannual
reports,CoreCurriculumFramework,LEAPOutcomes,PlanningDocuments.
1.D-CoreComponent1.D
Theinstitution’smissiondemonstratescommitmenttothepublicgood.
SU-AssuranceArgumentSummary
4
•ShepherdUniversity’smissionclearlyacknowledgesapublicobligationfor“academic,
cultural,andeconomicopportunity,'alignedwiththecorevalueof“community.”To
ensurewefulfillthisobligation,oureducationalrole,includingtheadditionalcorevaluesof
“learning,engagement,integrity,andaccessibility,”takeprimacy.
•Shepherdisapublicuniversityandstateagency.Assuch,financialreturnsarenot
generatedforinvestors,andtheinstitutionmustregularlyassessitsacademicand
operationalperformance,whilesimultaneouslybeingchallengedwithreductionsin
supportfromthestate.Thus,theinstitutionmustlooktoexternalfundingthrough
grantsmanship,whichhasgeneratedanincreasinglevelofsuccessovertheperiod20122016.Auxiliaryunits,includingtheStudentCenter,diningfacilitiesandresidencehalls,
generatelimitedprofits,andareanareaofpotentialrevenuegrowthfortheinstitution.
•ActiveengagementwiththecommunityiscommonplaceatShepherdUniversity.Thisis
detailedinprogramming,advisoryboards,andservicelearningandculturalevents.
Evidencesourcesinclude:Variousculturalevents,StrategicPlan,Newsarchivesand
Grantactivity.
1.S-Criterion1-Summary
ShepherdUniversityhasaclearlydefinedmissionthatfocusesonthecorevaluesof
learning,engagement,integrity,accessibility,andcommunity.Shepherd’svisionstatement,
adoptedbytheBoardofGovernors,articulatestheUniversity’saspirationsforitsroleasa
premierpublicliberalartsinstitutionwithinaglobalizedsociety.Takenasawhole,these
threestatementsguidetheoperationoftheinstitution,solidifyingourcommitmenttothe
publicgood,andourunderstandingandobligationtothecommunitiesweserve.
TheUniversitycommunicatestoitsconstituencies,throughthemissionstatement,
publications,pressreleases,andthroughplanningdocuments,itspurposeandgoals.The
missionstatementiseasilyaccessibleontheUniversity’swebsite,inthecatalog,andin
student,facultyandstaffpublications,actingasthefoundationforoperationsandstrategic
planning.
Throughtheinvolvementofinternalandexternalstakeholders,mutuallybeneficial
relationshipsareinplacetoaidtheinstitutioninpromotingthepublicgood,whileatthe
sametimeenhancingacademicandculturalopportunitiesforourstudentsandcommunity
partners.TheUniversityistheculturalandacademiccenterforourregion,fosteringthe
continuityoflifelonglearninginitsdiversepopulations.
2-Integrity:EthicalandResponsibleConduct
Theinstitutionactswithintegrity;itsconductisethicalandresponsible.
2.A-CoreComponent2.A
Theinstitutionoperateswithintegrityinitsfinancial,academic,personnel,andauxiliary
functions;itestablishesandfollowspoliciesandprocessesforfairandethicalbehavioron
thepartofitsgoverningboard,administration,faculty,andstaff.
•ShepherdUniversityensuresthatitsactivitiesandactionsareconsistentwithitsmission
andcorevalues.TheUniversityhasinplacepolicies,procedures,andpracticestopromote
SU-AssuranceArgumentSummary
5
andprotecttheintegrityofitsoperations.Thisisdemonstratedinthebusinessand
responsibilitiesoftheBoardofGovernors(BoG),organizationalchart,administrative
policiesandprocedures,humanresources[staffandsupervisorhandbooks],academic
advising,andstudentaffairs.ThisalsoincludespoliciesrelatedtoFERPA,Banner
custodians,andNCAAcompliance.Lastlyfiduciaryresponsibilityisnotedbythe
organizationalstructure(VPAdministration&Finance)andthefiduciaryresponsibilities
oftheBoG.Evidencesourcesarenotedinthetext.
2.C-CoreComponent2.C
Thegoverningboardoftheinstitutionissufficientlyautonomoustomakedecisionsinthe
bestinterestoftheinstitutionandtoassureitsintegrity.
ShepherdUniversity'sinstitutionalBoardofGovernors(BoG)hasalongandconsistent
historyofauthenticoversightandservice.Thedeliberationsanddecision-makingprocess
oftheBoGreflecttheprioritiesoftheinstitution.ThisisnotedinWVCode§18B-2A,and
evidencedintheminutesandagendasofShepherd’sBoG,wellasitspoliciesandbylaws.
2.D-CoreComponent2.D
Theinstitutioniscommittedtofreedomofexpressionandthepursuitoftruthinteaching
andlearning.Throughitspoliciesdetailedinmultipledocumentsfromthefaculty
handbookandBoGpolicytothestudenthandbook,ShepherdUniversityensuresfaculty
andacademicdirectorsprotecttheintegrityoftheinstitutionandmaintainhighstandards
inteaching,research,andserviceactivities.Theseincludethefacultyhandbook(items
addressingacademicfreedomandthepromotionandtenureprocess),ArticleIVofthe
Constitution,BoGPolicy19,andtheCampusStudentConductSystem.Theseprinciplesand
policiesdemonstratetheinstitution'scommitmenttoacademicfreedomthatisexpectedof
ourstudents,andissupportedbyfacultythroughtheinstructionalexperience,andthrough
theirscholarlyandcreativeactivities.Evidencesourcesarenotedinthetext.
2.E-CoreComponent2.E
Theinstitution’spoliciesandprocedurescallforresponsibleacquisition,discoveryand
applicationofknowledgebyitsfaculty,studentsandstaff.
1. Theinstitutionprovideseffectiveoversightandsupportservicestoensurethe
integrityofresearchandscholarlypracticeconductedbyitsfaculty,staff,and
students.
2. Studentsareofferedguidanceintheethicaluseofinformationresources.
3. Theinstitutionhasandenforcespoliciesonacademichonestyandintegrity.
ShepherdUniversityprovidessignificantoversightregardingtheintegrityandethical
researchandscholarlypracticesbystudents,facultyandstaff.Expectationsregarding
ethicalresearchpracticesareoutlinedinhandbooksandthroughpublishedpoliciesof
ShepherdUniversity.Thesealsoincludethefacultyresearchethicscommitteedetailedin
thefacultyhandbookandthefollowingexcerptfromcommunityexpectationsregarding
researchinthestudenthandbook:
OrganizationalstructuresnotedincludetheInstitutionalReviewBoard,the
SU-AssuranceArgumentSummary
6
ShepherdUniversityResearchCorporationanditspolicies,aswellasethicsbeingan
integralpartofmanyprogramslikeTeacherEducation,NursingandSocialwork.Courses
withethicsasafocusarealsonotedintheevidencefiles.Studentsareinformedaboutthe
ethicaluseofinformationresourcesthroughindividualcoursesattheundergraduateand
graduatelevels,andthroughresources,bothelectronicandseated,throughthe
ScarboroughLibrary,SakaiandtheCoreCurriculum.Notedsourcesregardingtheethical
useoftechnologyincludeBoGPolicy35,andtheStudentCodeofConduct.
2.S-Criterion2-Summary
Initsoperations,ShepherdUniversityhonorsthecarefulbalance,collaboration,and
autonomyofitsdiversesetofstakeholders,whilemaintainingastrongsenseofethicsand
integrity.Itsgoverningbody(BoG)receivesandacceptsitspowersfromthestate,whileat
thesametimedelegatingtheday-to-daymanagerialoperationsandacademicenterpriseto
theadministration,faculty,andstaffoftheUniversity.Policiesandproceduresadoptedby
theBoGandthestateprovideevidencethatSUthoroughlyandconsistentlyprovides
accurateinformationtostudents,families,andcommunitymembers,aswellasfacultyand
staff.
Studentsaretaughttheimportanceofacademicintegrity,ethicalbehaviorasitrelatesto
behaviorsinandoutsidetheclassroom,toresearchandtomakedecisionsthrough
multiplewaysattheinstitution.Facultyandstaffhandbooksandprofessionalassociation
standardsalsoguideourfacultyandstaffintheiracademicandprofessionalbehaviors.
AlsoevidentinUniversityandBoGpolicyisacommitmenttoacademicfreedomand
controlstoensureresearchisconductedinanethicalandresponsiblemanner.Throughits
policiesandpractices,Shepherddemonstratesitscommitmenttoacademicfreedomandto
theethicalandresponsibleuseofinformation.
ThebusinessoftheBoGistransparentasdemonstratedthroughthecontentofitsweb
pages.Thisincludesagendas,meetingminutes,boardpolicies,bylawsandthestatecode
thatinformssuchdocuments.TheBoGfunctionsinanethicalmannerregardingtrustee
expectationsandpertainingtoitsfiduciaryresponsibilitiesandtheitemsconsideredat
eachmeeting.Thesepracticescreateanenvironmentguidedbyethicalandresponsible
conductthatisdedicatedtoteaching,learning,andthepursuitofknowledge.
3-TeachingandLearning:Quality,Resources,andSupport
Theinstitutionprovideshighqualityeducation,whereverandhoweveritsofferingsare
delivered.
3.A-CoreComponent3.A
Theinstitution’sdegreeprogramsareappropriatetohighereducation.
1. Coursesandprogramsarecurrentandrequirelevelsofperformancebystudents
appropriatetothedegreeorcertificateawarded.
2. Theinstitutionarticulatesanddifferentiateslearninggoalsforundergraduate,
graduate,post-baccalaureate,post-graduate,andcertificateprograms.
SU-AssuranceArgumentSummary
7
3. Theinstitution’sprogramqualityandlearninggoalsareconsistentacrossallmodes
ofdeliveryandalllocations(onthemaincampus,atadditionallocations,by
distancedelivery,asdualcredit,throughcontractualorconsortialarrangements,or
anyothermodality).
3.A.1.isaddressedthroughthetiersofcorecurriculumandcoursenumberslistedinthe
catalog.Graduatecoursesarealsodifferentiatedbynumbers(500-600)thatrepresent
expectedlevelofperformance.Shepherd's2013HLCProgressreport(pages33-38)
documentsdifferentiatedlearningoutcomesforundergraduateandgraduateprograms,
whilesimultaneouslyshowinghowgraduateprogramsbuilduponoutcomesfortheir
parallelundergraduatemajors.
3.A.2.Thiscorecomponentoutlineshowoutcomesaredeterminedforthecore
curriculum,undergraduateandgraduateprograms,andalsooutlinestheinstitutional
structurefordevelopingandapprovingtheseitems.Learningoutcomesforindividual
coursesarelistedonsyllabi.Outcomesattheundergraduatelevelprovideafoundationfor
furtherenhancement,refinementandprogressionatthegraduatelevel.
3.A.3.MostcoursedeliveryoriginatesfromShepherd'smaincampus,withadditional
coursesintheMBAandRBAprograms,originatingfromtheMartinsburgCenter.
Additionally,theSUconstitutiondemonstratesthiscompliancewiththeformationofthe
ExtendedLearningIntegrityCommittee.Evidencesourcesarenotedinthetext.
3.B-CoreComponent3.B
Theinstitutiondemonstratesthattheexerciseofintellectualinquiryandtheacquisition,
application,andintegrationofbroadlearningandskillsareintegraltoitseducational
programs.
1. Thegeneraleducationprogramisappropriatetothemission,educationalofferings,
anddegreelevelsoftheinstitution.
2. Theinstitutionarticulatesthepurposes,content,andintendedlearningoutcomesof
itsundergraduategeneraleducationrequirements.Theprogramofgeneral
educationisgroundedinaphilosophyorframeworkdevelopedbytheinstitutionor
adoptedfromanestablishedframework.Itimpartsbroadknowledgeand
intellectualconceptstostudentsanddevelopsskillsandattitudesthatthe
institutionbelieveseverycollege-educatedpersonshouldpossess.
3. Everydegreeprogramofferedbytheinstitutionengagesstudentsincollecting,
analyzing,andcommunicatinginformation;inmasteringmodesofinquiryor
creativework;andindevelopingskillsadaptabletochangingenvironments.
4. Theeducationofferedbytheinstitutionrecognizesthehumanandculturaldiversity
oftheworldinwhichstudentsliveandwork.
5. Thefacultyandstudentscontributetoscholarship,creativework,andthediscovery
ofknowledgetotheextentappropriatetotheirprogramsandtheinstitution’s
mission.
SU-AssuranceArgumentSummary
8
3.B.1.ConsistentwithSU'smission,theundergraduatemajoralignswiththecore
curriculumandrequiresasetofexpectationsfordemonstrationofbreadthofknowledge
andskills.Theundergraduatecurriculumprovidesmultipleopportunitiesforadiverse
communityoflearnerssuchastraditionalresidential,non-traditional,andcommuter
students.Studentsfromdiversebackgroundsbringspecialtalents,abilities,andinterests
tothecampus.UndergraduatecoursesrangeinrigorfromStretch-Modelcourseswith
extraassistancetoenrichmentcoursesintheHonorsProgram.
3.B.2.Curricularandco-curricularopportunitiesenablestudentstobecomesuccessful
citizensinaglobalcommunity.TheUniversitycapitalizesonitsproximitytoWashington,
D.C.andBaltimoretoofferanarrayofacademic,cultural,andsocialprograms.Thiswide
rangeofopportunitiesenablesstudentstoexperienceintellectualinquiry,research,and
multiculturalexposureinvariedsettings.
3.B.3.Notedherearetheintegrationofco-curricularlearningintheclassroom,acapstone
projectthatdemonstratesintellectualinquiryandtheintensiveWritingintheMajorcourse
documentsstudents'abilitytoparticipateinthewrittendiscourseoftheirfieldof
study.Alsonotedarecooperativeeducationopportunitiesandinternships.
3.B.4.Inadditiontothecorecurriculum,notedhereareinternationalizationeffortson
campus,studyabroadexperiencesandeventssponsoredbytheOfficeofMulticultural
StudentAffairsandvariousstudentgroupsoncampus.
Question:Howdoesmyroleoncampusenhanceeffortsfordiversityandinclusion?
3.B.5.Studentsarepreparedtoconductresearchorcreativeactivitiesinanumberof
coursesandasacomponentofallprogramsofstudy.Withintheartsandsciences,students
participateinstudioand/orlaboratory-basedcoursesthatprovidethemwiththediverse
trainingneededincludingskilldevelopment,practice,habitsofmind,anddisciplineto
fulfillcourserequirementsandtoapplytheorytopractice.Students’progressinlevelof
researchresponsibility,fromfacultyprescribedtostudentdesignedandexecuted,is
monitored.Studentsconductingresearch,alsoreceivetraininginsafetypracticesin
accordancewithfederalguidelines.Forexample,theSchoolofNaturalSciencesand
Mathematicsemploysasafetytechnicianandalabtechnicianwhoareresponsiblefor
approvingstudentlabaccessforindividualorfaculty-sponsoredresearch.Evidencefiles
include:Listingoflabsoncampus,Sparks(www.sparksjournal.org),
NASAUndergraduateResearchConsortium,JournalofUndergraduateResearch,SOARS
program,WestVirginiaAcademyofScience,andtheGraduateStudiesStrategicPlan.
3.C-CoreComponent3.C
Theinstitutionhasthefacultyandstaffneededforeffective,high-qualityprogramsand
studentservices.
1. Theinstitutionhassufficientnumbersandcontinuityoffacultymemberstocarry
outboththeclassroomandthenon-classroomrolesoffaculty,includingoversight
ofthecurriculumandexpectationsforstudentperformance;establishmentof
SU-AssuranceArgumentSummary
9
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
academiccredentialsforinstructionalstaff;involvementinassessmentofstudent
learning.
Allinstructorsareappropriatelyqualified,includingthoseindualcredit,
contractual,andconsortialprograms.
Instructorsareevaluatedregularlyinaccordancewithestablishedinstitutional
policiesandprocedures.
Theinstitutionhasprocessesandresourcesforassuringthatinstructorsarecurrent
intheirdisciplinesandadeptintheirteachingroles;itsupportstheirprofessional
development.
Instructorsareaccessibleforstudentinquiry.
Staffmembersprovidingstudentsupportservices,suchastutoring,financialaid
advising,academicadvising,andco-curricularactivities,areappropriatelyqualified,
trained,andsupportedintheirprofessionaldevelopment.
3.C.1.Notedhereisthecommunityinvolvementofthefaculty,strategicplanpathways
andannualreportstotheBoGbyHumanResources
3.C.2.Qualificationsfornewinstructorsareestablishedwithinacademicdepartments
providedminimumqualificationsaremet.Full-time,tenure-trackpositionsrequirea
terminaldegreeinthefield.ExceptionsforABDapplicantsareoccasionallymade,withthe
contractedrequirementofcompletingthedegreewithinayear.AlsonotedarevariousHR
policymanuals,andtheprocessforhiringgraduatefaculty.Evidencesourcesarenoted
inthetext.
3.C.3.AsfurtherevidenceofShepherd’sprocessesforsupportingitsmission,theFaculty
Handbookdescribesthestandardsandproceduresforthepromotionandtenure
process.Thissectionalsoincludesinformationontheannualevaluationprocessand
studentclassroomevaluations.Evidenceincludes:Facultyhandbook,evidencefilesof
evaluationformsandresourcesfromtheCTL.
3.C.4.Thissub-componentcontainsinformationonresourcesforteachingtosupport
studentlearningoutcomes,specializedresourceshavebeenimplemented,modified,and
expandedtomeettheneedsofthefaculty.Theseresourcesincludeprofessional
developmentopportunities,technology,andsupportforprofessionaldevelopmentand
scholarshipactivities.Notedaretheprofessionaldevelopmentcommitteeopportunities,
facultyawards,andnumerousresourcesfromtheCTL.
3.C.5.Thissub-componentdealswithfacultyavailability.Includedisinformationonpolicy
fromtheFacultyHandbook,informationoncoursesyllabi,andavailabilityofadvisors.
Facultygenerallyinteractwithstudentsinlabs,studios,clubsandorganizations,andfield
experienceswellbeyondtherequisitenumberofofficehours.
3.C.6.Shepherdcelebrateshavingtalentedandhighly-qualifiedStudentSupportServices
personnel.Thesefacultyarehiredafterrigorousscreeningprocessesandundergoongoing
andannualassessmentandprofessionaldevelopmenttofosterbestpractices.Because
SU-AssuranceArgumentSummary
10
theTRiOprogramisfundedbyafederalgrant,therearespecificguidelinesthatinstitutions
mustfollowregardingthehiringofstafffortheprogram.
3.D-CoreComponent3.D
Theinstitutionprovidessupportforstudentlearningandeffectiveteaching.
1. Theinstitutionprovidesstudentsupportservicessuitedtotheneedsofitsstudent
populations.
2. Theinstitutionprovidesforlearningsupportandpreparatoryinstructiontoaddress
theacademicneedsofitsstudents.Ithasaprocessfordirectingenteringstudentsto
coursesandprogramsforwhichthestudentsareadequatelyprepared.
3. Theinstitutionprovidesacademicadvisingsuitedtoitsprogramsandtheneedsof
itsstudents.
4. Theinstitutionprovidestostudentsandinstructorstheinfrastructureand
resourcesnecessarytosupporteffectiveteachingandlearning(technological
infrastructure,scientificlaboratories,libraries,performancespaces,clinicalpractice
sites,museumcollections,asappropriatetotheinstitution’sofferings).
5. Theinstitutionprovidestostudentsguidanceintheeffectiveuseofresearchand
informationresources.
3.D.1.SUprovidesavarietyofstudentsupportservicestomeettheneedsofitsdiverse
studentbody.TheseincludetheAdvisingAssistanceCenter,CareerServices,Officeof
CooperativeEducation,FYEXprogram,DisabilitySupportServices,CounselingServices,
andMulticulturalStudentAffairs.Additionalservicesarealsoprovidedforveterans,adult
learnersintheRBAprogram,transferandcommuterstudents.
3.D.2.Notedherearethefollowing:
•SUhasathoroughprogramfortargetedandindividualizedacademicadvising
•Stretch-modelcourses
•Honorsprogram,TRiOprogram
•ThegeneralresourcesavailableintheCarperLearningCommons.
3.D.3.SUprovidesthoroughacademicadvisingsuitedtotheindividualneedsofadiverse
studentpopulation.Uponenteringtheinstitution,studentsareprovidedindividualized
advisingforcourseschedulingduringeitheranAdvisement/RegistrationSession(i.e.,the
orientationfortraditionalfirst-timestudents)oraTransfer/ReadmittedStudentSession..
TheAdvisingAssistanceCenterisfully-staffedthroughouttheyear.Theevidencefile
includesvariousadvisementformsandalistofFAQsandresourcesforfacultyand
students.
3.D.4.ThissubcomponentsaddressestheITinfrastructure,wirelessaccess,computerlabs,
SakaiCollaborativeLearningEnvironment,usersupport.Furtherevidenceincludes
documentationoflibraryresources,clinicalsites,fieldplacements,andperformance
spaces.Evidencesourcesarenotedinthetext.
SU-AssuranceArgumentSummary
11
3.D.5.informationhereisprovidedbylibrarystaffwhoteachinformationliteracyclasses
andworkshopstostudentsandfacultytofacilitateunderstandingoftheresourcesand
servicesthatthelibraryoffers.Anotherresourceforstudentsandfacultyconducting
researchmustsubmitaproposaltotheInstitutionalReviewBoard(IRB).
3.E-CoreComponent3.E
Theinstitutionfulfillstheclaimsitmakesforanenrichededucationalenvironment.
1. Co-curricularprogramsaresuitedtotheinstitution’smissionandcontributetothe
educationalexperienceofitsstudents.
2. Theinstitutiondemonstratesanyclaimsitmakesaboutcontributionstoits
students’educationalexperiencebyvirtueofaspectsofitsmission,suchas
research,communityengagement,servicelearning,religiousorspiritualpurpose,
andeconomicdevelopment.
3. 3.E.1.Consistentwiththecorevaluesofourmission,co-curricularprogramsfoster
learning,engagement,andcommunityandare,therefore,plentifuloncampus.Examplesof
someoftheseopportunitiesinclude:FYEX,LearningCommunities,CommonReading,
culturalofferings,ProfessionalConnectionsDay,ClubsandOrganizations,OfficeofService
Learning,andnumerouseventsofferedthroughstudentaffairs.
3.E.2.Theseopportunities(see3.E.1)alongwithmanyothersenrichthecollege
experienceandfosterretentionamongstudents,faculty,andstaff.Programparticipation
promotescriticalthinkingasstudentsapplyknowledgeandtheorytopractice.Shepherd’s
learningcommunitypreparesstudentsforcareersinaglobalsocietybyproviding
opportunitiestodevelopreasoning,research,andleadershipskills.Re-iteratedhereis
informationfromtheOfficeofServiceLearningandtheOfficeofStudentCommunity
ServicesnotingthatSUhasbeenrecognizedconsistentlyonthePresident’sHigher
EducationCommunityServiceHonorRoll.Evidencesourcesarenotedinthetext.
3.S-Criterion3-Summary
Theinstitutionprovideshighqualityeducation,whereverandhoweveritsofferingsare
delivered.
Theacademicandco-curricularexperienceatShepherdisguidedbytheUniversity’s
mission,vision,corevalues,andoutcomesembeddedinbothacademicandadministrative
units.ThisisdemonstratedintheLEAPstudentlearningoutcomesembeddedinthecore
curriculumthatallundergraduatestudentscomplete.Theseoutcomesemphasize
theimportanceofdiversityamongpeople,cultures,andnationsoftheworld.
Thegeneraleducationorcorecurriculumprogramhasstronglinkstothemajorinthree
ways:thefirst-yearexperience,writingintensivecourseswithinthemajor,andfinallyan
integrativelearningexperienceinthecapstone.Throughthisstronglinkage,students
demonstratecompetenciesandoutcomesbothingeneraleducationandspecific
knowledgewithinthemajoratever-deepeninglevels.
SU-AssuranceArgumentSummary
12
ThequalityofShepherd'seducationisensuredthroughongoingreviewsofwhereandhow
instructionalofferingsaredelivered.Thisisaccomplishedthroughinformationpublished
intheonlinecatalog,coursesyllabi,articulationagreements,andtheworkofdepartmental
andUniversitycommitteessuchasCoreCurriculum,CurriculumandInstruction,and
ExtendedLearningIntegrityCommittee.Additionalinputfromprogrammaticadvisory
boards,coupledwithinternalpoliciesandprocedures,assuresappropriateness,quality,
relevancy,andcurrencyofprogramofferings.
ShepherdUniversityemploysbothfull-timeandpart-timefacultywhoarerequiredto
remaincurrentinthefield,asdemonstratedthroughguidelinesinthehiringprocessand
throughpoliciesinthefacultyhandbook.Facultymembersalsoparticipateandmentor
studentsintheircreativeworkandthediscoveryofknowledge(research).Throughservice
learningprojectsandco-curricularactivities,studentscaneffectivelyputtheoryinto
practicewithinthecommunity,strengtheningthesymbioticrelationshipoftheUniversity
andtheregionitserves.
Onlinecourseofferingsprovideadditionalopportunitiesforourstudentstocompletetheir
educationalprograms,andfocusedMaster'sdegreesineducation,business,andstudent
affairs,aswellastheDoctorofNursingPractice,emphasizeresearchandservicetothe
profession.
Inadditiontosupportingthelearningprocessthrougheffectiveteaching,studentsupport
servicesandresourcessuchasthelibrary,tutoring,academicadvisingandcounseling,
assessmentandtesting,financialaid,veteranssupportservices,disabilitysupport,and
studentretention,ensurethatallsegmentsofourstudentpopulationhavetheskillsto
thriveacademicallyandsocially,meetingneedsbothinsideandoutsidetheclassroom.
Studentsarealsoprovidedwiththeappropriatetechnologysupportintermsofwireless
access,computerlabs,scientificlibraries,clinicalplacements,instrumentcollections,
performancevenues,andvisualartresources.Thestaffwhoprovidethesecrucialstudent
supportservicesareappropriatelyqualified,trained,andsupportedintheirprofessional
development.
4-TeachingandLearning:EvaluationandImprovement
Theinstitutiondemonstratesresponsibilityforthequalityofitseducationalprograms,
learningenvironments,andsupportservices,anditevaluatestheireffectivenessfor
studentlearningthroughprocessesdesignedtopromotecontinuousimprovement.
4.A-CoreComponent4.A
Theinstitutiondemonstratesresponsibilityforthequalityofitseducationalprograms.
1. Theinstitutionmaintainsapracticeofregularprogramreviews.
2. Theinstitutionevaluatesallthecreditthatittranscripts,includingwhatitawards
forexperientiallearningorotherformsofpriorlearning,orreliesontheevaluation
ofresponsiblethirdparties.
3. Theinstitutionhaspoliciesthatassurethequalityofthecredititacceptsintransfer.
SU-AssuranceArgumentSummary
13
4. Theinstitutionmaintainsandexercisesauthorityovertheprerequisitesforcourses,
rigorofcourses,expectationsforstudentlearning,accesstolearningresources,and
facultyqualificationsforallitsprograms,includingdualcreditprograms.Itassures
thatitsdualcreditcoursesorprogramsforhighschoolstudentsareequivalentin
learningoutcomesandlevelsofachievementtoitshighereducationcurriculum.
5. Theinstitutionmaintainsspecializedaccreditationforitsprogramsasappropriate
toitseducationalpurposes.
6. Theinstitutionevaluatesthesuccessofitsgraduates.Theinstitutionassuresthat
thedegreeorcertificateprogramsitrepresentsaspreparationforadvancedstudy
oremploymentaccomplishthesepurposes.Forallprograms,theinstitutionlooksto
indicatorsitdeemsappropriatetoitsmission,suchasemploymentrates,admission
ratestoadvanceddegreeprograms,andparticipationratesinfellowships,
internships,andspecialprograms(e.g.,PeaceCorpsandAmericorps).
4.A.1.detailstheprogramreviewprocessatShepherdandincludesevidenceintheformof
WV-HEPCSeries10,informationinthefacultyhandbookandtheShepherdConsitution,
alongwithsampleprogramreviewdocumentsandsummaries.AlsoincludedaretheSPA
reportsfromtheTeacherEducationprogram.
Question:Howhasmyworkfitintotheoverallreviewofmyacademicprogram?What
changeshavetakenplaceasaresultofprogramreview?
4.A.2.Shepherdhaspoliciesandproceduresinplacetomaintainintegrityinawarding
credits.Thisisdetailedininformationfoundinthecatalogcoveredavarietyofstudents,
bothundergraduateandgraduate.HLCisconcernedherewiththeassignmentofcreditas
itrelatestopriorlearning,suchasintheRBAprogram.
4.A.3.Articulationagreementshavebeenestablishedwith25stateandregional
institutionsofhigherlearning,detailsofShepherd’stransferpoliciesfoundonwebpages
andinthecatalog.
4.A.4.Thesub-componentdescribestheprocesswhochangingcurriculaatthe
undergraduateandgraduatelevels,detailinghowchangesflowfromdepartmentsto
academicschoolsandinstitutionalgoverningcommittees.
4.A.5.Thissub-componentcontainalistofShepherd’saccreditatonsandwheretheyare
found,suchasConsumerInformationwebpage,AccreditationsandInstitutionalPlanning
page,intheSUcatalogandontheAcademicAffairswebsite.
4.A.6.Thesuccessorplacementofourgraduatesisfoundinprogramreviewdocuments,
WVHEPCSeries10,theinstitutionalcompactandvarioussurveysconductedbyAlumni
AffairsandCareerServices.Successisalsodocumentedthroughthelicensurepassratesof
programssuchasTeacherEducation,NursingandSocialWork.
SU-AssuranceArgumentSummary
14
4.B-CoreComponent4.B
Theinstitutiondemonstratesacommitmenttoeducationalachievementandimprovement
throughongoingassessmentofstudentlearning.
1. Theinstitutionhasclearlystatedgoalsforstudentlearningandeffectiveprocesses
forassessmentofstudentlearningandachievementoflearninggoals.
2. Theinstitutionassessesachievementofthelearningoutcomesthatitclaimsforits
curricularandco-curricularprograms.
3. Theinstitutionusestheinformationgainedfromassessmenttoimprovestudent
learning.
4. Theinstitution’sprocessesandmethodologiestoassessstudentlearningreflect
goodpractice,includingthesubstantialparticipationoffacultyandother
instructionalstaffmembers.
4.B.1.TheassessmentprocessatShepherdismulti-tieredandhighly
interconnected.Goalsforstudentlearningareclearlyarticulatedatthemacro-level
throughouruniversitystrategicplanandcorecurriculum,andallacademicdepartments
andadministrativeunitsarealsorequiredtoarticulateandsubmittheirownstudent
learninggoalsevery18months.Indoingso,departmentsandadministrativeunitsare
askedtoclearlylinktheirownstudentlearninggoalstotheuniversitymission,thegoalsof
theuniversitystrategicplan,and,whereapplicable,theAAC&U'sLiberalEducationand
America’sPromise(LEAP)goalsandcorecurriculumcompetencies.Thisendeavoris
facilitatedbyadepartmentchairorunitadministratororadesignatedmemberwithinthat
area.
LargeevidencefilesincludeassessmentreportsrunthroughWEAVE,theCLA
test(CollegiateLearningAssessment),theMAPPTestandtheNoel-LevitzandtheNational
SurveyofStudentEngagement(NSSE),areutilizedbyShepherdUniversitytocollect
informationaboutstudentlearningandassesstheextenttowhichstudentsengageinand
learnfromenriching,educationalexperiencesbothonandoffcampus.
4.B.2.Theprocessofreviewingtheassessmentofstudentlearningiseffectiveandmultitiered.AnongoingprojectfortheCenterforTeachingandLearningistheorganizationand
facilitationofassessmentactivitiesforShepherdUniversityasawhole.Thedescription
includesinformationontheAssessmentTaskForce(ATF),resourcessuchasminigrants
andtheannual“CelebrationofLearning."
4.B.3.Thiscorecomponentsnoteschangesthatweremadetoprogramsafterassessment
resultshavebeenreported.Thesearealsoacrucialpartoftheprogramreviewprocess.
Asafurtherextensionofouruniversity’sstrivingforcontinuousimprovement,the
AssessmentTaskForcehasstartedamonthlyemailnewsletter,“TheAssessmentMonthly”
showinghowtheassessmentprocesshasbeenusedtomakeconsiderableimprovements
tovariousprograms,servicesandcurricula.Theintentistoassistotherdepartmentsand
unitswithwaystoutilizetheirassessmentfindings.
SU-AssuranceArgumentSummary
15
4.B.4.AmajorstrengthoftheUniversityassessmentprogramisthatUldepartmentsand
administrativeunitsacrosscampushaveassessmentfacilitatorsandproduceassessment
plansandreportsevery18months.Assessmentplanandreportstatusesaretransparent
canbeviewedeasilyviaWEAVE.
4.C-CoreComponent4.C
Theinstitutiondemonstratesacommitmenttoeducationalimprovementthroughongoing
attentiontoretention,persistence,andcompletionratesinitsdegreeandcertificate
programs.
1. Theinstitutionhasdefinedgoalsforstudentretention,persistence,andcompletion
thatareambitiousbutattainableandappropriatetoitsmission,student
populations,andeducationalofferings.
2. Theinstitutioncollectsandanalyzesinformationonstudentretention,persistence,
andcompletionofitsprograms.
3. Theinstitutionusesinformationonstudentretention,persistence,andcompletion
ofprogramstomakeimprovementsaswarrantedbythedata.
4. Theinstitution’sprocessesandmethodologiesforcollectingandanalyzing
informationonstudentretention,persistence,andcompletionofprogramsreflect
goodpractice.(InstitutionsarenotrequiredtouseIPEDSdefinitionsintheir
determinationofpersistenceorcompletionrates.Institutionsareencouragedto
choosemeasuresthataresuitabletotheirstudentpopulations,butinstitutionsare
accountableforthevalidityoftheirmeasures.)
5. 4.C.1.ShepherdUniversityestablishesgoalsforstudentretentionpersistence,and
completionindocumentssuchastheinstitutionalcompact.Enrollment,demographicand
retentiondataisgatheredbytheOfficeofInstitutionalResearch(OIR).Shepherd’s
populationdata,combinedwithstateandnational-trenddataisusedtodefinegoalsfor
studentsuccess.Thesub-componentdetailsretentionresultsandnotesconnectionstothe
institutionalstrategicplan.Alsoincludedarecomparisonswithvariouspeergroups.
4.C.2.SUdiligentlycollectsandanalyzesinformationonstudentretention,persistenceand
degreecompletion.MostofthisdataisprocessedbytheOfficeofInstitutionalResearch
(OIR),andresultsarepostedontheirwebpagesandsharedwithadministration,faculty,
andstaff.EffortsherearealsonotedregardingBeacon/RAMPulse,StudentSuccess
CommitteeandSatisfactoryAcademicProgress.
4.C.3.Thissubcomponentnotesanumberofthesameresourcesanddocumentsrelatedto
studentretentionanddetailsinformationtargetsatspecificpopulationsofstudentslike
transferstudents,commutersandadultlearners.Alsonotedareitemssuchasthe
compact,strategicplanandreportstotheBoardofGovernorsbyvariousacademicand
administrativeunits.
4.C.4.TheOfficeofInstitutionalResearchusesareportingsystemthatispartofthe
CONNECTsystemutilizedbytheAdmissionsOfficecombinedwithBannerdatatocompile
specificallydefinedcohortdata.Thisfacilitatestheanalysisofvarioussubgroupsinour
SU-AssuranceArgumentSummary
16
studentandfacultypopulation.SUalsoutilizesavarietyofassessmentstoimprove
institutionaleffectivenessandstudentretentioncenteredonitsacademicprograms.These
includeprogramreview,facultyevaluations,promotionandtenure,meritawards,and
studentcourseevaluation.Theprevioussectionsof4Coutlinedatacollectionand
reportingprovidedtoShepherdbynationalandfederalorganizations(IPEDS,Department
ofEducation,VoluntarySystemofAccountability),stateorganizationsliketheWV-HEPC,
anddataprovidedbyorganizationsofwhichShepherdisamember,suchas
COPLAC.ThesedatacomparisonsallowShepherdtoformulateperformancebenchmarks
relatedtooperationalandacademicoutcomes.
4.S-Criterion4-Summary
Theinstitutiondemonstratesresponsibilityforthequalityofitseducationalprograms,
learningenvironments,andsupportservices,anditevaluatestheireffectivenessfor
studentlearningthroughprocessesdesignedtopromotecontinuousimprovement.
ShepherdUniversitysustainscontinuousimprovementinitsevaluationofteachingand
learningasevidencedthroughitsefforttoutilizebestpracticestomeetthechallengesof
theinstitution'smission,theregionitserves,andthecurrentlandscapeofhigher
education.Inourargument,wehaveoutlinedpolicies,procedures,andinfrastructurethat
demonstrateandsupportourcommitmenttoimprovingboththequalityofour
educationalprogramsandalsooursystemsforongoingassessmentofstudentlearningand
supportservices,allinconjunctionwithbenchmarksforretention,persistence,and
completionrates.Theseeffortsaredemonstratedininstitutionalplanningdocumentssuch
astheinstitutionalcompactanditsresultsreportedtotheWestVirginiaHigherEducation
PolicyCommission.Additionalbenchmarksanddataareconsideredthroughthe
institutionalstrategicindicatorsanddatasetsfromIPEDSandCOPLAC.
Throughtheuseofhigh-qualitydata,Shepherd'scontinuedattentiontoretention,
persistenceandcompletionrateswillenableittocontinuouslyimproveanddemonstrate
itsongoingcommitmenttothequalityofitsprograms.
WhileShepherdhasmadeprogressinmanyoftheareasdescribedabove,aconsistentor
centralizedinfrastructureforthesystemiccollection,analysis,anduseofstudentand
institutionaldatabaseduponbestpracticesiscurrentlyinprogress,mostnotablyin
trackingthesuccessofourgraduates.Throughtheseactionstheinstitutioncontinuesto
useitsmissionandcorevaluesasaguidingdocumenttobea"gatewaytotheworldof
opportunitiesandideas,"andinitscorevalueoflearning,to"createchallenging,relevant
experiences,insideandoutsideoftheclassroom,theuniversitycontinuallyevaluatesand
assessesstudentlearning."
5-Resources,Planning,andInstitutionalEffectiveness
Theinstitution’sresources,structures,andprocessesaresufficienttofulfillitsmission,
improvethequalityofitseducationalofferings,andrespondtofuturechallengesand
opportunities.Theinstitutionplansforthefuture.
SU-AssuranceArgumentSummary
17
5.A-CoreComponent5.A
Theinstitution’sresourcebasesupportsitscurrenteducationalprogramsanditsplansfor
maintainingandstrengtheningtheirqualityinthefuture.
1. Theinstitutionhasthefiscalandhumanresourcesandphysicalandtechnological
infrastructuresufficienttosupportitsoperationswhereverandhoweverprograms
aredelivered.
2. Theinstitution’sresourceallocationprocessensuresthatitseducationalpurposes
arenotadverselyaffectedbyelectiveresourceallocationstootherareasor
disbursementofrevenuetoasuperordinateentity.
3. Thegoalsincorporatedintomissionstatementsorelaborationsofmission
statementsarerealisticinlightoftheinstitution’sorganization,resources,and
opportunities.
4. Theinstitution’sstaffinallareasareappropriatelyqualifiedandtrained.
5. Theinstitutionhasawell-developedprocessinplaceforbudgetingandfor
monitoringexpense.
5.A.1.dealswithinstitutionalcapacityandmakingsurethatresourcesareinplace
internallyandexternallythatgoalscanbemet.Theserangefromrevenueandexpensesto
capitalinitiatives,andhumanresourcestoITinfrastructure.
5.A.2.isadescriptionoftheannualbudgetprocess.Allacademicandadministrativeunits
havetheopportunitytoparticipateinthebudgetingprocessatShepherdUniversity.The
processfocusesonthemissionofShepherdUniversityasitrelatestotheeducation
experiencesofitsstudents.
5.A.3.ensuresthatinrelationtothebudgetprocess,appropriateresourcesareinplacein
consideringnewprogramsandotherinitiatives.Notedintheevidencefileareplanning
documents,implementationandassessmentsplansassociatedwiththecompactand
strategicplan.
5.A.4.TheOfficeofHumanResourcesmonitorsthehiring,evaluationandprofessional
developmentofadministrativeandclassifiedstaff.Overseenbythegeneralcounsel,this
officealsomonitorstheUniversity’scompliancewithfederalandstateequalopportunity
andnondiscriminationlawsandregulations.InformationfromvarioushandbooksandHR
resourcesiscontainedintheevidencefile.Resourcesarealsoincludedforfacultyandstaff
professionaldevelopment.
5.A.5.notesthecommitteestructureatShepherdthatincludesvariousinternalandat
timesexternalstakeholders.Asnotedin5.A.2.,theUniversitybudgetprocessis
participatory,withinputsolicitedfrommultiplelevelsoftheinstitution.Evidence
sourcesincludebudgetmemos,HEPCdocuments,anddocumentsdetailingcommittee
structure.
SU-AssuranceArgumentSummary
18
5.B-CoreComponent5.B
Theinstitution’sgovernanceandadministrativestructurespromoteeffectiveleadership
andsupportcollaborativeprocessesthatenabletheinstitutiontofulfillitsmission.
1. Thegoverningboardisknowledgeableabouttheinstitution;itprovidesoversightof
theinstitution’sfinancialandacademicpoliciesandpracticesandmeetsitslegal
andfiduciaryresponsibilities.
2. Theinstitutionhasandemployspoliciesandprocedurestoengageitsinternal
constituencies—includingitsgoverningboard,administration,faculty,staff,and
students—intheinstitution’sgovernance.
3. Administration,faculty,staff,andstudentsareinvolvedinsettingacademic
requirements,policy,andprocessesthrougheffectivestructuresforcontribution
andcollaborativeeffort.
5.B.1.TheShepherdUniversityBoardofGovernors(BoG)providesoversightofthe
University’sbusinessthroughitsregularlyscheduledmeetingsandthoseoftheboard
committees.Thelegalobligationsandresponsibilities,aswellasthecriteriaforboard
membershiparedetailedinCriterion2.C.Detailedaretheitemsconsideredateach
meeting,aswellasregularreportstotheBoG.
5.B.2.ShepherdUniversityengagesitsinternalconstituenciesthroughsharedgovernance
wheneverpossibleandappropriate.ThisisdetailedintheSUBoGBylaws,Article1,
meetingsbyvariousgroupssuchasExecutiveStaff,FacultySenate,UniversityAssembly,
AdministrativeCouncil,SGA,etc.Internalconstituenciesarealsoengagedinmajor
planninginitiativessuchastheCampusMasterPlan,CurrentsStrategicPlanandthe
InstitutionalCompact.
5.B.3.ShepherdUniversityencouragestheinvolvementofitsconstituentsinsetting
academicrequirementsandprocessesthroughitsorganizationalandgovernance
structure.Thisincludesdepartments,academicschools,divisions,institutesandadvisory
councils.ThisincludestheBogandtheFacultySenate:StandingCommitteesand
CouncilsoftheFacultySenate,asdefinedbyitsbylawsandtheSUConstitution,overseethe
developmentofcurriculum,academicpolicyandthesupervisionofthosepoliciesand
procedures(CoreCurriclum,A&C,C&I).GraduateCouncilandvariousprogrammatic
advisoryboardsandcouncils.Evidencefilesareincludedinthetext.
5.C-CoreComponent5.C
Theinstitutionengagesinsystematicandintegratedplanning.
1. Theinstitutionallocatesitsresourcesinalignmentwithitsmissionandpriorities.
2. Theinstitutionlinksitsprocessesforassessmentofstudentlearning,evaluationof
operations,planning,andbudgeting.
3. Theplanningprocessencompassestheinstitutionasawholeandconsidersthe
perspectivesofinternalandexternalconstituentgroups.
4. Theinstitutionplansonthebasisofasoundunderstandingofitscurrentcapacity.
Institutionalplansanticipatethepossibleimpactoffluctuationsintheinstitution’s
sourcesofrevenue,suchasenrollment,theeconomy,andstatesupport.
SU-AssuranceArgumentSummary
19
5. Institutionalplanninganticipatesemergingfactors,suchastechnology,
demographicshifts,andglobalization.
5.C.1.ThissubcomponentcirclesbacktoShepherd'splanningandbudgetprocess
aligningwiththestrategicplanoftheinstitutionandthoseofacademicandadministrative
units.Thisisalsodetailedinthecompact,theCampusMasterPlan(vol.II)andstrategic
fundinginitiativesdevelopedbyUniversityAdvancement.
5.C.2.ShepherdUniversitycontinuestoevolveandprogressinthisarea,asreflectedby
ongoinginvestmentinsystemstointegrate,share,andapplyinformationonstudent
outcomes,institutionalandoperationalperformance.Seedatausedforprogramreview
andresourcesallocatedtothesupportofstudentsuccess(TRiO,FYEX,etc.).
5.C.3.Internalandexternalstakeholdergroupsplayimportantrolesintheplanning
processesatShepherdUniversity.Thisincludesthestrategicplan,campusmasterplanand
institutionalcompact.Anumberofacademicprogramsandunitshaveadvisoryboardwith
externalmembersorareaccredited(see5.B.3.)toensuretheircurriculumisalignedwith
appropriateemergingtrendsandexpectations.Theseinclude:
5.C.4.AnnualbudgetplanningatShepherdisbasedoncurrentcapacityforenrollment,the
stateappropriationandanticipatedexternalfundingsuchasgrants,annualgivingand
plannedgifts.Asnoted,theappropriationfromthestatehasrepresentedanincreasingly
smallerpercentageoftheannualoperatingbudget,and,inaccordanceexecutivestaff,the
CFOandthebudgetadvisorycounciltakeintoaccountsuchfluctuationsinrevenues.A
crucialpartofdeterminingrevenuecapacityisdemonstratedintheenrollmenttobudget
projections,whicharegeneratedonaweeklybasisfordiscussioninexecutivestaff.During
theannualbudgetprocess,thisinformationallowstheCFO,executivestaffandthebudget
advisorycounciltomakeinformeddecisionsaboutemergingtrendsforthecomingyear.
5.C.5.Theinstitutionalplanningprocessdescribedthroughouttheassuranceargument
documentsShepherd'sabilitytoanticipateemergingfactorsandtrendsbothinstitutionally
andonabroaderregionalandnationallevel.Theseincludeadultlearners,veterans,
internationalandtransferstudent,FTICstudents,investmentsinclassroomtechnology,
andthedevelopmentofnewprogramsandfacilities.
5.D-CoreComponent5.D
Theinstitutionworkssystematicallytoimproveitsperformance.
1. Theinstitutiondevelopsanddocumentsevidenceofperformanceinitsoperations.
2. Theinstitutionlearnsfromitsoperationalexperienceandappliesthatlearningto
improveitsinstitutionaleffectiveness,capabilities,andsustainability,overallandin
itscomponentparts.
5.D.1.Asapublicinstitutiondedicatedtothepublicgoodandinsupportofitsmission,
ShepherdUniversityutilizesevidencethatisthebasisforimprovement.Thisincludes
statewideandinstitutionalmetricsintheinstitutional,annualreportsofacademicand
SU-AssuranceArgumentSummary
20
administrativeunits,aswellasnationalizeddatasetsfromIPEDSandtheVoluntary
SystemforAccountability.TheseincludeStrategicindicators,WV-HEPCReportCard,IR
datasets,IPEDSannualizeddatareportandtheVoluntarySystemofAccountabilitytrack
Shepherd'scosts,graduation,acceptanceandretentionrates,asdoestheCOPLACCommon
DataSet.
5.D.2.Asaresultoftheongoingreportingelementsandevidencepresent,theUniversity
hasuseddatatodevelopnewormodifyexistingprogramsasaresultofitshistoricand
pastexperiencesandperformancerecord.Inlookingattheoutcomes,theinstitution
strivestounderstandhoworganizationalstructureandworkprocesseshavehelpedor
hinderedresults.Diligentoversightofenrollmentasitrelatestoproposedbudgets,and
theabilitytorevisethebudgetpercutsinstateappropriationsorvariationsinenrollment
haveallowedShepherdtocontinuetofulfillitsmission.SeeStudentProcesses,Capital
Fundingpriorities,graphicdesignsavings,PeopleAdminsystem,OASIS,environmental
sustainabilityefforts,purchasingandcommoditycontracts,softwaresystemssuchasthose
fromCampusLabs,andvacancysavings.
5.S-Criterion5-Summary
ShepherdUniversityeffectivelyandefficientlydedicatesandutilizesitsresources,facilities,
andprocessestofulfilltheinstitutionalmission,andtocontinuouslyimprovethequalityof
theacademicexperienceofitsdiversestudentpopulationandthecommunityitserves.
ShepherdUniversitystrivestoconsistentlymanageitsexistingfinancialresources
effectively,whilesimultaneouslyworkingtodevelopnewcampus-basedandexternal
revenues.Thiswillenabletheinstitutiontoaddresscurrentandfuturechallengesand
opportunities.Theinstitutionisutilizingnewtoolsanddatasets,includingstrategic
indicators,proformaanalysis,andcostanalysisofrevenueandexpenseperFTE,which
allowtheUniversitytobetterunderstandtheflowandsourcesofrevenueandexpenses.
PlanningdocumentsandprocessesaretransparentandinclusiveandaidShepherdin
supportingandsustainingitseducationalprograms,whileatthesametimemonitoring
qualityandeffectiveness.Theinstitutionhasastrongrecordofinvitingandincluding
participationfromvariousinternalandexternalstakeholdersasitmapsitsfuture.The
institution'sfinancialstatusandinformationissharedregularlywiththePresidentand
ExecutiveStaffandissharedquarterlywiththeAuditCommitteeandtheBoardof
Governors.Auditsandfinancialstatementsaretransparentandavailableoninstitutional
webpagesoftheBoGandOfficeofFinance.Asaresult,theUniversitycontinuestobewell
positionedtomakeeffectivedecisionsonhowitinvestsresourcestosupportthe
institutionalmission.Thisfocuswillensurethattheinstitutioncanachieveitslong-term
strategicvisiontobecomeapremierpubicliberalartsuniversitythatsuccessfullysupports
studentlearning.