West Virginia University recently formed a Self-Study Steering Committee that will oversee the review the Universitys academic and fiscal programs as part of a 10-year accreditation process of the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA) of Colleges and Schools.

This thorough evaluation occurs every 10 years, said Rosemary R. Haggett, associate provost for Academic Programs. Nicholas G. Evans, associate dean in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, will lead the process and chair WVU s 22-member NCA Self-Study Committee.

“The NCA has us look at issues ranging from governance and faculty to educational programs, finances and public information,”Haggett said.”They want information on our student learning outcomes, financial aid sources, operating expenses, faculty and administrators, facilities and more. They expect to see a high level of integrity and accountability.”

The process will take two years and involve surveys, focus groups and subcommittees in intense evaluation and study. It will culminate in April 2004 when the Higher Learning Commission of the NCA makes an on-site evaluation visit to WVU .

The association, one of six regional accrediting groups in the United States, grants membership to educational institutions in the 19-state north central region. WVU has been continuously accredited since 1930.

Joining Haggett and Evans on WVU s NCA Self-Study Steering Committee are:

  • Marie A. Abate, Pharmacy
  • Timothy Pearson, Accounting
  • Kathy Bissonnette, Institutional Analysis and Planning
  • Jerry Blakely, Business and Economics
  • Jim Brown, Creative Arts
  • Trish Cendana, Provosts Office
  • Stan Cohen, Psychology
  • Lee Comer, Physical Plant
  • Sue Day-Perroots, Extended Learning
  • Larry LeFlore, Extension
  • Myra Lowe, Libraries
  • Marybeth Mandich, Health Sciences
  • Anne Nardi, Human Resources and Education
  • Kerry Odell, Agriculture/Forestry/Consumer Science
  • Sheila Price, Dentistry
  • Elizabeth Reynolds, Budget Planning
  • Nithi Sivaneri, Engineering
  • David Stewart, Resident Faculty Leader Program
  • Tim Sweet, English
  • Brenda Thompson, Financial Aid

Haggett also wants to engage the University community in the evaluation process. She invites those interested in participating to contact one of the steering committee members, the Provosts Office, 293-2661, or e-mail nicholas.evans@mail.wvu.edu .