Arkansas-State-University-Document 1 09-13--09-12-13.Pdf
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Arkansas State University HLC Self-Study 2013 Chancellor’s Welcome Arkansas State University welcomes the Higher Learning Commission to our campus in Jonesboro, Ark., and we are pleased to provide HLC with our Self-Study Report. This report is the work of a community of learners striving to collaborate for the highest quality education to our students. We are determined to improve outcomes, and the self- study is a key part of the process. Our commitment to dialogue with our faculty, transparency to our constituencies and the assessment of our work product are the key factors in our vision of constant quality improvement at Arkansas State. We articulate our commitment to the welfare of our students through the university’s mission statement: Arkansas State educates leaders, enhances intellectual growth and enriches lives. The key three words – educate, enhance, enrich – become our formula: e3. It keeps us focused on the value of education we provide and on our goal of challenging students to be known for their achievements, to make a living, make a life, and make a difference. Throughout this process, our Provost, Dr. Lynita Cooksey, assembled a team to ensure greater input from our faculty and campus constituencies. We believe the final product reflects a growing culture of shared governance, by improving input from faculty, administrators, our valuable staff, our students and our larger community. Synergy is a key concept for our campus. On behalf of the entire university, I want to thank the numerous faculty and staff who contributed hundreds of hours of work toward this report. The Self-Study Report revealed areas needing improvement that we seek to address. Our future planning process is informed by the input we have received from our faculty and students. We appreciate and welcome frank, honest discourse on the future of A-State, and we encourage greater communication and transparency. Arkansas State is positioning itself to become a destination institution of higher learning. The feedback from HLC and the on-site review team will guide us along our journey. Thank you for your time and effort as peer reviewers for the Higher Learning Commission. Through your efforts to advance national higher education, we are all able to enhance our ability to educate, enhance and enrich. We look forward to your visit to our campus. Sincerely, Tim Hudson Chancellor Arkansas State University HLC Self-Study 2013 Mission Statement Arkansas State University educates leaders, enhances intellectual growth and enriches lives. Arkansas State University HLC Self-Study 2013 2 Table of Contents Letter from Chancellor Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 6 History ....................................................................................................................................................... 6 Self-Study Process ..................................................................................................................................... 8 Accreditation History .............................................................................................................................. 10 Response to 2003 HLC Comprehensive Visit .......................................................................................... 10 Shared Governance and Strategic Planning ............................................................................................ 10 Assessment ............................................................................................................................................. 11 Chapter One–Criterion One .............................................................................................................. 15 1.A. .......................................................................................................................................................... 17 1.B. .......................................................................................................................................................... 28 1.C. .......................................................................................................................................................... 32 1.D. .......................................................................................................................................................... 39 Chapter Two–Criterion Two ............................................................................................................. 51 2.A. .......................................................................................................................................................... 53 2.B. .......................................................................................................................................................... 65 2.C. .......................................................................................................................................................... 69 2.D. .......................................................................................................................................................... 73 2.E............................................................................................................................................................ 74 Chapter Three–Criterion Three ......................................................................................................... 81 3.A. .......................................................................................................................................................... 83 3.B. .......................................................................................................................................................... 87 3.C. ........................................................................................................................................................ 100 3.D. ........................................................................................................................................................ 106 3.E.......................................................................................................................................................... 129 Chapter Four—Criterion Four ......................................................................................................... 134 4.A. ........................................................................................................................................................ 136 4.B. ........................................................................................................................................................ 151 4.C. ........................................................................................................................................................ 161 Chapter Five—Criterion Five ........................................................................................................... 184 5.A. ........................................................................................................................................................ 186 5.B. ........................................................................................................................................................ 217 5.C. ........................................................................................................................................................ 225 5.D. ........................................................................................................................................................ 229 Supporting Documents ................................................................................................................... 239 Request for Continued Accreditation .............................................................................................. 240 Institutional Snapshot Data ............................................................................................................ 241 Federal Compliance........................................................................................................................ 242 Self-study Committees ................................................................................................................... 282 Abbreviations ................................................................................................................................ 286 Arkansas State University HLC Self-Study 2013 4 5 INTRODUCTION Educating Leaders, Enhancing Knowledge, and Enriching Lives Arkansas State University HLC Self-Study 2013 6 INTRODUCTION Educating Leaders, Enhancing Knowledge and Enriching Lives Now in its second century, Arkansas State University is entering an exciting time in its life as a university as it continues to educate leaders, enhance knowledge and enrich lives. As the flagship campus of the Arkansas State University System, it is home to approximately 14,000 students, 490 faculty and 1200 staff. In the last decade, the institution has experienced substantial growth with a 25% increase in enrollment. Research and graduate programs have continued to grow exponentially as the university continues to serve the region and global community in new and exciting ways. Arkansas State is located in the Mississippi Delta region of Northeast Arkansas. It is the only public, comprehensive