Periodic Review Report Presented by Goucher College June 2004 Chief Executive Officer: Sanford J. Ungar Commission actions preceding this report: February 25, 1999: The Commission reaffirmed accreditation and requested a report by October 1, 2000, on progress made in the area of outcomes assessment. November 21, 2000: The Commission acted to accept the follow-up report submitted by Goucher College, and to request that the Periodic Review Report of June 2004 address further progress in the implementation of the outcomes assessment plan. Date of the Evaluation Team’s Visit: October 11-14, 1998 TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary…………………………………………………………… 1 Introduction…………………………………………………………………… 2 A. Responsive Leadership in a Time of Transformation………….. 3 B. The Strategic Plan……………………………………………… 7 C. Additional Financial Resources: The Campaign……………… 9 D. Methodology of Preparation of Report………………………… 10 E. Objectives and Format of the Report…………………………… 11 Part I: Overview of Goucher College…………………………………… 13 A. Values………………………………………………………….. 13 B. Governance…………………………………………………….. 14 C. Faculty…………………………………………………………. 14 D. Administration……………………………………………….… 17 E. Staff ………………………………………………………….… 17 F. Facilities………………………………………………………... 18 G. Academic Programs……………………………………………. 19 H. Memberships…………………………………………………… 21 I. Enrollment……………………………………………………... 21 J. Marketing and Student Recruitment…………………………… 27 K. Student Life……………………………………………………. 27 L. Financial Matters………………………………………………. 28 M. Budgetary Procedures, Reporting, and Systems……………….. 31 N. Financial Aid…………………………………………………… 31 O. Investments…………………………………………………….. 32 P. Fundraising Activity…………………………………………… 34 Q. Insurance……………………………………………………….. 35 R. Outstanding Indebtedness……………………………………… 35 S. Retirement Plan………………………………………………… 36 T. Institutional Research ………………………………………….. 36 Part II: Changes Since Last Report………………………………………… 38 A. Development of the Academic Program: Curriculum………... 38 B. Faculty Development………………………………………..… 40 C. A More Vibrant and Diverse Community…………………..… 41 D. Facilities……………………………………………………..… 43 i Part III: Responses to the Self-Study and Evaluation Reports…………… 45 A. Faculty Work and Scholarship…………………………………. 45 B. The Welch Center for Graduate and Professional Studies……... 49 C. Computing and Technology……………………………………. 53 D. Library………………………………………………………….. 58 E. Student Services………………………………………………... 61 F. Coeducation…………………………………………………….. 68 G. Outcomes Assessment…………………………………………. 69 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………… 77 Appendices……………………………………………………………………… 78 I. Strategic Plan insert, Goucher Quarterly, April 2004, “Marking the Map of the World” II. Briefing Booklet, “Transcending Boundaries of the Map & the Mind, A Bold New Vision for Goucher College, September 2003” III. Profile of Graduates from the Class of 2002 IV. Goucher College Board of Trustees, 2004-05 V. Fall 2004, Frontiers Course Descriptions VI. Goucher College Dashboard Indicators, May 2004 VII. Curricular Transformation Group (CTG) II: Report and Recommendations, May 5, 2003 draft VIII. 1/23/04 In Support of a Vibrant Intellectual Campus Community, 4th Draft of Combined Reports, September 12, 2003 IX. Faculty Senate Model X. Bachelor of Arts with a Master of Arts in Teaching (BA/MAT) Proposed for Those Wishing an Alternative Route to Secondary Certification in Five Years, February 9, 2004 XI. Fall 2003, Frontiers Course Description XII. Enrollment Management Five-Year Trend data XIII. Curricular Transformation Group (CTG) III Cluster Course Proposal, September 29, 2003 ii XIV. Institutional Benchmark Report, November 2003, National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), The College Student Report 2003 CIRP Institutional Profile (1082-00), Goucher College, First Time Full Time Additional Publications Campus Handbook, Goucher College 2003-2004 Goucher College Fact Book, Fall 2003 & Fiscal Year 2003 Academic Catalogue, 2003-2004, Education Without Boundaries, Goucher College Goucher College Financial Statements June 30, 2002 and 2001 (with independent auditors’ report thereon) Goucher College Financial Statements June 30, 2003 and 2002 (with independent auditors’ report thereon) Undergraduate Faculty Handbook draft iii Executive Summary Goucher College has changed significantly since the time of the last Middle States accreditation visit and report. There is a new leadership team, including the president and all vice presidents, and other members of the senior staff. There is an entirely new strategic plan, Transcending Boundaries of the Map & the Mind, which charts a new vision of a Goucher education, including a significant focus on international and intercultural learning in all disciplines. The new plan is leading to major reform of the curriculum. Undergraduate applications and enrollments are up substantially, as are the credentials of entering students. Graduate programs have grown steadily and prudently. The discount rate is down, finances are sound, and the college is about to obtain its first-ever bond rating. Outstanding new faculty members have been hired in many disciplines. A major construction program is underway. During the summer of 2004, the Campus Loop Road and underground utilities are being moved in order to make room for a new 185-bed residence hall. Two new parking lots will be constructed at the north and south ends of campus, replacing an existing one at the center of campus; a power plant will also be constructed to serve the residence hall and other new buildings. Financing arrangements for the new residence hall will be complete in July, and ground will be broken for this project the following month, in order to complete it in time for occupancy in August 2005. The next step will be construction of the Athenaeum, home of Goucher’s future state-of-the art library and many related facilities, including group study rooms, eating and exercise areas, a commuter lounge, and an open forum. The state of Maryland has provided a $3 million capital grant toward this project, and the required match of these funds from private donations has already been accomplished. When the Athenaeum is complete, the Julia Rogers building that houses the existing library will be renovated to create new classrooms and faculty offices. The “silent phase” of a new capital campaign is underway, and substantial donations have been received to fund the building projects, faculty resources, and the international emphasis in the academic program. A growing number of Goucher students are traveling overseas, many for a full semester or a year of study, but even more to participate in the 14 innovative three-week intensive courses conducted in January or May/June. These programs, interdisciplinary in nature, are preceded and followed by courses on campus in which the students plan for and integrate their exposure to other cultures into their other intellectual experiences. During the coming academic year, the college will introduce its new International Portfolio Program, which will permit students from all disciplines to add a global dimension to their major, complete with language study at the advanced level. This Periodic Review Report has provided Goucher College an opportunity to review our accomplishments and focus on our new goals and plans. We recognize that there is still considerable work to be done in the areas of student retention and the graduation rate, as well as outcomes assessment. The report outlines the concrete steps the college will be taking in those areas before the next Middle States accreditation visit. In the meantime, Goucher is growing, creating, and discovering its future. Executive Summary Goucher College has changed significantly since the time of the last Middle States accreditation visit and report. There is a new leadership team, including the president and all vice presidents, and other members of the senior staff. There is an entirely new strategic plan, Transcending Boundaries of the Map & the Mind, which charts a new vision of a Goucher education, including a significant focus on international and intercultural learning in all disciplines. The new plan is leading to major reform of the curriculum. Undergraduate applications and enrollments are up substantially, as are the credentials of entering students. Graduate programs have grown steadily and prudently. The discount rate is down, finances are sound, and the college is about to obtain its first-ever bond rating. Outstanding new faculty members have been hired in many disciplines. A major construction program is underway. During the summer of 2004, the Campus Loop Road and underground utilities are being moved in order to make room for a new 185-bed residence hall. Two new parking lots will be constructed at the north and south ends of campus, replacing an existing one at the center of campus; a power plant will also be constructed to serve the residence hall and other new buildings. Financing arrangements for the new residence hall will be complete in July, and ground will be broken for this project the following month, in order to complete it in time for occupancy in August 2005. The next step will be construction of the Athenaeum, home of Goucher’s future state-of-the art library and many related facilities, including group study rooms, eating and exercise areas, a commuter lounge, and an open forum. The state of Maryland has provided a $3 million capital grant toward this project, and the required match of these funds from private donations has already been accomplished. When the Athenaeum