July 11, 2014 Michael Engh President Santa Clara University 500 El Camino Real Santa Clara, California 950553-0015 Dear President Engh: At its meeting via teleconference on July 10, 2014, a panel of the Interim Report Committee considered the report of Santa Clara University (SCU) submitted on March 1, 2014, along with the supporting documents which accompanied it. The members appreciated the opportunity to discuss the interim report with your colleagues: Dennis Jacobs, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; Diane Jonte-Pace, Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs; and Ed Ryan, Vice Provost for Planning and Institutional Effectiveness and ALO. The discussion was informative and helped the panelists to understand more clearly SCU’s responses to the Commission Action Letter dated July 5, 2011 following the EER Visit of February 7-9, 2011. That Commission letter asked the institution to address four issues related to the activities of the institution: (1) promoting a community of inclusive excellence; (2) integrating the Jesuit School of Theology (JST) into the life of SCU; (3) refining and expanding assessment and program review; and (4) enhancing shared governance and communication. The panel commended SCU for an exemplary report. It was well-organized, thoughtfully balanced between description and analysis, amply supported by appropriate evidence, and characterized by a forthright and candid perspective. There was significant evidence of progress in each of the areas, even as the institution was grappling with a significant campus event. The conversation with your colleagues complemented and enhanced the laudable work presented in the report itself. With respect to promoting a community of inclusive excellence, the panel found that the specific acts of establishing an Office for Diversity and Inclusion and creating a comprehensive diversity dashboard are potent evidence of the institution’s intent to foster inclusion. When coupled with focused programs designed to increase recruitment and strengthen retention for under- represented students, SCU has created the foundation and initial floor for the community it seeks. The panel understands that these efforts are relatively new, and that assessment of their efficacy will take time. However, the indication that these efforts are achieving modest success at this early stage is encouraging. The panel was similarly pleased to learn of efforts to attract and retain qualified African American faculty members, and encourages the institution to continue on its described paths. It is evident from the report that work to integrate JST and SCU personnel and programs has proceeded positively. While there are natural bonds among Religious Studies, Pastoral Ministries and JST, it is intriguing to know that possible collaborations may be forged between JST and the School of Education and Counseling Psychology as well. It appears that academic integration is on a productive course. With respect to non-academic and organizational integration, the panel notes that a goal of a 2% increase enrollment over the next will be important to achieve the fiscal 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100 Alameda, CA 94501 Phone: (510) 748-9001 efax: (510) 748-1477 [email protected] President Michael Engh July 11, 2014 Page 2 of 3 balance desired, and that SCU has taken the necessary steps to provide resources to enhance recruiting. When coupled with the expanded assessment efforts, it is apparent that the appropriate attention, review, and organizational assets have been assigned to monitor and promote further integration. The panel reviewed the multiple activities being undertaken to expand academic assessment infrastructure and program review. It recognized that the reorganization of the Provost’s Office, and the designation of a key administrator for institutional effectiveness, seats assessment and review in a central position. This vantage point allows resources to be allocated both where they are most needed and will have the most impact. The panel was pleased to learn, when it queried institutional staff, that the amount of work being embraced includes the recalibration and support of work that is already being done, thereby lessening the prima facie burden that might occur if all of the initiatives relied on new activity. The panel also noted the significant work being done to assess graduate education. In addition, SCU’s plans to expand assessment to co-curricular programs over the next two years are evidence of a considered broadening of its efforts. Activities to enhance governance and communication have been comprehensive, inclusive, and challenging. The panel concurred with the institutional representatives that the singular contested issue during the past year is not representative of a systemic dilemma. Indeed, the types of governance practiced by SCU are models which others might follow. The institution has invested enormous energy and time in order to clarify practices and improve communication. The fact that some of those efforts have had less success than desired is not atypical, and the panel commends the representatives’ report on the actions taken at the recent spring retreat to identify both issues and next steps. SCU’s continuing commitment to improve its communications and governance practices is estimable. After deliberation, the panel acted to: 1. Receive the institution’s interim report. 2. Continue with the scheduled reaffirmation reviews, with the Offsite Review set for spring 2020 and the Accreditation Visit set for spring 2021. [Note: In later correspondence with the ALO, it has been agreed to move the Accreditation Visit to fall 2020 in order to promote a more integrated review process] 3. Encourage the institution to continue its fine work in all of the areas reviewed. With respect to the next WSCUC review, please be advised that the Commission acted at its June 19 – 21, 2013 meeting, to approve the final version of the 2013 Handbook of Accreditation and the new Institutional Review Process as outlined in that Handbook. Proceeding forward, the institution should rely upon the new Handbook as the appropriate guide for matters related to Standards and CFRs. Please contact me if you have specific questions about these changes. I look forward to working with you and your colleagues at Santa Clara University. 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100 Alameda, CA 94501 Phone: (510) 748-9001 efax: (510) 748-1477 [email protected] President Michael Engh July 11, 2014 Page 3 of 3 Sincerely, Christopher N. Oberg Vice President/COO Cc: Ed Ryan, Vice Provost for Planning and Institutional Effectiveness and ALO Members of the Interim Report Committee 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100 Alameda, CA 94501 Phone: (510) 748-9001 efax: (510) 748-1477 [email protected] Western Association of Schools and Colleges Santa Clara University Interim Report Presented on behalf of Santa Clara University 500 El Camino Real Santa Clara, CA 95050-0460 Submitted on March 24, 2014, by Edward Ryan, PhD, WASC Accreditation Liaison Officer 408-554-5182 [email protected] 1 Western Association of Schools and Colleges List of Topics Santa Clara University was asked to submit an Interim Report to WASC in March 2014 addressing four topics: • Promoting inclusive excellence • Integrating the Jesuit School of Theology into the life of SCU • Refining and expanding assessment and program review • Enhancing shared governance and communication 2 Western Association of Schools and Colleges Interim Report Institutional Context Santa Clara University is a comprehensive Jesuit, Catholic university with more than 8,800 students, a main campus in Santa Clara, California, a branch campus in Berkeley, California, two satellite sites in San Jose, California, and one satellite site in Palo Alto, California. Founded in 1851 and initially accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in 1949, Santa Clara offers a rigorous undergraduate curriculum in arts and sciences, business, and engineering, plus graduate and professional programs in business, law, engineering, education, counseling psychology, pastoral ministries, and theology. The University boasts a diverse community of scholars offering a values-oriented curriculum characterized by small class sizes and a dedication to educating students for competence, conscience, and compassion. The traditions of Jesuit education—educating the whole person for a life of service—run deep in all of its curricular and co-curricular programs. Santa Clara University offers undergraduate degrees leading to the bachelor of arts (B.A.), bachelor of science (B.S.), and bachelor of science in commerce (B.S.C). The College of Arts and Sciences offers the B.A. degree and the B.S. degree in 37 subject areas. The Leavey School of Business offers the B.S. degree in commerce with majors in seven subject areas. The School of Engineering offers a B.S. degree with majors in seven subject areas. The School of Law offers programs leading to the degrees of juris doctor (J.D.) and master of laws (LL.M.). J.D. students may earn certificates of specialization in high technology law, international law, and public interest and social justice law. A broad curriculum also includes business and commercial law, taxation, criminal law and trial advocacy, environmental law, estate planning, labor law, health law, legal writing and research, as well as opportunities for externships, clinical work, and professional skill development. The Leavey School of Business offers graduate programs leading to the