Click on one of the links below to be taken to a page for that criterion where you will find links to actual criterion information.
- Criterion One: Mission and Integrity
- Criterion Two: Preparing for the Future
- Criterion Three: Student Learning and Effective Teaching
- Criterion Four: Acquisition, Discovery and Application of Knowledge
- Criterion Five: Engagement and Service
Through exploration of the five criteria, four primary themes may emerge. These overarching and fundamental themes highlight the primary attributes of an organization valued by the Commission, establish broad benchmarks for evaluation, indicate the interrelatedness of the criteria and suggest plans for self-study processes and reports.
The four emerging themes are orientation to the future, focus on learning, connectedness (internally and externally), and distinctiveness.
1. The future-oriented organization:
- Engages in planning.
- Is driven by the mission.
- Understands social and economic change.
- Focuses on the futures of constituents.
- Integrates new technology.
2. The learning-focused organization:
- Assesses student learning.
- Supports learning.
- Supports scholarship.
- Creates the capacity for lifelong learning.
- Strengthens organizational learning.
3. The connected organization:
- Serves the common good.
- Serves constituents.
- Creates a culture of service.
- Collaborates.
- Engages in healthy internal communication.
4. The distinctive organization:
- Has an unambiguous mission.
- Appreciates diversity.
- Is accountable.
- Is self-reflective.
- Is committed to improvement.
