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I understand that you have accepted the responsibility of serving on the Self-Study Steering Committee in preparation for the site visit from the Higher Learning Commission (www.ncahlc.org, 312-263-0456).  The self-study that we are embarking on provides an opportunity for the institution to assess its current situation as well as prepare for its future.  As we strive to improve student learning at Anderson University, the mission and goals of the institution must be reviewed for appropriateness, future orientation, attainment, and integrity.  Ultimately, we want these efforts to lead to a re-accreditation process that will: 

• Assess and evaluate Anderson University’s institutional capabilities as well as opportunities for enhancement;
• Assess and evaluate how Anderson University is living out its mission;
• Establish a future direction for the institution, allowing decisions to be made which will promote successful student learning.
  

I assure you that for my part, I will:

• Make this process a major institutional agenda for the next two years.
• Bring attention to this process so that the accreditation site team that finally comes to campus in 2008-2009 will find that there has been wide awareness of and participation in the process by campus personnel, including student leaders;
• Provide the necessary resources (time, commitment, dollars) for the self-study process to be done properly; 
• Bring to the Steering Committee from time to time relevant perceptions, developments, and/or plans of the University as they evolve and bear on a quality process of well-informed self-study; and 
• Inform important constituents of the University, including the Board of Trustees, about the progress of this process.  
  

I ask that you as the Self-Study Steering Committee:

• Lead a self-study process that is rigorous, honest and forthright.
• Keep me informed of the status of the self-study process and any large issues and/or concerns that may arise (e.g., some aspect of the University found to be falling short of an accreditation standard). I prefer to know early about problems needing to be addressed or of special opportunities that may be discovered. Should problems be found, I want the maximum time to deal constructively with them. 
• Encourage the greatest possible sharing and wide ownership of the process. This process belongs to all of the campus, with the need for many people to help make it work.  For this to happen, board members, faculty, staff and students will need to be well-informed on as many subjects and as much of the time as possible. 
• Confidentiality may be needed on occasion, of course, but it should be exercised only when really needed.
• Be sure that I am well aware of the contents of the final report so that I can interpret it effectively to trustees, accreditation personnel, and other University publics.
  

I am grateful for your willingness to take on this significant responsibility in the life of Anderson University. 

James L. Edwards
President

March 5, 2007