FAQ

What is Self-Study?
Self-Study is the process for the continuing accreditation of our University, culminating in a visit from our accrediting body, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) in March 2005.   Every ten years, the University develops a Self-Study Design – a comprehensive review of all aspects of the University, following the guidelines of the MSCHE.  Our Self-Study Design was approved in July, 2003, and the Self-Study Team will begin implementing the Design in August, 2003. The Self-Study Team is headed by Dr. Marie M.B. Racine and Dr. Helene Krauthamer.

What have we done?
Using the MSCHE’s publications Characteristics of Excellence 2002 and Designs for Excellence 2002, we formed 14 Subcommittees based on the 14 Standards of Excellence and recruited members from all parts of the University for these Subcommittees.  These Subcommittees have developed the charges, objectives, questions, and plans for answering these questions, as outlined in the Self-Study Design.  A Task Force for Institutional Research was also established to develop the Inventory of Resources necessary to provide the documents and reports required to fulfill these plans.

What is the Self-Study Design?
The Self-Study Design essentially consists of the 14 Subcommittee reports on the fundamental questions and the plans to answer these questions over the next two years.  By following this design, we hope to answer significant questions about the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of all aspects of the University. The design includes guidelines for development of plans for Institutional Assessment and for Assessment of Student Learning.  The Self-Study Design is the dynamic product of a participatory and transparent process.

Where can you view the Self-Study Design?
Hard copies of the Self-Study Design are available in the Self-Study Office in Building 39, Office 301N.  An electronic file is available in the Self-Study Association Organization (SSAO) site on Blackboard at http://udc.blackboard.com.  Requests for hard copies may be submitted to Mrs. Violet Tinsley, Office Manager, in the Self-Study Office at 202-274-5633. Requests for electronic copies may be emailed to Dr. Helene Krauthamer at hkrauthamer@udc.edu.  Comments may be placed in the UDC Self-Study Suggestion Box located in the Self-Study Office.  Comments may also be posted electronically in the Blackboard Community Discussion Board Forum for the UDC Self-Study.

How can you help?
We encourage participation from everyone interested in the University.  We particularly encourage faculty, students, staff, alumni, and community members. To join us, submit a recruitment form indicating your choice of subcommittee to the Self-Study Office in Building 39, Office 301N.  You may also call us at 202-274-5633 for further information.