Key takeaways:
- The Higher Learning Commission will conduct a site visit to campus on Sept. 28-29 as a final step in the accreditation process that happens every 10 years.
- Employees can participate by attending workshops that share what to expect during the site visit on Sept. 8, 9 and 14, as well as open forums when peer reviewers are here.
A 10-year effort to maintain Metropolitan State University’s status as an accredited university culminates with a site visit later this month, and the opportunities for employees to get involved begin today.
The Higher Learning Commission Comprehensive Evaluation Visit is Sept. 28-29, and there are several opportunities through those days to prepare and participate.
The first HLC preparation workshop is today from 4–5 p.m. in Administration Building, Room 135. The workshops explain the accreditation process and prepare participants to speak directly to HLC peer reviewers during open forums when they visit.
Employees are encouraged to attend any of three preparation workshops:
- Tuesday, Sept. 8, 4–5 p.m. — Administration Building, Room 135
- Wednesday, Sept. 9, 3:30–4:30 p.m. — Central Classroom, Room 109
- Monday, Sept. 14, 12:30–1:30 p.m. — Plaza Building, Room 242
During the visit, peer reviewers will meet with faculty members, staff members, administrators and students. Reviewers may ask direct questions about employees’ roles and experiences, including how their work supports student success, how decisions are made and how areas evaluate and improve their work.
Leaders of the accreditation effort in Academic Affairs say the goal is not for employees to prepare rehearsed answers; they should aim to speak clearly and authentically about the work they know and do every day. They also encourage associate vice presidents, deans and chairs to invite faculty and staff in their departments to attend a preparation session and support their participation as schedules allow.
Faculty and staff can attend the following open forums during the HLC visit:
- Monday, Sept. 28, 10:15–11 a.m. — Open Forum, Criteria 1 and 2, SSB Boardroom 400
- Monday, Sept. 28, 11:15 a.m.–noon — Open Forum, Criterion 3, SSB Boardroom 400
- Monday, Sept. 28, 11:15 a.m.–noon — Open Forum, Criterion 4, SSB 180C
- Monday, Sept. 28, 3–3:45 p.m. — Open Listening Session 1, SSB Boardroom 400
- Tuesday, Sept. 29, 10–10:45 a.m. — Open Listening Session 2, SSB 211
The open forums and listening sessions give employees an opportunity to speak directly with HLC peer reviewers about their experiences at MSU Denver. Those conversations help reviewers understand how the University’s mission, processes and commitment to student success are reflected in the day-to-day work of faculty and staff.
