AU announced Tuesday that the self-study report to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education was completed and now available to be viewed.
Every 10 years, the University is studied by Middle States to see if it follows the standard upon which accreditation is given. These standards are listed in the commission's Characteristics of Excellence.
The self-study is organized be a steering committee made up of AU faculty and staff. The committee, chaired by Biology Professor David C. Culver, assesses the standards such as the University's mission, integrity, leadership and governance as well as the "Educational Effectiveness," according to the Characteristics of Excellence.
The report, available online at www.american.edu/middlestates, highlights the efforts put in by President Benjamin Ladner, who came to AU in 1994 after the last re-accreditation was completed.
The executive summary of the report states that the "financial health of the University is strong, major academic and student buildings have been renovated, student services have been expanded, student quality has increased and faculty compensation and quality have improved."
There will be two open forums with Ladner to discuss the Self Study with the AU community: Tuesday from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Kay Spiritual Life Center and Wednesday from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Butler conference Room.
The Eagle will be continuing stories on the accreditation process in the coming weeks.
