GREATER THAN EVER Middle States Commission on Higher

> GREATER THAN EVER Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) Visit April 2016

> 14 STANDARDS. ONE GOAL GREATER THAN EVER.

WHY MIDDLE STATES? • The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) is one of several regional organizations that accredits institutions of higher education. MSCHE accreditation is separate and distinct from program specific accreditation. • The MSCHE Region includes: Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York. Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico and the U. S. Virgin Islands • There are 14 standards that a college/university must meet in order to maintain its accreditation. • Continued accreditation lets our internal and external stakeholders know that the university is adhering to the stated standards as we fulfill our mission and objectives. • In order for the university to continue to receive federal funds, accreditation must be maintained.

MIDDLE STATES AND YOU! Each of our internal and external stakeholders plays a vital part of the MSCHE accreditation process. Our ICARE objectives for MSCHE 2016 are as follows: • INTEGRITY- Follow the steps of the MSCHE process • COMMITMENT- Conduct a thorough “self-study, ” or institutional analysis of the university’s effectiveness and areas for improvement • ACCOUNTABILITY- Share the summary of compliance with the standards and research of the working groups with our stakeholders • RESPECT- Value, solicit and utilize feedback during the process to strengthen the University • EXCELLENCE- Become GREATER THAN EVER as a result of the MSCHE 2016 process!

MSCHE FORUM SCHEDULE Over the next few weeks, the MSCHE Steering Committee and Working Groups will be soliciting your feedback on the draft Self-Study document. Provide your feedback online: www. umes. edu/middlestates by January 29, 2016. • Faculty Institute: Wednesday, 10: 15 am, January 13 • Staff and Faculty Town Hall: 11 am, Tuesday, January 19 • Provost/VPAA Faculty Meeting: 11 am, Thursday, January 28

Future Steps • Early February: Prepare Final Draft with supporting documents for President’s review and approval. • February 19: Submit Self-Study Report to Site Visit Team • April 3 -6: Site Visit Team Visit

Preparing for the Visit • Logistics Workgroup makes arrangements and itineraries for all members of the team. • Each academic department is asked to submit a list of full time and part time faculty with credentials (template will be provided). • Submit current CVs for each faculty member

During the Visit • Many team events scheduled • You will be know in advance if you are asked to participate. • The site visit team can make requests while they are here • You may receive a last minute request to provide a response or attend a meeting.

Mission Statement, Vision and Institutional Core Values

Mission • The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), the State's Historically Black 1890 Land Grant institution, has its purpose and uniqueness grounded in distinctive learning, discovery, and engagement opportunities in the arts and sciences education, technology, engineering, agriculture, business, and health professions. • UMES is a student centered, doctoral research degree granting university known for its nationally accredited undergraduate and graduate programs, applied research, and highly valued graduates. • UMES provides individuals, including first generation college students, access to a holistic learning environment that fosters multicultural diversity, academic success, and intellectual and social growth. • UMES prepares graduates to address challenges in a global knowledge based economy, while maintaining its commitment to meeting the workforce and economic development needs of the Eastern Shore, the State, the Nation, and the World.

Vision • The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) aspires to be a doctoral research university and a national model for producing globally competent citizenry in the 21 st century by • Providing access to high quality, values based educational experiences, especially to individuals who are first generation college students of all races, while emphasizing multicultural diversity and international perspectives; • Recruiting and retaining outstanding students, faculty and staff who will learn, work and conduct world class research and development engagements that address the challenges of the future; and • Creating a culture to develop a systematic approach to successfully close the achievement gap.

Institutional Core Values • Providing high quality undergraduate and graduate programs that will equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for the challenges of America and other global societies. • Affirming its role as the State’s 1890 land grant institution by providing to citizens opportunities and access that will enhance their lives and enable them to develop intellectually, economically, socially, and culturally. • Demonstrating shared governance through recognition of the viewpoints that all members of the university community contribute to the institution. • Appreciating diversity in its student body, faculty, staff and administration through commitment to tolerance, freedom of expression, and celebration of other cultures. • Adhering to the highest standards of honesty, fairness, trust and integrity in both personal and professional behavior. • Promoting student centeredness as the heart of the enterprise.

Discussion • Feedback from Chair, Site Visit Team and External Reviewer • Highlight and focus on accomplishments and plans. • How should the Self Study report effectively and concisely portray the present and future of UMES?