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University reaccreditation Part 3 SACS comprehensive standards  by Cindy Abole Public Relations This is the seventh article providing an overview of the purpose, process and content of MUSC’s current efforts for reaffirmation  of accreditation by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).    This third of five parts covering “Comprehensive Standards” focuses on those 11 of the total 65 standards that involve faculty, students and learning resources. The remaining two parts will cover university resources, federal requirements and institutional effectiveness.    Initial information gathering about and documentation of these standards is a responsibility of the Comprehensive Standards Committee—Resources, as chaired by Valerie T. West, Ed.D., associate provost for education and student life.   Following is a brief overview of each standard as well as the associated documentation required. Comprehensive Standard 3.7.1: Employ Only Fully Qualified/Competent Faculty—qualifications include primary consideration given to highest earned degree in relevant discipline, related recognitions, experience, and record of achievement. Documentation includes complete faculty rosters, individual faculty portfolios, qualifications, teaching assignments, policies/processes for faculty qualification and selection. Comprehensive Standard 3.7.2: Regular Effectiveness Evaluation of Each Faculty Member in Accord with Published Criteria—this includes all faculty regardless of contract or tenure status. Documentation would include evaluation process documents, forms and procedures as well as evidence those procedures are followed and used in making assessments concerning faculty competence. Comprehensive Standard 3.7.3: Evidence of Ongoing Faculty Professional Development—as teachers, scholars and practitioners.  Documentation includes faculty development policies/procedures/programs, professional development opportunities and related resource allocations, and evidence of faculty involvement such as reports, faculty files, rosters, and grants. Comprehensive Standard 3.7.4: Adequate Procedures for Safeguarding/Protecting Academic Freedom—documentation would include institutional statements, policies and publications, as well as any evidence regarding institutional academic freedom issues. Comprehensive Standard 3.7.5: Published Policies on the Responsibility/Authority of Faculty in Academic and Governance Matters—must clearly define the role of faculty in relation to other constituencies regarding fundamental aspects of the appropriate student learning and academic program outcomes. Documentation would include specific policies addressing and any publications so describing these issues. Comprehensive Standard 3.8.1: Provides Facilities, Services, and Learning/Information Resources Appropriate to Support Teaching, Research, and Service Mission—documentation would include descriptions and mission statements of relevant resources and support services (including library and learning resources),  needs evaluations, resource allocations, and student and faculty availability and access to services. Comprehensive Standard 3.8.2: Regular and Timely User Access to Instruction in the Use of the Library and Other Learning/Information Resources—need to document availability/type of instruction, its assessment, and activation reports demonstrating broad participation by all segments and at all locations. Comprehensive Standard 3.8.3: Sufficient Number of Qualified Library and Other Learning Information Staff to Accomplish Institutional Mission—for effective delivery of services to students, faculty and staff.  Documentation includes staff rosters, position descriptions, credentials, professional development support, and surveys or other documents addressing effectiveness of services. Comprehensive Standard 3.9.1: Publishes and Disseminates Clear/Appropriate Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities—documentation would be published policies and procedures as well as methods for their dissemination to the MUSC academic community. Comprehensive Standard 3.9.2: Protect Security, Confidentiality, and Integrity of Student Records—documentation would consist of the policies and procedures governing these records, their security, confidentiality, uses and release. Comprehensive Standard 3.9.3: Provide Services and Qualified Personnel to Ensure Quality/Effectiveness of Student Affairs Programs—documentation includes student affairs organizational charts, support services lists, staff rosters (including position descriptions, qualifications, and professional development support), relevant handbooks/manuals, programs and staff evaluation procedures/records, and evidence of availability and use of professional growth opportunities. Comprehensive Standards Committee—Resources Dr. Valerie  T. West, chair, Dr. John A. Bosso, Gregory Colbath, Dr. Robert A. Draughn, Norman Fine, Geoffrey A. Freeman, Layne M. Hepler, Dr. Thomas B. Higerd, Dr. Tara Hulsey, Dr. Edward L. Krug, Jett McCann, Susan D. Newman, Julia A. Norton, Dr. Lisa S. Saladin; Dr. Darlene L. Shaw, Dr. Edward E. Soltis and Shai J. White     Friday, July 14, 2006 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.