HLC Bulletin April 2023

"HLC Bulletin"

APRIL 2023

In This Issue:

  • KU Core Learning Outcomes Review for Continuous Quality Improvement
  • A Closer Look at the Criteria for Accreditation: Core Component 1.A

KU Core Learning Outcomes Review for Continuous Quality Improvement

Ten years after KU instituted the KU Core as the general education program for undergraduate students, the University Core Curriculum Committee (UCCC) is conducting a review to refresh learning outcomes and ensure Core courses are scaffolded most effectively for students to attain the stated outcomes. This review is consistent with a broader effort at KU to increase attention to continuous quality improvement.

“As students complete their general education, they will have achieved the KU Core goals and possess the skills and knowledge necessary to transition to achievement of the institutional learning goals, which apply to all degree levels university-wide,” said Jon Brumberg, Associate Professor of Speech-Language-Hearing and 2022-23 UCCC chair. “It’s about aligning goals at all levels of student learning to ensure our students receive a high-quality education and are well-prepared to become part of the global workforce.”

The review coincides with two other important initiatives that are currently underway: implementation of the KBOR Systemwide General Education Framework and KU’s reaffirmation of accreditation process.  Clarification of KU Core language and outcomes allows for clear demonstrations of alignment with the HLC Criteria for Accreditation.

“Another area where we can enhance alignment with learning goals is through co-curricular activities,” said Susan Klusmeier, Vice Provost for Academic Success, who serves as an ex officio member of the UCCC. Susan also serves as a co-objective leader for the Jayhawks Rising Student Success objective, “Assure Retention and Completion through Student Engagement and Satisfaction Strategies,” and notes that one of the strategies is the redesign of co-curricular experiences. “Providing experiential learning opportunities in undergraduate research, service learning, first year courses, and other activities contributes to students’ understanding and ability to practice these goals.”

The KU core review will provide faculty with greater awareness of the learning goals and how best to integrate them so that academic programs achieve the desired outcomes for students. The review is expected to be complete by January 2024.  

A Closer Look at the Criteria for Accreditation

Criterion 1. Mission

Core Component 1.A. The institution’s mission is articulated publicly and operationalized throughout the institution.

  1. The mission was developed through a process suited to the context of the institution.
  2. The mission and related statements are current and reference the institution’s emphasis on the various aspects of its mission, such as instruction, scholarship, research, application of research, creative works, clinical service, public service, economic development and religious or cultural purpose.
  3. The mission and related statements identify the nature, scope and intended constituents of the higher education offerings and services the institution provides.
  4. The institution’s academic offerings, student support services and enrollment profile are consistent with its stated mission.
  5. The institution clearly articulates its mission through public information, such as statements of purpose, vision, values, goals, plans or institutional priorities.

Examples of Evidence:

  • Documentation of the history, development, and adoption of the institution’s mission statement.
  • Enrollment profile.
  • Information about new student, employee, and board member orientation that imparts the mission.
  • Information about where the mission statement, purpose, vision, values, plans and goals are located and their accessibility to staff, faculty, students, and the general public.
  • Documentation of the policies and actions implemented or discontinued to achieve clearer alignment between an institution’s practices and its mission.
  • Recruitment materials.

What does Core Component 1.A mean for you?

Criterion 1 Co-chairs Julie Murray, Karla Leeper and Chris Crenner are currently leading an effort to update KU’s university-wide mission statement, which is expected to be reviewed by KBOR early in the Fall 2023 semester. After that time, there will be activities to communicate the updated mission to all faculty, staff, students and administrators, so each Jayhawk knows what role and responsibilities we have in carrying out our collective mission, in stewardship of KU and in service to the greater good.