UpDate - Vol. 11, No. 24, Page 1
March 19, 1992
Middle States assessment endorsement of University

     This is a very positive report," President David P. Roselle said of the
recently received assessment by the Middle States accreditation team, which
concludes that the University "is in an excellent position to continue as
both leader and partner in expanding educational opportunities throughout the
state."
     "The report is an endorsement of what we are doing and that pleases us,"
Roselle said.
     The Commission on Higher Education, Middle States Association of
Colleges and Schools reaffirms the University of Delaware's accreditation
every 10 years.
     In 1921, when the Middle States Association was formed, the University
of Delaware was among the first institutions accredited by the group, and it
has been continuously accredited since that time.
     Margaret Andersen, associate provost for academic affairs, and Russell
Dynes, professor of sociology, co-chaired the University's Middle States
Self-Study Committee, which prepared a report for the Middle States
Association.
     Five task forces were appointed to focus on:
     * undergraduate education
     * graduate studies/research
     * diversity/equity
     * public service
     * resources/governance.
     These task force reports were combined into a single document.
     The eight-member Middle States team, chaired by Keith Kennedy, former
provost at Cornell University, visited the University Feb. 23-26 to review
the University's self-study report and talk to trustees, the president, the
provost, task force chairpersons and representative groups of faculty,
students, administrators and staff across campus.
     The team then conferred and made a preliminary report, which is
published in its entirety in this supplement. The University is preparing a
brief response to the report, which will be submitted by April 6. A formal
accreditation report is expected to be received in mid-July.
     In its final report, the Middle States accreditation team cites several
areas of particular strength at the University of Delaware, including faculty
research, graduate education, the honors program, the library and computing
services.
     Also singled out for praise by the team were a "solid " international
thrust in undergraduate courses and programs supporting understanding among
the diverse members of the University community, including black American
studies, women's studies, the Center for Black Culture, the Lesbian Gay and
Bisexual Student Union.
     The team, which was on campus from Feb. 23-26, met with the president,
the trustees, the provost, self-study task force chairpersons and
representative groups of faculty, students, administrators and staff.
     "I am indebted to Margaret Andersen, associate provost for academic
affairs; Russell Dynes, professor of sociology; and all of the persons who
worked on the report for the Middle States accreditation team," Roselle said.
"I am also grateful to these same persons for their assistance in helping
host the visiting team. I know that their good work has been very important
in the accreditation process as well as instrumental in the positive tenor of
the visiting committee's report."
     R. Byron Pipes, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said he
also was pleased with the report. "It's clear that the report recognizes the
careful planning process that has occupied the University for the last
several years," Pipes said. " As we look to the future academic plan for the
University, which is currently under development by the colleges, I am sure
the report will serve as an excellent resource."
     Pipes said that the University's academic plan will be available for
discussion this fall.
     The Middle States report concludes that the University's library
collections, which have increased 50 percent over the last 10 years, are a
major strength, and it called the computing and telecommunications
installations "both mature and sophisticated." The team suggests combining
these three areas to plan for an "information future" along the lines of
EDUCOM.
     In its general observations, the accreditation team questioned whether
the University had reached a consensus on the balance between graduate and
undergraduate education and noted the low ratio of assistant professors to
professors with tenure. The report also stated a need for the University to
increase black student enrollment and the number of non-white faculty, but
noted that women are playing substantial roles as participants in
decision-making.
     In the area of public service, the report applauded the University's
commitment to form a Council on Public Service but warned that, because of
budgetary implications, "care must be used not to create greater expectations
on the part of the public than can be met by the University."
     Summarizing, the report concludes, "Overall the University of Delaware
has been extraordinary in both the depth and breadth of its planning. The
administration and faculty have worked collegially in sharing concerns
regarding academic programs, student affairs, diversity, facility needs
including computer and library systems and financial matters."
     "The report speaks to the high quality of the University and will assist
us in achieving the goals we have established," Associate Provost Andersen
said.
     -Cornelia Weil