UpDate - Vol. 11, No. 8, Page 1
October 24, 1991
Task force conduct studies for Middle States Association

     The University currently is in the process of preparing a
self-study as part of the process toward reaffirmation of its
accreditation by the Commission on Higher Education, Middle States
Association of Colleges and Schools.
     This reaffirmation process occurs 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, are co-chairpersons of a
Middle States Self-Study Committee, which is preparing a report for
the Middle States Association.
     Five task forces have been appointed to focus on:
          *    undergraduate education
          *    graduate studies/research
          *    diversity/equity
          *    public service
          *    resources/governance.
     These task force reports will be combined into a single
document in mid-November, Andersen said.
     "The University is in a good position to undergo the
reaffirmation process," Dynes said, "as we have been involved in
self-examination and planning for the last five years. Our report
will be building on such projects as Focused Vision.
     "This is an excellent opportunity to stop and think about
where we have been, where we are going and what our goals are in
developing an academic plan for the University. It is useful to
have outside opinion and input through the accrediting process." he
said.
     An eight-member team, chaired by Keith Kennedy, former provost
at Cornell University, is scheduled to visit the University Feb.
23-26. Other members are Sara Arthur, assistant vice president of
student life, New York University; Richard Challener, professor of
history, Princeton University; Robert Greenkorn, vice president for
research and vice president for programs, Purdue Research
Foundation, Purdue University; Donald Henderson, provost and senior
vice president and professor of sociology, University of
Pittsburgh; Weldon Ihrig, vice chancellor for finance and
administration, Oregon State System of Higher Education; Sharon
Rogers, university librarian, George Washington University,
Washington, D.C.; and Linda Salamon, dean, College of Arts and
Science, professor of English, Washington University, St. Louis.
     The team will 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 will confer and make a preliminary report,
discussing its findings, assessing strengths and weaknesses and
making recommendations. That report is later finalized in a formal
accreditation report.
     Among the areas of interest to the team are the quality of the
University's academic programs, the well-being of its staff and its
financial health, Andersen said.
     The team will examine how the University promotes and supports
excellence in teaching and how it teaches students skills in
acquiring information from different sources. The team also will
review institutional support of diversity and equity in terms of
fair employment practices, curriculum and policies in place.
     Assessment research, in such areas as student retention and
follow-up studies of graduates, and other information provided by
the Office of Institutional Research and Planning also will be
reviewed.
     Andersen urged members of the campus community with questions
or input for the report, to contact a task force member.
     Chairpersons and members of the task forces are

     Undergraduate Education, co-chaired by Frank Dilley,
philosophy, and Frank Murray, education. Members are
Heyward Brock and Mary Richards, arts and science; Robert
Brown, honors program; Jeffrey Davidson, sociology;
Lawrence Donnelley, Special Sessions and International
Programs; Barbara Duch, Center for Teaching
Effectiveness; Jayne Fernsler, nursing; Harrison Hall,
philosophy; Betty Haslett, communication; Kenneth Lewis,
economics; and Allan Waterfield, physical education,
athletics and recreation.

     Graduate Studies/Research, co-chaired by Robert
Dalrymple, civil engineering and Carol Hoffecker,
graduate studies.
     Members are Thomas Angell, mathematical sciences;
Robert Barker, business administration; Norman Collins,
agricultural engineering; Roberta Colman, chemistry and
biochemistry; Bruce Gates, chemical engineering; Sandra
Harding, philosophy; Ruth Horowitz, sociology; Charles
Robinson, English; Joyce Hill Stoner, art conservation;
Carolyn Thoroughgood, marine studies; and Robert Warren,
urban affairs and public policy.

     Diversity/Equity, co-chaired by Maxine Colm,
employee relations, and James Newton, black American
studies. Members are Lin Alessi, academic advancement;
Elizabeth Bertera, individual and family studies; Brian
Fishman, graduate student; Kristy Flathmannn,
agricultural sciences; Barbara Gates and Joanne Thomas,
English; Judith Gibson, affirmative action and
multicultural programs; Joshua Greene, Black Student
Union; Frank Scarpitti, sociology; Stuart Sharkey,
student affairs; Nancy Signorielli, communication; and
Terry Whittaker, engineering.

     Public Service, co-chaired by Richard Fischer,
continuing education, and Jeffrey Raffel, urban affairs
and public policy. Members are William Benton,
agricultural sciences; Susan Brynteson, library;
Alexander Doberenz, human resources; Jack Ellis, history;
Robert Hampel, educational studies; Mary Hempel, public
relations; Mary Ann Hitchens, intercollegiate athletics
program; Dene Klinzing, individual and family studies;
Jerome Lewis, urban affairs and public policy; Kent
Price, marine studies; Donald Puglisi, finance; and
Edward Ralph, Office of the President.

     Resources/Governance, co-chaired by John Brook,
government and public relations, and Robert Taggart,
educational studies. Members are Lou Beccaria, University
development; Hilton Brown, art conservation; David
Butler, housing and residence life; David Hollowell,
administration; John Jeffrey, library; Michael Lee,
scholarships and financial aid; Marilyn Prime, Perkins
Student Center; Thomas White, sponsored programs
administration; and Richard Zipser, foreign languages and
literatures.

     The steering committee is chaired by Andersen and members are
Dynes; Michael Middaugh, institutional research and planning;
Puglisi; Signorielli; and Robert Varrin, research and patents, plus
task force chairpersons.
                                        - Sue Swyers Moncure