WASC panel completes review

By John Shields
Chair, WASC Self-Study Steering Committee

At the close of a three day site visit on Friday, Oct. 22, Dr. Anthony Ceddia, chair of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Review Panel evaluating California State University, Fresno’s educational effectiveness, reported to the campus community. He congratulated the university for being an exemplar institution that is well positioned for academic excellence and regional service.

Ceddia observed that the self-study on educational effectiveness was very well-written and documented.   He urged the campus to share the report in a university-wide dialogue about educational effectiveness and to use it as a planning and assessment tool.

He was also impressed by the originality of the University Expo and by the interaction witnessed between exhibit presenters and visitors. In fact, continuation of the University Expo in other settings was strongly recommended.

Interviews with students, faculty, staff, and administrators were very positive and consistent with the contents of the educational effectiveness self-study.

Among the highlights of the preliminary findings reported by Ceddia at the open forum are the following:

• the university’s institutional capacity and its educational effectiveness are aligned;
• the institution is well led by President Welty and the senior leadership;
• the Advisory Board to the university is composed of champions for the institution and we are well served by its members;
• the students are exceptionally committed to this university, believing they are getting an excellent education and for which they are very appreciative to faculty;
• the student affairs division is committed to continual improvement on behalf of its clientele and is well guided;
• the Student Success Task Force has done great work and its efforts should continue to be supported;
• the Provost’s idea of developing an academic strategic plan is right on target;
• the depth of commitment to civic engagement through volunteerism and service learning as well as applied research and outreach activity is exemplary;
• the progress in student outcomes assessment by program faculty must be sustained; and
• the assessment and revision of General Education needs to be completed.

In conclusion, Ceddia stated that he is pleased with the broad participation in the university’s self-reflection and that he is excited and enthused about the future of California State University, Fresno.

The team’s report will be reviewed by the WASC Commission at its February meeting. The campus will be notified of the commission decision in early March.

Finally, Dr. Lynda Harding, the campus Accreditation Liaison Officer to WASC, was recognized for her contributions to the Educational Effectiveness Review and for the well-organized site-visit.   Special thanks also go to Dr. Dianne Dickerson who coordinated the University Expo and to Dr. Brandt Kehoe who helped generate and analyze data found in the report.

Provost Echeverria also commended the work of the WASC Steering Committee, those who participated in the process at any level and those who presented their work at the Expo.

The university’s Educational Effectiveness Review Report (2004), along with the institution’s Preparatory Review Report (2003), can be found on line at http://www.csufresno.edu/portfolio.