AGENDA ITEM: 8.A.1.
RECOMMENDATION:

That the Board of Regents upon the recommendation of the President of the University support the
President of the University and the Office of Academic Affairs to lead the reaffirmation process of
the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

BACKGROUND:

The faculty and staff will be involved in the process of internal review of the 12 core requirements,
comprehensive standards including institutional mission, governance and effectiveness; programs;
resources of the university; and the institutional requirements mandated by the 7335 Higher
Education Amendments. Special attention is to be made to the review and possible revision of the
mission of the university, characteristics of the MSU graduate, and the outcomes assessments of
the programs of the university. The President, Provost, Accreditation Liaison, one faculty member
and other personnel as appropriate will be appointed to the MSU Leadership Team for the SACS
process.

The draft of the 1999 Strategic Plan as well as additional input from all members of the university
community may be used as guides in the development of the MSU Strategic Plan. The Quality
Enhancement Plan will be developed to reflect an ongoing program of improvement demonstrating
how well MSU fulfills its stated mission and documentation of quality and effectiveness in all its
major aspects.

By the May 2002 Board of Regents meeting, the SACS Leadership Team will submit the proposed
mission statement. Characteristics of the MSU Graduate, drafts of the 2000-01 program outcomes
assessment and a process for completion of the SACS reaffirmation and strategic planning
processes.

RECOMMEND APPROVAL:



F. King Alexander, President