Middle States 2010
At
its June 2010 meeting, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
continued Lock Haven University’s accreditation. For additional
information about the commission's action, read the university's announcement.
Lock Haven University conducted a comprehensive self-study
as part of its application
for reaffirmation of accreditation by theMiddle States.
This accreditation provides external validation of the quality of the educational
experience at Lock Haven and is necessary for students to be eligible
for most forms of financial aid.
The university began by preparing a comprehensive
self-study report. This
process involved eight
working groups
composed of approximately 80 faculty, staff, and students.
A visiting team
of faculty and administrators from other Middle States schools visited the campus February 21-24, 2010 (visit
schedule). The team carefully reviewed the self-study report,
examined documents, and met with over 150 faculty, staff, and
students. After leaving campus, the team finalized its
report to the university
and Middle States. Both the team's report and the university's
response will be considered by the Middle States Commission when it
takes final action on the university's request for reaffirmation
of accreditation at its meeting in June 2010.
Preparations for the self-study and the visit began over two
years earlier. Team chair Dr.
Jonathan Gibralter, paid an initial visit to
the campus in October 2009 to review our progress and make
plans for the visit. On October 13, 2008, our Middle States staff liaison paid a visit to
campus to assist with the self-study process, including a
presentation at an open meeting (38
minutes, from 7:30 to 45:30 in the webcast).
The self-study was directed by a Steering Committee. Work began
with development of a design
for the self-study. The Steering Committee encouraged members of the
university community to learn about the design and participate in the
process. The members of the Middle States 2010 Steering Committee were:
- Dr. Robert Franz; Assistant Professor, Academic Development &
Counseling
- Dr. Catherine A. Gatewood; Interim Associate Dean and
Associate Professor, History, Political Science, and Economics
- Mr. Kenneth L. Hall †; Director of Human and Cultural Diversity
- Ms. Erin L. Pawlak † ; Director of Annual Giving, University
Advancement
- Dr. James A. Meek *; Assistant to the President for Planning and
Assessment
- Dr. Joseph R. Newhouse; Associate Professor, Biological Sciences
- Dr. Lynette M. Reitz *; Professor of Social Work
- Dr. SueAnn V. Schatz; Associate Professor of English
- Dr. Frederick W. Schulze *; Associate Professor, Health Science
* denotes co-chair, † denotes LHU alum