Compliance Certification

Contents

Section 1. Statement of Integrity and Commitment

Section 2. Core Requirements

Section 3. Comprehensive Standards
 
Section 4. Federal Mandates

Section 1. Statement of Integrity and Commitment

Created under Act 51, 1884, of the Louisiana State Legislature, Northwestern State University of Louisiana has operated under four names: Louisiana State Normal School (1885-1921); Louisiana State Normal College (1921-1944); Northwestern State College of Louisiana (1944-1970); and Northwestern State University of Louisiana (1970-present).

Northwestern State University of Louisiana earned initial accreditation in 1923, and the University has maintained accreditation since that date. Northwestern State University of Louisiana is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate, master, and specialist degrees. The University is categorized as an SREB Four-Year 4 Institution, as a Carnegie Master/Large University, and as a COC/SACS Level V Institution.

Northwestern State University seeks reaffirmation of its accreditation through an honest and open presentation of the programs and services available at the institution. The President and the Accreditation Liaison endorse the Compliance Certification Report as a true representation of the policies, processes, procedures, and decisions of the University and of the integrity of the individuals who participated in the preparation of the Report.

Further, the University is committed to the development and implementation of a Quality Enhancement Plan that will enhance the University’s environment for learning, teaching, public service, research, and economic development. Northwestern State University of Louisiana engages in ongoing strategic planning to ensure that the University and its constituents continue to improve and to seek excellence in all endeavors.

Northwestern State University of Louisiana adheres to the fundamental principles of accreditation as stipulated by the Commission on Colleges:
  • Northwestern State University of Louisiana participates in the accreditation process voluntarily and acknowledges that accreditation is an earned and renewable status.
  • Northwestern State University of Louisiana recognizes the accreditation requirements developed, amended, and approved by member institutions.
  • Northwestern State University of Louisiana believes that the process of accreditation is representative, responsive, and appropriate to the types of institutions accredited.
  • Northwestern State University of Louisiana supports the process of accreditation as a self-regulatory analysis of the institution’s vision, mission and performance.
  • Northwestern State University of Louisiana is committed to student learning and achievement.
  • Northwestern State University of Louisiana exercises its prerogative to articulate its mission within the recognized context of higher education and accepts its responsibility to show that it is accomplishing its mission.
  • Northwestern State University of Louisiana has developed a balanced internal governing structure and operates within System-level and State-level governing structures that are designed to promote institutional autonomy and flexibility of operation.
  • Northwestern State University of Louisiana ensures that its programs are complemented by support structures and resources that allow for the total growth and development of its students.
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Section 2. Core Requirements

2.1 Degree-granting authority
2.2 Governing board
2.3 Chief executive officer
2.4 Institutional Mission
2.5 Institutional Effectiveness
2.6 Continuous Operation
2.7 Program length, program content, general education, contractual agreements for instruction
2.8 Faculty
2.9 Learning resources and services
2.10 Student support services
2.11 Resources
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Section 3. Comprehensive Standards

3.1.1 Characteristics of mission statement.
3.2.1 Selection and evaluation of chief executive officer.
3.2.2 Legal authority and control in selected areas.
3.2.3 Governing board: conflict of interest of members.
3.2.4 Governing board: undue influence on members.
3.2.5 Governing board: dismissal of members.
3.2.6 Governing board: policy-making functions.
3.2.7 Organizational structure for policy administration.
3.2.8 Qualifications of administrative and academic officers.
3.2.9 Policies for appointing faculty and staff.
3.2.10 Evaluation of administrators.
3.2.11 Control of CEO over intercollegiate athletics.
3.2.12 Control of CEO over fund-raising activities.
3.2.13 Relationship between associated foundations and the institution.
3.2.14 Policies governing intellectual property.
3.3.1 Assessment of educational programs and support services.
3.4.1 Educational programs are approved and assessed.
3.4.2 Continuing education, outreach, & service programs consistent with mission.
3.4.3 Admissions policies consistent with mission.
3.4.4 Awarding credit for transfer courses and professional certification.
3.4.5 Publication of academic policies.
3.4.6 Policies for determining course credit.
3.4.7 Consortial and contractual courses and programs.
3.4.8 Credit for courses taken on a noncredit basis.
3.4.9 Appropriate academic support services.
3.4.10 Standards for and publication of program requirements.
3.4.11 Security and confidentiality of student academic records.
3.4.12 Faculty are responsible for curriculum.
3.4.13 Qualified academicians are responsible for degree programs.
3.4.14 Use of technology for student learning.
3.5.1 Competencies within the general education core.
3.5.2 Twenty-five percent of degree credit earned at the institution.
3.6.1 Content of graduate vs. undergraduate degree programs.
3.6.2 Independent learning in graduate programs.
3.6.3 Majority of credit for graduate degree earned at the institution.
3.7.1 Qualifications of Faculty.
3.7.2 Evaluation of faculty.
3.7.3 Professional development of faculty.
3.7.4 Academic freedom.
3.7.5 Responsibilities and authority of faculty.
3.8.1 Resources supporting missions of teaching, research, and service.
3.8.2 Instruction in use of library & other information resources.
3.8.3 Number and qualifications of staff in library and information resources.
3.9.1 Statement of student rights and responsibilities.
3.9.2 Security, confidentiality, and integrity of student affairs records.
3.9.3 Qualifications of staff of student affairs programs.
3.10.1 Financial stability.
3.10.2 Accurate and complete financial statements.
3.10.3 Audits of financial aid programs.
3.10.4 Control over financial and physical resources.
3.10.5 Financial control of externally funded research and programs.
3.10.6 A healthy, safe, and secure environment.
3.10.7 Adequate physical facilities.
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Section 4. Federal Mandates

4.1 Evaluating student achievement.
4.2 Relationship of curriculum to purpose and goals of institution.
4.3 Availability of academic calendars, grading policies, and refund policies.
4.4 Appropriate program length for each degree.
4.5 Procedures for addressing student complaints.
4.6 Recruitment materials.
4.7 Publication of information about primary accreditor of institution.
4.8 Compliance with Title IV requirements.
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