Peer Team Visit Information

Criterion 1 Mission

• As you understand it, what is OHIO’s mission?
• How is the spirit of the mission reflected in what you do?
• How do faculty, staff, and administration work toward accomplishing OHIO’s mission and goals?
• In what ways does OHIO demonstrate commitment to the public good (supporting our communities, advancing research, economic development)?
• In what ways does your department or division support mission fulfillment?
• What do you believe have been the major accomplishments for Ohio University over the last ten years?
• How do OHIO’s processes/activities reflect attention to human diversity?
• How does OHIO support the community and region at large?

Criterion 2 Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct

• Is OHIO committed to equal educational and employment opportunities?
• Describe the campus climate at Ohio University.
• Describe shared governance and how faculty participate in decision-making at different levels of the university (department, college, institution)
• For some common faculty issues (workload, salary, sabbatical leaves, etc.), what works well and what needs to be improved?
• Are you satisfied with the support you receive to enhance your teaching?
• Are you satisfied with the support you receive to enhance your scholarship or creative activity?
• Have OHIO administrators established a culture of trust within the university?
• What are the major responsibilities of the Board of Trustees?
• Do you, as faculty, believe you have academic freedom in your teaching?
• What policies and procedures are in place to address ethical conduct in research for both faculty and students?

Criterion 3 Teaching and Learning: Quality, Resources and Support

• What are the characteristics of Ohio University’s general education program? How do you know if it is achieving its purpose? How could it be improved?
• How is course quality and consistency ensured in multiple section face-to-face courses? In online versions of face-to-face courses?  In College Credit Plus courses?
• Are the classes offered by your department taught by qualified faculty including adjuncts and CC+ course instructors?
• Can you describe the tenure and promotion process? What is your impression of the process?
• What do you know about Ohio University’s Quality Initiative? Can you describe its goals and progress?
• What resources are available to support faculty? Are they sufficient?
• What opportunities do you or your students have to conduct research? Participate in community or service-learning experiences? Interact with people and cultures different from your own?
• What is your experience with faculty professional development at OHIO?

Criterion 4 Teaching and Learning: Evaluation and Improvement

• Describe the academic program review process used at Ohio University.
• What is your transfer policy for general education courses?  For major courses?
• How has your school/department/program used its assessment findings?
• How has course/program assessment within your unit changed over recent years?
• How is OHIO doing with regard to first year retention rates? Graduation rates?
• Are instructors evaluated regularly in accordance with established institutional policies and procedures?
• How do the co‐curricular activities/programs contribute to the educational experience of students?
• How do students receive academic advising?

Criterion 5 Institutional Effectiveness, Resources and Planning

• How would you describe the relationship between faculty and administration? What works and what does not?
• Do you understand the annual budget process?
• Can you describe how budget decisions are made?
• Are capital improvements (facilities, technology, equipment) based on strategic needs of the institution?
• How are assessment results and academic program review recommendations taken into consideration during the budget decision making process?
• How did faculty participate in the review of the mission?
• How did faculty participate in the development of the strategic plan?

General Questions

• How were you involved in the accreditation process?
• If someone gave OHIO $10 million, how would you recommend it be spent?

Criterion 1 Mission

As you understand it, what is OHIO’s mission?

How do you contribute to OHIO’s mission?

How do faculty, staff, and administration work toward accomplishing OHIO’s mission and goals?

In what ways does OHIO demonstrate commitment to the public good?

What do you believe have been the major accomplishments for Ohio University over the last ten years?

How do OHIO’s processes/activities reflect attention to human diversity?

How does OHIO support the community and region at large?

Criterion 2 Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct

Is OHIO committed to equal educational and employment opportunities?

Describe the campus climate at Ohio University.

Describe shared governance and how staff participate in decision-making at different levels of the university (department, college, institution)

Have OHIO administrators established a culture of trust within the university?

What are the major responsibilities of the Board of Trustees?

What policies and procedures are in place to address ethical issues in the workplace?

Criterion 3 Teaching and Learning: Quality, Resources and Support

What opportunities do students have to conduct research or participate in creative activity?

How do students participate in experiential learning, such as service-learning experiences, study away or internships?

How does academic advising work at OHIO?

What do you know about Ohio University’s Quality Initiative? Can you describe its goals and progress?

What resources are available to support students' academic growth? Are they sufficient?

How does OHIO support your personal or professional development?

How are staff evaluated at OHIO? What are your impressions of the evaluation process?

Criterion 4 Teaching and Learning: Evaluation and Improvement

How do you use data to inform improvements in the delivery of student services?

What do you know about the most common complaints students have about your college or university?

How has your department/division used data to improve its effectiveness?

How is OHIO doing with regard to first year retention rates? Graduation rates?

How do co‐curricular activities/programs contribute to the educational experience of students?

Criterion 5 Institutional Effectiveness, Resources and Planning

How would you describe the relationship between staff and administration? What works and what does not?

Do you understand the annual budget process? Can you describe how budget decisions are made?

Are capital improvements (facilities, technology, equipment) based on strategic needs of the institution?

How are the results of your evaluations of operations (ASSUR process) and any recommendations taken into consideration during the budget decision making process?

How did staff participate in the review of the mission? In the development of the strategic plan?

General Questions

How were you involved in the accreditation process?

If someone gave OHIO $10 million, how would you recommend it be spent?

Criterion 1 Mission 

As you understand it, what is OHIO’s mission?

In what ways does OHIO demonstrate commitment to the public good?

How do OHIO’s processes/activities reflect attention to human diversity?

How does OHIO support the community and region at large?

Were there any special qualities or programs at OHIO that made you interested in applying or attending?

Would you recommend OHIO to other students?

Criterion 2 Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct

Describe the campus climate at OHIO.

Does OHIO publicize the academic and financial requirements of its programs clearly and completely?

Does OHIO have policies and procedures in place to address ethical conduct in research for both faculty and students?

Can you describe the advantages of the Guarantee+ Graduation program?

What are the major responsibilities of the Student Senates?

Criterion 3 Teaching and Learning: Quality, Resources and Support

What opportunities do students have to conduct research or participate in creative activity?

How do students participate in experiential learning, such as service-learning experiences, study away or internships?

How does academic advising work at OHIO?

What resources are available to support students' academic growth? Are they sufficient?

Do you know where to go for help with the following? Academic support, Career planning, Personal counseling, Making a complaint, Technology support

Criterion 4 Teaching and Learning: Evaluation and Improvement

How do co‐curricular activities or programs contribute to the educational experience of students?

Did you transfer any college credit to OHIO? If so, what was your experience with the process?

How is OHIO doing with regard to first year retention rates? Graduation rates?

Criterion 5 Institutional Effectiveness, Resources and Planning

Are the computer software systems helpful in assisting students with registration? With advising? With knowledge of campus events?

How are students given the opportunity to provide input into important initiatives, like the conversion from Blackboard to Canvas or in development of the mission and Dynamic Strategy?

In what ways can students provide input into proposed tuition or fee increases?

Are academic programs relevant and current? What would you change if you could?

General Questions

How were you involved in the accreditation process?

If someone gave OHIO $10 million, how would you recommend it be spent?

Each of the open forums is open to all OHIO students, staff and faculty. Attendance can be in person or online. The peer reviewers will be asking questions to confirm our compliance with the HLC Criteria.

Criterion 1 & 2 – Mission and Integrity

Monday March 24, 1:30 to 2:10 pm, in person or online, Location TBD

Criterion 1 summary: The mission is the foundation of an institution’s identity, purpose, and direction. A well-defined mission statement, publicly communicated, ensures that all stakeholders understand the institution’s goals and objectives. It serves as a guiding principle for decision-making and strategic planning. The institution’s culture and values should align with its mission, fostering an environment where every action and initiative supports its overarching goals. Additionally, the institution should actively engage with and serve its community, ensuring its mission remains relevant and responsive to external needs and societal changes. When the institution includes specific features in its mission, like “intellectual and personal growth” or “experiences and discovery that will help students think critically, care deeply, lead boldly and depart to serve,” it should be clear across the university how those key aspects of the mission are pursued and achieved.

Criterion 2 summary: Integrity and ethical conduct are crucial for building trust and credibility. This criterion ensures that the institution upholds high ethical standards in every aspect of its operations. Transparent and fair policies and procedures are essential for good governance, promoting accountability and equity within the institution. Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements is non-negotiable, safeguarding the institution’s reputation and ensuring it operates within the bounds of the law. Overall, integrity is about creating a culture of honesty, responsibility, and respect, underpinning the institution’s mission and values.

Criterion 3 & 4 – Teaching and Learning

Monday March 24, 1:30 to 2:10 pm, in person or online, Location TBD

Criterion 3 summary: The core of any educational institution is its commitment to teaching and learning. This criterion ensures that all programs offered by the institution meet high-quality standards, whether they are delivered in-person at any campus location, online, or through other modalities. Academic support services, such as libraries, tutoring centers, and advising, are crucial in helping students achieve their educational goals. Faculty qualifications are also paramount; instructors should not only possess the necessary academic credentials but also engage in ongoing professional development to stay current in their fields and improve their teaching practices. Overall, the focus is on creating a robust educational environment that fosters learning and student achievement.

Criterion 4 summary: Continuous evaluation and improvement are essential for maintaining and enhancing educational quality and for our graduates’ success in their chosen pursuits. This criterion focuses on the institution’s commitment to assessing student learning outcomes effectively. The data gathered from these assessments should inform decisions and drive improvements in instructional methods, curriculum design, and overall institutional effectiveness. Regular reviews of both curricular and co-curricular programs are necessary to ensure they remain aligned with, and support, the institution’s mission and respond to the evolving needs of students and society. The ultimate goal is to create a culture of continuous improvement, where data-driven decisions lead to better educational outcomes at all levels—undergraduate, graduate, or medical—and wherever we provide instruction (location) and however (modality) we deliver that instruction or cocurricular experiences.

Criterion 5 – Institutional Effectiveness, Resources and Planning

Monday March 24, 3:10 to 3:50 pm, in person or online, Location TBD

Criterion 5 summary: Effective management of resources and strategic planning are crucial for sustaining excellence in educational quality and for enhancing institutional effectiveness. This criterion ensures that the institution’s resources, including financial, physical, and human assets, are aligned with its mission and strategic priorities. The institution makes effective decisions by using relevant data in context with financial, physical or workforce limits and in collaboration with key stakeholders. Assessment of student learning and operational evaluations are considered when making planning and budgeting decisions. Systematic planning processes enable the institution to set clear objectives, assess progress, and make informed decisions. By continually evaluating and improving its strategies and operations, the institution can adapt to changing circumstances and ensure long-term success.