FOCUS ON PROGRESS

dougias Self-Study Steering Committee 3.) ?

college

While an institutional self-study is a mandated requirement, it can be a useful tool for assessing institutional goals and effectiveness. It is clear from the experience of some colleyes that beneficial results have come about as a consequence of a participatory self-study. The Douglas Colleye Self-Study Steering Committee is currently organizing a self-study designed for maximum effectiveness through comprehensive participation.

A danyer inherent in any self-study process is that the report, when completed, is submitted to the appropriate authorities, then shelved in offices and completely foryotten. It can be honestly stated that this is what transpired at the completion of the Douglas College Self-Study of 1978-79, Each of those involved could provide a list of reasons why this occurred , and they would probably differ. However, the College now functions in vastly differing circumstances in its internal organization and operations, its relationships with community constituencies, and its relationship with the Ministry of Education. Such significant changes, therefore, elicit the view that a useful self-study is now possible. With the full participation and support of all constituents - faculty, staff, and students - the 1985-86 self-study will provide substantial information and useful recommendations to assist the College improve the quality of its services. In addition, externally mandated requirements will be satisfied.

Based on past experiences, and with chanyed circumstances in mina, the Self-Study Steering Committee has adopted the following organizational parameters, and has chosen the title “Focus on Progress".

STUDY OBJECTIVES The study has three objectives.

1. To evaluate existiny review processes for instructional proyrams, governance, and support functions. Key evaluative questions will focus on the existence, credibility, and effectiveness of review processes in terms of established criteria.

2. TO evaluate colleye-wide policies, procedures, and management mechanisms/systems as distinct from those which are program or function specific,

3. To evaluate progress toward the attainment of goals established in the five-year plan, the suitability of these yoals, and the relationship of institutional policies to them,