Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M.
St. John's University will undergo its regular decennial
reaccreditation by its regional accreditor, The Middle States
Association of Colleges and Schools, during the 2005-06 academic
year. This current academic year, 2004-05 will be a year of
self-study in preparation for the visit.
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Larry Boone, Associate
Professor of Management, Tobin College of Business, and Sharon
Norton, Esq., Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Legal
Studies, College of Professional Studies, have agreed to serve as
co-chairs of the Steering Committee that will have oversight
responsibility for the study.
The study itself will focus on selected topics that have
particular significance for St. John's at this time in its
history:
- assessment, with a focus on the assessment of learning
outcomes;
- mission, with a focus on the Vincentian mission that is
uniquely ours; and
- institutional transformation, with a focus on residence life
and technology - two forces which have been major contributors to
the dramatic changes at St. John's during the past five years.
The self-study will provide us with the opportunity to analyze
and document our accomplishments as well as identify areas for
continued improvement.
Faculty, administrators, and students - representing all of the
University's academic units and all of our campuses - have accepted
my invitation to serve on the self-study committees.
I know that you will wish to join me in thanking Larry and
Sharon for their willingness to assume the leadership of this
important project. I trust that you will provide them with all
support needed for success in the months ahead.