STANDARD VI

Standard VI: Planning, Resources, and Institutional Improvement

The institution’s planning processes, resources, and structures are aligned with each other and are sufficient to fulfill its mission and goals, to continuously assess and improve its programs and services, and to respond effectively to opportunities and challenges.CriteriaA candidate or accredited institution possesses and demonstrates the following attributes or activities:1. institutional and unit goals that are clearly stated, assessed appropriately, linked to mission and goal achievement, reflect conclusions drawn from assessment results, and are used for planning and resource allocation;2. clearly documented and communicated planning and improvement processes that provide for inclusive constituent participation;3. planning that integrates goals for institutional effectiveness and improvement, including a focus on student achievement, educational outcomes, overall institutional improvement, and the results of institutional assessments;4. planning for diversity, equity, and inclusion that is aligned with the institution’s mission and goals, maintains sufficient resources, and leads to institutional improvement;5. a financial planning and budgeting process that is aligned with the institution’s mission and goals, evidence-based, and clearly linked to the institution’s and units’ strategic plans/objectives;6. fiscal and human resources as well as the physical and technical infrastructure adequate to support its operations wherever and however programs are delivered;7. documented financial resources, funding base, and plans for financial development, including those from any related entities adequate to support its educational purposes and programs and to ensure financial stability;8. a record of responsible fiscal management, including preparing a multi-year budget and an annual independent audit confirming financial viability and proper internal financial controls, with evidence of corrective measures taken to address any material findings cited in the audit or an accompanying management letter;9. well-defined, inclusive decision-making processes and clear assignment of responsibility and accountability for achieving institutional and unit effectiveness;10. comprehensive planning for facilities, infrastructure, and technology that includes consideration of sustainability and deferred maintenance and is linked to the institution’s strategic and financial planning processes;11. compliance with its program responsibilities under existing federal title IV and other state laws and regulations, including any audits of financial aid programs as required by federal and state regulations;12. strategies to measure and assess the adequacy and efficient utilization of institutional resources required to support the institution’s mission and goals; and13. periodic assessment of the effectiveness of planning, resource allocation, institutional renewal processes, and availability of resources.

Working Group Folder

LINES OF INQUIRY

How do we maintain an evidence-based financial planning and budgeting process that is assessment-driven, and that results in transparent resource allocation that is aligned with Mission and Strategic Priorities, both institution-wide and for individual units?
How does the institution rely on and evaluate clear and consistent policies and procedures that result in the effective recruitment, development, and retention of human resources needed to support its operations?
How does the College analyze and assess the efficient utilization of the resources required to support its Mission and Strategic Priorities and to facilitate institutional improvement, as well as ways in which to enhance the adequacy and availability of those resources, and to respond effectively to opportunities and challenges?
How are diversified resource streams sought and obtained to fulfill our mission and goals and ensure our future as a thriving and sustainable institution?

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