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  CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE 
 
Name of Unit: Office of International Affairs (OIA)
Date: March 22, 2004 
 

Section 2: CORE REQUIREMENTS

     
For every Core Requirement mandating a policy or procedure, it is implicit that the policy or procedure is in writing, approved through appropriate institutional processes, published in appropriate institutional documents accessible to those affected by the policy or procedure, and implemented and enforced by the institution.

For obtaining or maintaining accreditation with the Commission on Colleges, an institution must meet the following Core Requirements:
 

2.1 The institution has degree-granting authority from the appropriate government agency or agencies.  (Degree-granting Authority)
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
    
     
2.2

The institution has a governing board of at least five members that is the legal body with specific authority over the institution. The board is an active policy-making body for the institution and is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the financial resources of the institution are adequate to provide a sound educational program. The board is not controlled by a minority of board members or by organizations or interests separate from it. Neither the presiding officer of the board nor the majority of other voting members of the board have contractual, employment, or personal or familial financial interest in the institution.

A military institution authorized and operated by the federal government to award degrees has a public board in which neither the presiding officer nor a majority
of the other members are civilian employees of the military or active/retired military. The board has broad and significant influence upon the institution’s programs and operations, plays an active role in policy-making, and ensures that the financial resources of the institution are used to provide a sound educational program. The board is not controlled by a minority of board members or by organizations or interests separate from the board except as specified by the authorizing legislation. Neither the presiding officer of the board nor the majority of other voting board members have contractual, employment, or personal or familial financial interest in the institution.  (Governing Board)

 

     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
2.3 The institution has a chief executive officer whose primary responsibility is to the institution and who is not the presiding officer of the board. (Chief Executive Officer)
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
 

 

 
     
2.4 The institution has a clearly defined and published mission statement specific to the institution and appropriate to an institution of higher education, addressing teaching and learning and, where applicable, research and public service. (Institutional Mission)
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
2.5 The institution engages in ongoing, integrated, and institution-wide research-based planning and evaluation processes that incorporate a systematic review of programs and services that (a) results in continuing improvement and (b) demonstrates that the institution is effectively accomplishing its mission. (Institutional Effectiveness)
     

The Office of International Affairs is in compliance with this requirement.

The Office of International Affairs has incorporated systematic evaluation and planning processes as a part of a dynamic strategic plan that is integrated within the overall TTU Strategic Plan.

The Strategic Plans for the following units may be viewed at: http://www.iaff.ttu.edu/home/OIA/BBStrategicPlans.asp

International Alumni Relations

International Student and Scholar Services

Study Abroad

International Center for Arid and Semiarid Land Studies (ICASALS)

K-12 International Education Outreach

ICC Operations

     
     
2.6 The institution is in operation and has students enrolled in degree programs.  (Continuous Operation)
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
2.7 The institution
  2.7.1   offers one or more degree programs based on at least 60 semester credit hours or the equivalent at the associate level; at least 120 semester credit hours or the equivalent at the baccalaureate level; or at least 30 semester credit hours or the equivalent at the post-baccalaureate, graduate, or professional level. The institution provides a written justification and rationale for program equivalency. (Program Length)
     Not applicable to unit level.
     
  2.7.2 offers degree programs that embody a coherent course of study that is compatible with its stated purpose and is based upon fields of study appropriate to higher education. (Program Content)
     Not applicable to unit level.
     
  2.7.3 requires in each undergraduate degree program the successful completion of a general education component at the collegiate level that is (1) a substantial component of each undergraduate degree, (2) ensures breadth of knowledge, and (3) is based on a coherent rationale. For degree completion in associate programs, the component constitutes a minimum of 15 semester hours or the equivalent; for baccalaureate programs, a minimum of 30 semester hours or the equivalent. These credit hours are to be drawn from and include at least one course from each of the following areas: humanities/fine arts; social/behavioral sciences; and natural science/mathematics. The courses do not narrowly focus on those skills, techniques, and procedures specific to a particular occupation or profession. The institution provides a written justification and rationale for course equivalency. (General Education)
     Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
  2.7.4 provides instruction for all course work required for at least one degree program at each level at which if awards degree.  If the institution makes arrangements for some instruction to be provided by other accredited institutions or entities through contracts or consortia, or uses some other alternative approach to meeting this requirement, the alternative approach must be approved by the Commission on Colleges.  In all cases, the institution demonstrates that it controls all aspects of its educational program.  (Contractual Agreements for Instruction)
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
2.8 The number of full-time faculty members is adequate to support the mission of the institution. The institution has adequate faculty resources to ensure the quality and integrity of its academic programs. In addition, upon application for candidacy, an applicant institution demonstrates that it meets the comprehensive standard for faculty qualifications.  (Faculty)
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
2.9. The institution, through ownership or formal arrangements or agreements, provides and supports student and faculty access and user privileges to adequate library collections as well as to other learning/information resources consistent with the degrees offered. These collections and resources are sufficient to support all its educational, research, and public service programs. (Learning Resources and Services)
     
  The Office of International Affairs is in compliance with this requirement.

The Texas Tech University library maintains a branch at the International Cultural Center with a collection of over 2,000 items, including many international videos.  Information about the ICC Library is available at:  http://library.ttu.edu/icc/

     
     
2.10 The institution provides student support programs, services, and activities consistent with its mission that promote student learning and enhance the development of its students. (Student Support Services)
     
 

Study Abroad’s charge is to expand global opportunities for TTU’s students.  

ISSS provides immigration support for international students, faculty, and staff.

ICC Operations Director serves as Texas Tech University’s Fulbright Program Advisor.

     
     
2.11

The institution has a sound financial base and demonstrated financial stability, and adequate physical resources to support the mission of the institution and the scope of its programs and services.

The member institution provides the following financial statements: (a) an institutional audit (or Standard Review Report issued in accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services issued by the AICPA for those institutions audited as part of a systemwide or statewide audit) and written institutional management letter for the most recent fiscal year prepared by an independent certified public accountant and/or an appropriate governmental auditing agency employing the appropriate audit (or Standard Review Report) guide; (b) a statement of financial position of unrestricted net assets, exclusive of plant assets and plant-related debt, which represents the change in unrestricted net assets attributable to operations for the most recent year; and, (c) an annual budget that is preceded by sound planning, is subject to sound fiscal procedures, and is approved by the governing board.

Audit requirements for applicant institutions may be found in the Commission policy entitled "Accreditation Procedures for Applicant Institutions.  (Resources)

     
 

The Office of International Affairs is in compliance with this requirement.

Certain functions within the Office of International Affairs are supported almost exclusively through its fees and auxiliary operations.

   
   
2.12 The institution has developed an acceptable Quality Enhancement Plan and demonstrate that the plan is part of an ongoing planning and evaluation process.  (Quality Enhancement Plan).

(Not applicable for the Compliance Certification submitted by institution).

     
   
   

Section 3:  COMPREHENSIVE STANDARDS

     

Institutional Mission, Governance, And Effectiveness

3.1  Institutional Mission
   
3.1.1 The institution has a clear and comprehensive mission statement that guides it; is approved
by the governing board; is periodically reviewed by the board; and is communicated to the
institution’s constituencies.
     

The Office of International affair’s Mission, Vision, and Values statements may be found at:

http://www.iaff.ttu.edu/home/OIA/BBStrategicPlans.asp

     
     
3.2  Governance and Administration
   
3.2.1 The governing board of the institution is responsible for the selection and the evaluation of
the chief executive officer.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.2.2 The legal authority and operating control of the institution are clearly defined for the following
areas within the institution’s governance structure:
  3.2.2.1 the institution’s mission;
  3.2.2.2 the fiscal stability of the institution;
  3.2.2.3 institutional policy, including policies concerning related and affiliated corporate
entities and all auxiliary services;
  3.2.2.4 related foundations (athletic, research, etc.) and other corporate entities whose
primary purpose is to support the institution and/or its programs.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.2.3 The board has a policy addressing conflict of interest for its members.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.2.4 The governing board is free from undue influence from political, religious, or other external
bodies, and protects the institution from such influence.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.2.5 Members of the governing board can be dismissed only for cause and by due process.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.2.6 There is a clear and appropriate distinction, in writing and practice, between the policy-making
functions of the governing board and the responsibility of the administration and
faculty to administer and implement policy
.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.2.7 The institution has a clearly defined and published organizational structure that delineates
responsibility for the administration of policies.
     
The organizational chart of the Office of International affairs and its component units may be viewed at: http://www.iaff.ttu.edu/home/oia/org2.pdf.
     
     
3.2.8

The institution has qualified administrative and academic officers with the experience,
competence, and capacity to lead the institution.

     
Ambassador Tibor. P. Nagy., Jr., the Associate Vice Provost for the Office of International Affairs, has nearly twenty-five years of service overseas as a U.S. diplomat. He served twice as a United States Ambassador (Guinea and Ethiopia) and three times as Deputy Ambassador (Togo, Cameroon, and Nigeria). His curriculum vitae is available on the OIA web site.
     
     
3.2.9

The institution defines and publishes policies regarding appointment and employment of
faculty and staff.

     
Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.2.10 The institution evaluates the effectiveness of its administrators, including the chief executive
officer, on a periodic basis.
     
The Office of International Affairs evaluates the effectiveness of its administrators in compliance with Operating Policy 70.12, found at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/.

OIA Directors are evaluated annually in accordance with University policy.

     
     
3.2.11 The institution’s chief executive officer has ultimate responsibility for, and exercises
appropriate administrative and fiscal control over, the institution’s intercollegiate athletics
program.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.2.12 The institution’s chief executive officer has ultimate control of the institution’s fund-raising
activities.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.2.13 Any institution-related foundation not controlled by the institution has a contractual or other
formal agreement that (a) accurately describes the relationship between the institution and

the foundation, and (b) describes any liability associated with that relationship. In all cases,
the institution ensures that the relationship is consistent with its mission.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.2.14

The institution’s policies are clear concerning ownership of materials, compensation,
copyright issues, and the use of revenue derived from the creation and production of all
intellectual property. This applies to students, faculty and staff.

     
Not applicable to unit level.
     
3.3  Institutional Effectiveness
   
3.3.1

The institution identifies expected outcomes for its educational programs and its
administrative and educational support services; assesses whether it achieves these
outcomes; and provides evidence of improvement based on analysis of those results.

     
Through its strategic planning process, the Office of International Affairs conducts outcomes assessments, especially as regards Study Abroad (in our efforts to increase the numbers of TTU students participating in study abroad, and in taking courses at the TTU Center in Seville, Spain), and assessments may be reviewed at the website for the Study Abroad Strategic Plan:

http://www.iaff.ttu.edu/home/OIA/BBStrategicPlans.asp

A Seville Counselor was hired to promote, recruit, and conduct orientation exclusively for the TTU Center in Seville, Spain. The number of program participants has significantly increased (Spring 2004: 44 students).

 The summer program for upper level Spanish students has been moved from Granada, Spain, and folded into the already functioning Center in Seville. In addition, summer participants will include intermediate level Spanish students (Summer 2004: 44 total Spanish language students).

The Spanish department has taken over the teaching responsibilities and created accelerated language courses at the Seville Center for a semester program. This allows students to complete 12 hours of Intensive Spanish during the one semester they attend the Seville Center (11 of the 44 spring 2004 students took advantage of this option).

Recognition of and participation in the Seville program among business/international business students is on the rise (24 of the 44 spring students are business students).

     

PROGRAMS

3.4  Educational Programs Standards for All Educational Programs:
(Includes all on-campus, off-campus and distance learning programs) 
3.4.1 The institution demonstrates that each educational program for which academic credit is
awarded (a) is approved by the faculty and the administration, and (b) establishes and
evaluates program and learning outcomes.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.4.2 The institution’s continuing education, outreach, and service programs are consistent with
the institution’s mission.
     
 

ICC Operations provides art exhibitions, lectures, and other cultural programming to Texas Tech University and the general community.

K-12 International Education Outreach provides programming on an international theme to local and area schoolchildren.

International Alumni Relations seeks to involve international alumni in programs for Texas Tech University and the general population.
   
     
3.4.3 The institution publishes admissions policies consistent with its mission.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.4.4 The institution has a defined and published policy for evaluating, awarding, and accepting credit for transfer, experiential learning, advanced placement, and professional certificates that is consistent with its mission and ensures that course work and learning outcomes are at the collegiate level and comparable to the institution’s own degree programs. The institution assumes responsibility for the academic quality of any course work or credit recorded on the institution’s transcript.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.4.5 The institution publishes academic policies that adhere to principles of good educational practice. These are disseminated to students, faculty, and other interested parties through publications that accurately represent the programs and services of the institution.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.4.6 The institution employs sound and acceptable practices for determining the amount and
level of credit awarded for courses, regardless of format or mode of delivery.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.4.7 The institution ensures the quality of educational programs/courses offered through consortia relationships or contractual agreements, ensures ongoing compliance with the comprehensive requirements, and evaluates the consortial relationship and/or agreement against the purpose of the institution.
     
 

Texas Tech University has 25 reciprocal exchange agreements; 17 affiliation agreements; 14 faculty-led programs; and the TTU Center, Seville Consortium (all relating to study abroad).

TTU linkages with international institutions are signed only after a careful review of curriculum by departments which will be sending students to those institutions.

     
     
3.4.8 The institution awards academic credit for course work taken on a noncredit basis only
when there is documentation that the noncredit course work is equivalent to a designated
credit experience.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.4.9 The institution provides appropriate academic support services.
     

Study Abroad’s charge is to expand global opportunities for TTU students.  

ISSS provides immigration support for international students, faculty, and staff.
     
     
3.4.10 The institution defines and publishes general education requirements for its undergraduate programs and major program requirements for all its programs. These requirements conform to commonly accepted standards and practices for degree programs.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.4.11 The institution protects the security, confidentiality, and integrity of its student academic
records and maintains special security measures to protect and back up data.
     

Student record computer files are backed up daily and protected within federal standards.

     
     
3.4.12 The institution places primary responsibility for the content, quality, and effectiveness of its
curriculum with its faculty.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.4.13 For each major in a degree program, the institution assigns responsibility for program
coordination, as well as for curriculum development and review, to persons academically

qualified in the field. In those degree programs for which the institution does not identify a
major, this requirement applies to a curricular area or concentration.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
3.4.14

The institution’s use of technology enhances student learning, is appropriate for meeting the
objectives of its programs, and ensures that students have access to and training in the use
of technology.

     

Not applicable to unit level.

   
   
3.5  Standards Specific to Undergraduate Programs:
   
3.5.1 The institution identifies college-level competencies within the general education core and provides evidence that graduates have attained those competencies.
   
 

The TTU Seville Center is administered through the OIA; however, the courses there are supervised by the individual departments through which they are offered (these departments vary from semester to semester).  All classes are taught by faculty with appointments in these various departments.   

     
     
3.5.2 The institution awards degrees only to those students who have earned at least 25 percent of the credit hours required for the degree through instruction offered by that institution.
   
  Not applicable to unit level.
   
     
3.6  Standards Specific to Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Professional Programs:
   
3.6.1 The institution’s post-baccalaureate professional degree programs, and its master’s and
doctoral degree programs are progressively more advanced in academic content than
undergraduate programs.
   
  Not applicable to unit level.
   
     
3.6.2 The institution ensures that its graduate instruction and resources foster independent learning, enabling the graduate to contribute to a profession or field of study.
   
  Not applicable to unit level.
   
     
3.6.3 The majority of credits toward a graduate or a post-baccalaureate professional degree is earned through the institution awarding the degree. In the case of graduate and post-baccalaureate professional degree programs offered through joint, cooperative, or consortia arrangements, the student earns a majority of credits from the participating institutions.
   
  Not applicable to unit level.
   
     
3.7  Faculty
   
3.7.1 The institution employs competent faculty members qualified to accomplish the mission and goals of the institution. When determining acceptable qualifications of its faculty, an institution gives primary consideration to the highest earned degree in the discipline in accordance with the guidelines listed below. The institution also considers competence, effectiveness, and capacity, including, as appropriate, undergraduate and graduate degrees, related work experiences in the field, professional licensure and certifications, honors and awards, continuous documented excellence in teaching, or other demonstrated competencies and achievements that contribute to effective teaching and student learning outcomes. For all cases, the institution is responsible for justifying and documenting the qualifications of all its faculty.
   
  Not applicable to unit level.
   
     
3.7.2 The institution regularly evaluates the effectiveness of each faculty member in accord with
published criteria, regardless of contractual or tenured status.
   
  Not applicable to unit level.
   
     
3.7.3 The institution provides evidence of ongoing professional development of faculty as teachers, scholars, and practitioners.
   
  Not applicable to unit level.
   
3.7.4 The institution ensures adequate procedures for safeguarding and protecting academic freedom.
   
  Not applicable to unit level.
   
     
3.7.5 The institution publishes policies on the responsibility and authority of faculty in academic and governance matters.
   
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.8  Library and Other Learning Resources
   
3.8.1 The institution provides facilities, services, and other learning/information resources that are
appropriate to support its teaching, research, and service mission.
   
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.8.2 The institution ensures that users have access to regular and timely instruction in the use of the library and other learning/information resources.
   
  Not applicable to unit level.
   
     
3.8.3 The institution provides a sufficient number of qualified staff--with appropriate education or
experiences in library and/or other learning/information resources–to accomplish the mission of the institution.
   
  Not applicable to unit level.
   
     
3.9  Student Affairs and Services
   
3.9.1 The institution publishes a clear and appropriate statement of student rights and responsibilities and disseminates the statement to the campus community.
   
  Not applicable to unit level.
   
     
3.9.2 The institution protects the security, confidentiality, and integrity of its student records.
   
  Two units – International Student and Scholar Services, and Study Abroad – maintain files with students’ personal information.  All files are in controlled, lockable rooms and in lockable cabinets.  Access to files is restricted on a “need to see” basis.
   
     
3.9.3 The institution provides services supporting its mission with qualified personnel to ensure the quality and effectiveness of its student affairs programs.
   
  Not applicable to unit level.
   
     

RESOURCES

3.10  Financial and Physical Resources
   
3.10.1 The institution’s recent financial history demonstrates financial stability.
   
  Not applicable to unit level.
   
     
3.10.2 The institution provides financial statements and related documents, including multiple
measures for determining financial health as requested by the Commission, that
accurately and appropriately represent the total operation of the institution.
   
  Not applicable to unit level.
   
     
3.10.3 The institution audits financial aid programs as required by federal and state regulations.
   
  Not applicable to unit level.
   
     
3.10.4 The institution exercises appropriate control over all its financial and physical resources.
   
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.10.5 The institution maintains financial control over externally funded or sponsored research and
programs.
   
  Not applicable to unit level.
   
     
3.10.6 The institution takes reasonable steps to provide a healthy, safe, and secure environment for all members of the campus community.
   
  Not applicable to unit level.
   
     
3.10.7 The institution operates and maintains physical facilities, both on and off campus, that are
adequate to serve the needs of the institution’s educational programs, support services, and
mission-related activities.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
 

Section 4:  FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS

 
4.1 When evaluating success with respect to student achievement in relation to the institution’s
mission, the institution includes, as appropriate, consideration of course completion, state
licensing examinations, and job placement rates.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
4.2 The institution maintains a curriculum that is directly related and appropriate to the purpose
and goals of the institution and the diplomas, certificates or degrees awarded.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
4.3 The institution makes available to students and the public current academic calendars,
grading policies, and refund policies.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
4.4 The institution demonstrates that program length is appropriate for each of the degrees
offered.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
4.5 The institution has adequate procedures for addressing written student complaints and is
responsible for demonstrating that it follows those procedures when resolving student
complaints.
(See Commission Policy "The Review of Complaints Involving the Commission or its Accredited institutions.")
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
4.6 Recruitment materials and presentations accurately represent the institution’s practices and
policies.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
4.7 The institution publishes the name of its primary accreditor and its address and phone number.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
4.8 The institution is in compliance with its program responsibilities under Title IV of the 1998
Higher Education Amendments.
(In reviewing the institution's compliance with these program responsibilities, the Commission relies on documentation forwarded to it by the Secretary of Education.)
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     

 

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