NWCCU MSU Billings Self-Study Report
October 2008
Standard 9 --
Institutional Integrity
Introduction
MSU Billings indicates integrity as first among its Core Values.
Core Values
Integrity
MSU Billings’ actions are ethical & principled to assure dignity & equity for
all.
Educational Excellence
MSU Billings provides distinctive programs & challenging educational
experiences for a diverse University community.
Student Achievement
MSU Billings provides academic support & administrative services to foster
academic & professional achievement of the University community.
Community of Learners
MSU Billings respects & nurtures variety in intellectual contribution &
scholarship enriching both the University & its extended community.
Meaningful Engagement
MSU Billings supports all members of the University community in their
individual growth toward confidence, individual sense of purpose & acceptance of
civic responsibilities.
Responsiveness
MSU Billings meets the changing needs of our learners with informed action &
innovation based on current standards of educational & technical excellence.
Without integrity, nothing that the institution does or plans to do has
meaning.
Summary & Analysis
Strengths
- The MSU Billings community prides itself on its integrity. The University
holds high expectations of each of its constituencies — students, faculty,
staff and administration.
- MSU Billings complies with Montana Board of Regents policies regarding
academic freedom, conflict of interest, and intellectual property rights.
- MSU Billings has policies to hold employees to high standards through the
various employee contracts — CBA, VTEM and staff.
- The MSU Billings Student Handbook informs students of their responsibilities
regarding appropriate behavior and academic honesty.
- MSU Billings has reviewed/revised its Core Purpose, Mission, Core Values,
Vision and Strategic Initiatives. Each division of the University Community
has aligned its Master Plan with that of the University and annually reviews
both alignment and progress on goals to determine continuing direction for
the future.
Challenges
- Originally established to provide teacher education, MSU Billings is now a
comprehensive university. The University must continue dialogue internally
and externally to determine how it can maintain its strong foundational
programs while changing to meet current educational demands of the state
and region.
- In the area of academic freedom, MSU Billings needs to address how it will
respond to increasing demands regarding curricular limitations proposed by
outside entities.
- MSU Billings must be vigilant to ensure programs maintain high levels of
integrity and quality regardless of the method of delivery.
Back to Top |
|
 |
|
Standard 9
Standard 9 Breakdown
“Academic freedom
— the balancing act
between personal
objective portrayal of
facts in any area of
study — remains the
hallmark of institutional
excellence, as well as
academic integrity.” |