Skip to content

UNK Welcomes NCA

North Central Self Study

Chapter 8:
Summary and Conclusions


This chapter provides a brief summary of the self-study, restating important conclusions and concerns, and in the process providing evidence that the criteria for accreditation have been met. The chapter ends with a formal request for continued accreditation.

Chapter One provides a general survey of progress made at the University of Nebraska at Kearney in the last 10 years. Several key strategic challenges are identified:

Other issues requiring continued and/or renewed attention include:

Chapter Two reviews UNK's accreditation history and provides a progress report on the 1994 NCA Team Report. It documents that the strengths identified in 1994 remain so, and the concerns identified have been addressed by the institution. Among the accomplishments cited are:

Chapter Three addresses Criterion One, demonstrating that the institution's mission and purposes are clear and appropriate. Major emphasis is placed on:

Important issues requiring sustained planning include:

Chapter Four presents evidence that UNK effectively organizes its human, financial, and physical resources (Criterion Two). Resource base information for the past 10 years is provided and evaluated in each of the three resource categories. External and internal governance structures and processes are described, including faculty, staff, and student governance mechanisms. Highlights of the resources strengths and concerns include:

Human Resource Strengths
Human Resource Concerns
Financial Resource Strength
Financial Resource Concern
Physical Resource Strengths
Physical Resource Concerns

Chapter Five demonstrates that the University meets Criterion Three: it is accomplishing its education and other purposes. Many of UNK's programs are nationally accredited, and the chapter provides an overview of the programs offered by the academic colleges. Additional focus is on:

It is clear from this chapter that UNK is accomplishing its educational mission. The mission and strategic planning statements of the colleges and General Studies program are consistent with and supportive of the UNK mission statement. Departmental strategic plans, outlined in Appendix B, are derived from the appropriate College mission statement and hence equally supportive.

Several issues addressed in Chapter Five will require further discussion, evaluation and planning to ensure continued success:

Chapter Six provides patterns of evidence that UNK can continue to accomplish its purposes and strengthen its educational effectiveness, as required for Criterion Four. The chapter reviews the current resource base and describes the decision-making processes in place. Considerable attention is devoted to recent budget-reduction processes, documenting how the institution has remained focused on our primary mission throughout this challenging situation. Effective planning and assessment processes are in place to ensure continued educational effectiveness. In order to facilitate further momentum in this regard, several suggestions may be drawn:

Chapter Seven documents how UNK meets Criterion Five by promoting integrity in its practices and relationships. The chapter reviews:

UNK's commitment to core principles and values has provided a strong foundation for continued improvement and is one of the most prominent features of the institution.


Next: Chapter 8> Sections> Request for Continued Accreditation
Previous: Chapter 7: Criterion Five