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Self-Study

Overview

Albizu University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), a voluntary, non-governmental, regional membership association currently serving higher education institutions in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and other geographic areas.

The MSCHE assures students and the public of the educational quality of higher education. The Commission's accreditation process ensures institutional accountability, self-appraisal, improvement, and innovation through peer review and the rigorous application of standards within the context of institutional mission.

The Self-Study is an endeavor of utmost importance in the life of our institution which fundamentally pursues the reaffirmation of our institutional accreditation with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, scheduled for 2021. The Self-Study is an honest and transparent community-wide evaluation of our continuous fulfillment of our mission. It seeks institutional improvement, through the assessment and evaluation of our undertakings, opportunities and challenges, leading to a set of conclusions and recommendations moving forward in the next eight-year accreditation cycle.

Albizu University has been fully accredited since 1974 by complying with all standards of accreditation and requirements for affiliation.The University received reaffirmation of accreditation in 2015, and our next Self-Study Review is due in 2021. Here is the link to our status including the Statement of Accreditation from the MSCHE website.

The Steering Committee is composed of the Steering Committee co-chairs, Accrediting Liaison Officer (ALO) , and the co-chairs of each working group.  The working group for each standard and the Verification of Compliance group have equal representation from the San Juan (including Mayagüez University Center) and Miami campuses.  Following is a list of the Steering Committee members:

Name Position Self-Study Role
Jose Armando Perez Dean of Academic Affairs, SJC Steering Committee Co-Chair, San Juan Campus
Irene M. Bravo Dean of Academic Affairs & Director, Ph.D. in Human Services, MC Steering Committee Co-Chair, Miami Campus
Rafael A. Melendez Director, Assessment & Institutional Accreditation, Presidency ALO, Facilitator
Yolanda Rosario Albizu Library Director, San Juan Campus Std. I Working Group Co-Chair, San Juan Campus
Scott Hyman Associate Professor, Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, MC Std. I Working Group Co-Chair, Miami Campus

Tania Rodriguez

 

Assistant Professor, M.S. in Counseling Psychology, MUC Std. II Working Group Co-Chair, San Juan Campus
Juan Zaragoza Albizu Library Director, Miami Campus Std. II Working Group Co-Chair, Miami Campus
Yahaira Segarra Associate Professor, M.S. in Counseling Psychology, MUC Std. III Working Group Co-Chair, San Juan Campus
Kristen Farrell-Turner Director, Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, MC Std. III Working Group Co-Chair, Miami Campus
Carmen Rivera-Laboy Dean of Students, SJC Std. IV Working Group Co-Chair, San Juan Campus
Jeffrey Ellis Director of Student Services, Miami Campus, SJC Std. IV Working Group Co-Chair, Miami Campus
Jose Cabiya Professor, Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, SJC Std. V Working Group Co-Chair, San Juan Campus
Rafael Martinez Director, Undergraduate Programs, MC Std. V Working Group Co-Chair, Miami Campus
Carlos Rodriguez Special Assistant, SJC Chancellor Std. VI Working Group Co-Chair, San Juan Campus
Luis Barreto Director of Finance, MC Std. VI Working Group Co-Chair, Miami Campus
Ricardo Del Rio Alumnus & Trustee Std. VII Working Group Co-Chair, San Juan Campus
Diana Barroso Director, Master’s Programs in Psychology & Industrial/ Organizational Psychology, MC Std. VII Working Group Co-Chair, Miami Campus
Carmen Rivera-Laboy Dean of Students, SJC & Title IV Institutional Monitor

Compliance Group Co-Chair,

San Juan Campus

Julia De Llanos Dean of Student Success & Enrollment Management, MC

Compliance Group Co-Chair,

Miami Campus

The following sections address the general charges of the working groups and the specific charges and composition of each individual working group.

Specific Charges of Working Groups and Composition

Standard I – Mission and Goals

The institution’s mission defines its purpose within the context of higher education, the students it serves, and what it intends to accomplish. The institution’s stated goals are clearly linked to its mission and specify how the institution fulfills its mission.

Standard I Working Group Members

NAME POSITION ROLE
Yolanda Rosario Albizu Library Director, San Juan Campus Working Group Co-Chair, San Juan Campus
Scott Hyman Associate Professor, Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, MC Working Group Co-Chair, Miami Campus

Lymaries Padilla

 

Research Training Director, SJC Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Nanet Lopez Professor, Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, SJC Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Ruth Reyes Human Resources Specialist, SJC Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Aida Luz Garcia Professor, Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, SJC Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Irma Barron Faculty, Master’s Programs Psychology, MC Working Group Member, Miami Campus
Maryvelisse Carpintero Adm. Assistant to the Chancellor, MC Working Group Member, Miami Campus
Mirta Miranda Special Assistant to the President & the Chancellor, MC & Group Advisor Working Group Member, Miami Campus

Specific Charges:
§  Examine how the mission and goals guide all aspects of the University.
§  Examine how successful the University is in fulfilling its mission and goals.
§  Consider innovative pathways to fulfill the University’s mission and goals.

Research Question:
1.    How do curricular and co-curricular practices and all other institutional activities reflect Albizu’s mission and goals?

Standard II – Ethics and Integrity

Ethics and integrity are central, indispensable, and defining hallmarks of effective higher education institutions.  In all activities, whether internal or external, an institution must be faithful to its mission, honor its contracts and commitments, adhere to its policies, and represent itself truthfully.

Standard II Working Group Members

NAME POSITION ROLE
Tania Rodriguez Assistant Professor, M.S. in Counseling Psychology, MUC Working Group Co-Chair, San Juan Campus
Juan Zaragoza Albizu Library Director, Miami Campus Working Group Co-Chair, Miami Campus
Maritza Maldonado Associate Professor, M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, SJC Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Maribel Matos Professor, Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, SJC Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Coralee Perez Faculty, Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, SJC Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Elsa Vega Human Resources Specialist, MC Working Group Member, Miami Campus
Nancy Alvarez Director of Admissions, MC Working Group Member, Miami Campus
Evangelina Alonso Associate Professor, Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, Director of Goodman Center Working Group Member, Miami Campus

 

Specific Charges:
§  Examine how the Albizu Strategic Plan reflects our community’s commitment to demonstrate ethical behavior and integrity in all activities.
§  Determine whether Albizu’s policies, procedures, and processes are performed in an ethical manner.

Research Questions:
1.    How does the commitment to institutional ethics is reflected in all Albizu’s policies, procedures, and processes?
2.    How are regulations, contract agreements and service programs performed in an honest and ethical manner?
3.    What are the mechanisms to evaluate the adherence of policies, processes, and procedures to ethics and integrity criteria?
4.    How are ethical practices and integrity maintained in project proposals?

Standard III – Design and Delivery of the Student Learning Experience

An institution provides students with learning experiences that are characterized by rigor and coherence at all program, certificate, and degree levels, regardless of instructional modality. All learning experiences, regardless of modality, program pace/schedule, level, and setting are consistent with higher education expectations.

Standard III Working Group Members

NAME POSITION ROLE
Yahaira Segarra Associate Professor, M.S. in Counseling Psychology, MUC Working Group Co-Chair, San Juan Campus
Kristen Farrell-Turner Director, Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, MC Working Group Co-Chair, Miami Campus
Youssef Ahmad Associate Academic Dean, MUC Working Group Member, San Juan Campus

Jahgen De Jesus

 

Associate Professor, M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, SJC Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Marcos Reyes Director, Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology & Interim Director, Institutional Center for Scientific Research, SJC Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Gilda Rodriguez Clinical Training Director, Albizu Clinic, SJC Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Israel Sanchez Associate Professor, Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, SJC Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Floralba Arbelo Associate Professor, Undergraduate & Master’s Programs, MC Working Group Member, Miami Campus
Francine Hamel Assistant Professor, M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, MC Working Group Member, Miami Campus
Elena Zablah Enrollment Specialist, PhD in Human Services student, MC Working Group Member, Miami Campus

Specific Charges:
§  Examine how Albizu’s mission is addressed in the programs offered.
§  Evaluate how Albizu programs achieve the highest standard of academic excellence.

Research Questions:
1.    To what extent do the resources and facilities at Albizu support student learning?
2.    What is the process to ensure continued improvement of teaching/learning practices? How is it assessed?
3.    How is innovation embedded in teaching/learning practices?
4.    How accurately do academic programs assess and evaluate the student learning outcomes of the programs and use those outcomes to implement needed changes in the student learning processes?
5.    How qualified are Albizu faculty members to support the student learning process?

Standard IV Working Group Members

NAME POSITION ROLE
Carmen Rivera-Laboy Dean of Students, SJC Working Group Co-Chair, San Juan Campus
Jeffrey Ellis Director,Student Support Services, MC Working Group Co-Chair, Miami Campus

Rosa Belvis

 

Dean of Enrollment Management, SJC Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Miguel Martinez Professor, M.S. and Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, SJC Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Antonio Escabi Student, Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, SJC Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Ineliz Figueroa Counselor, Dean of Students, SJC Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Gabriela Fontan Enrollment Specialist, MC Working Group Member, Miami Campus
Isaac Tourgeman Assistant Professor, Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, MC Working Group Member, Miami Campus

Specific Charges:
§  Review how the Strategic Plan drives recruitment and admission for all programs.
§  Evaluate how Albizu’s mission is reflected in effective support services.

Research Questions:
1.    Are there sufficient services to provide students with the support needed to achieve success?
2.    How effective is the design and implementation of current student services in ensuring student success?
3.    How adequate is the assessment process for ensuring the continued improvement of student services?
4.    How innovative are Albizu student support services?

Standard V – Educational Effectiveness Assessment

Assessment of student learning and achievement demonstrates that the institution's students have accomplished educational goals consistent with their program of study, degree level, the institution's mission, and appropriate expectations for institutions of higher education.

Standard V Working Group Members

NAME POSITION ROLE
Jose Cabiya Professor, Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, SJC Working Group Co-Chair, San Juan Campus
Rafael Martinez Director, Undergraduate Programs & M.S. in Exceptional Student Education, MC Working Group Co-Chair, Miami Campus

Michel Aponte

 

Associate Professor, M.S. & Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology, SJC Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Maria Moro

Associate Professor, M.S. in Speech & Language Pathology, San Juan Campus

 

Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Maribella Gonzalez Professor, Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, SJC Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Raymi Fernandez Director, Information Technology Systems, MC Working Group Member, Miami Campus
Maria Perez-Abalo Assistant Professor, Ph.D. in Human Services, MC Working Group Member, Miami Campus
Shannon Whorton Assistant Director of Clinical Training, Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, MC Working Group Member, Miami Campus

Specific Charges:
§  Evaluate how Albizu’s mission and Strategic Plan are reflected in expectations of student learning and achievement.
§  Evaluate how Albizu ensures an evidence-based process that guarantees student learning assessments lead to outcomes that are then used to improve the student learning process.

Research Questions:
1.    Evaluate the effectiveness of the assessment process at all program levels.
2.    Examine the process for the dissemination, evaluation, and use of assessment results.
3.    Highlight student learning examples that show innovation in both teaching and student learning outcomes.

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.

Standard VI Working Group Members

NAME POSITION ROLE
Carlos Rodriguez Special Assistant to the Chancellor, SJC Working Group Co-Chair, San Juan Campus
Luis Barreto Director of Finance, MC Working Group Co-Chair, Miami Campus

Maria de Lourdes Rivera

 

Registrar, SJC Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Doris Quero Director of Financial Aid, SJC Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Gabriela Sifre Director, Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, SJC Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Maria Bustillo Associate Professor, M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, SJC Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Yoel Velazquez Director, Institutional Planning & Research, Presidency Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Richard Zonderman Associate Professor, M.S. in Psychology & Industrial/ Organizational Psychology, MC Working Group Member, Miami Campus
Sharrie Dean Assistant Professor, Undergraduate Programs, MC Working Group Member, Miami Campus
Carmen Garcia Human Resources & Administration Director, MC Working Group Member, Miami Campus

Specific Charges:
§  Evaluate how Albizu’s processes, resources, and structures are consistent with the University’s mission and Strategic Plan.
§  Examine how Albizu assigns resources according to new challenges in the educational and social fields.

Research Questions:
1.    How do Albizu’s organizational structures, resources, and planning processes align with its mission and Strategic Plan?
2.    How do Albizu’s assessment processes lead to improvements in programs and services and effectively address opportunities and challenges?
3.    Show evidence of innovation in Albizu funding sources when compared with best practices from other institutions.

Standard VII – Governance, Leadership, and Administration

The institution is governed and administered in a manner that allows it to realize its stated mission and goals in a way that effectively benefits the institution, its students, and the other constituencies it serves. Even when supported by or affiliated with governmental, corporate, religious, educational system, or other unaccredited organizations, the institution has education as its primary purpose, and it operates as an academic institution with appropriate autonomy.

Standard VII Working Group Members

NAME POSITION ROLE
Ricardo Del Rio

Alumnus and Trustee

 

Working Group Co-Chair, San Juan Campus
Diana Barroso Director, M.S. in Psychology & Industrial/ Organizational Psychology, MC Working Group Co-Chair, Miami Campus
Jorge Gonzalez-Monclova Alumnus and Trustee Working Group Member, San Juan Campus

Jose Martinez

 

Professor, Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, SJC Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Jose Rodriguez Professor, Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, SJC Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Nitza Rodriguez Professor, Interdisciplinary Baccalaureate, Speech/ Language Therapy Major, SJC Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Maribel Del Rio- Roberts Alumna and Trustee Working Group Member, Miami Campus
Sheri Feldman Assistant Professor, Coordinator M.S. in Speech and Language Pathology, MC Working Group Member, Miami Campus
Lilianne Martinez Financial Aid Specialist, MC Working Group Member, Miami Campus

Specific Charges:
§  Evaluate how Albizu’s mission is realized through its administrative structure.
§  Examine how Albizu’s priorities are appropriate to its commitment to academic excellence.

Research Questions:
1.    Identify how the assessment of Albizu’s governing structure is used in improving institutional governance?
2.    How effective are the decision-making and communication processes of institutional governance in ensuring student success?
3.    Examine innovation in the context of best practices in Albizu administration when compared with best practices from other institutions.

Verification of Compliance with Accreditation-Relevant Federal Regulations

MSCHE must validate Albizu’s compliance with accreditation-relevant federal regulations.

Compliance Working Group Members

NAME POSITION ROLE
Carmen Rivera

Title IV Institutional Monitor, SJC

 

Working Group Co-Chair, San Juan Campus
Julia De Llanos Dean of Student Success, MC Working Group Co-Chair, Miami Campus

Maria de Lourdes Rivera

 

Registrar, SJC Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Doris Quero Director of Financial Aid, SJC Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Hector Pena Director of Finance, SJC Working Group Member, San Juan Campus
Fina Campa Registrar, MC Working Group Member, Miami Campus
Osmyn Gonzalez Director of Financial Aid, MC Working Group Member, Miami Campus
Luis Barreto Director of Finance, MC Working Group Member, Miami Campus

Specific Charges:

To provide evidence of policies and procedures to verify institutional compliance in the following areas:

  • Student identity verification in distance and correspondence education
  • Transfer of credit policies and articulation agreements
  • Title IV program responsibilities
  • Institutional records of student complaints
  • Required information for students and the public
  • Standing with state and other accrediting agencies
  • Contractual relationships
  • Assignment of credit hours
November 2018

· MSCHE Self-Study Institute, Philadelphia, PA (Steering Committee Co-chairs and ALO)

 

November 2018 to January 2019

· Develop Self-Study Design

· Steering Committee (SC) co-chairs provide list of working group (WG) members

· Develop Evidence Inventory – Phase I Gather Initial Evidence

· Phone/video conference with MSCHE liaison

· Assemble working groups for review of objectives, charges, and criteria per standard/verification of compliance

 

February 2019

· Submit Self-Study Design to the MSCHE liaison (two weeks prior to the visit)

· MSCHE liaison Self-Study Preparation Visit to campus (week of Feb 25)

 

March 2019

· SC and WG begin Phase II Refine and Reference the Evidence Inventory

· Revisions and final acceptance from MSCHE liaison of Self-Study Design

April to May 2019

· SC and WG complete Phase II Evidence Inventory

 

May to July 2019

· WG gather and analyze data and submit first progress reports no later than July 15

 

September-December 2019

· SC co-chairs provide feedback to progress reports (September)

· WG gather and analyze data and submit final reports no later than December 10

 

January to May 2020

· MSCHE Evaluation Team chair chosen; visit dates chosen; Self-Study Design sent to team chair

· Self-Study drafted and shared with campus community

 

May to September 2020

· Self-Study revisions and second campus review

 

September to November 2020

· Self-Study draft sent to team chair (two weeks before visit)

· Team chair Preliminary Visit

· Assigned WG develops Verification of Compliance Report

 

December 2020 to January 2021

· Verification of Compliance submitted

· Self-Study finalized based on team chair feedback and shared with campus

 

February 2021

· Final Self-Study/Evidence Inventory uploaded to MSCHE portal (six weeks before MSCHE On-site Evaluation Visit)

 

March and April 2021

· On-site Evaluation Team Visit (March or April); Team Visit Report received within 10 days of visit; Institutional Response prepared and submitted

 

June 2021 · Commission determines accreditation action

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