Rook recognition and accreditation update

I would like to congratulate the Rooks on their recent recognition. You have reached a significant milestone in your career in the Corps of Cadets and at Norwich. I would also like to commend the upperclass students for a job well done. This year we restructured the Corps and the training program and our upperclass Corps members met the challenge.

I am very pleased with the comments I have heard concerning the first sophomore FTX training held. 

Sophomore cadets broke up into two groups. The first group was dropped off at Spruce Peak in Stowe where they crossed Sterling Pond and hiked down Smuggler's Notch to Jeffersonville. The second group went to Fort Ethan Allen in Jericho and either worked on a Leadership Reaction Course or practiced mountain climbing and repelling. They then rotated so that by the end of the day they had completed all three of these tasks. By all reports the training was a wonderful success. 

A second sophomore FTX training session is being planned for the spring which will feature a learn-to-ski program. Our goal of offering sophomores a more robust Corps experience is coming to fruition.

Lead by Dr. Joe Byrne, Norwich administrators, faculty and staff have been busy preparing an important self-study of the university. Every 10 years Norwich must undertake an institutional review in order to maintain our New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accreditation. Accreditation is the primary process for assuring and improving the quality of higher education institutions. It is a self-regulatory, peer review process based on 11 rigorous standards. These standards consist of: Mission and Purpose; Planning and Evaluation; Organization and Governance; Academic Programs; Faculty; Students; Library and other Informational Resources, Physical and Technological Resources; Financial Resources; Public Disclosure; and Integrity. 

Colleges and universities are judged based on self-evaluations analyzing how well they meet these standards, in light of their mission. Following a review by a team of peers, accrediting commissions determine the accreditation status of the institution.

Dr. David Potter, president of North Georgia College and State University, will be the NEASC team chair for Norwich's assessment. Dr. Potter will make a preliminary visit to Norwich in the spring. The entire NEASC review team will be on campus Sept. 19-21. Norwich employees have been working for over a year preparing a comprehensive report in anticipation of the NEASC site visit. 

The NEASC self-study is critical for several reasons. Accreditation provides assurance to prospective students and families and the public that an institution meets clearly stated Standards for Accreditation and that there are reasonable grounds to believe the institution will continue to meet those standards in the future. The self-study also helps Norwich stay on track with our mission and goals so that we can provide a unique educational experience.

At this point it is a fast flight to the end of the semester. Stay focused and remain disciplined in your studies. I encourage you to take advantage of the Academic Achievement Center if you need help any time, but especially during the final push.

Finally, any students planning to return for spring semester who are not yet registered should see their academic advisor immediately.