For the past twenty-four (24) months, MSU-Bozeman has undergone an overall evaluation of the institution in preparation for the decennial full-scale accreditation visit by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges (NASC). In preparation for this visit, scheduled for October 13-15, 1999 an Executive Committee, a Steering Committee, and various subcommittees investigated areas of our institution corresponding to the nine NASC Standards. These standards are our mission, academic programs, students, faculty, the library, administration and governance, finance, facilities, and institutional integrity.

As a result of this effort, an Institutional Self-Study has been completed. Sixteen evaluators will be on our campus to take a first-hand look at the university with the purpose of verifying that we meet the goals set out in the nine standards. Continued accreditation is significant because it recognizes the performance, integrity, quality, and educational effectiveness of the institution.

Campus-wide events during the visit are listed under the Schedule of Accreditation Events. These include an open house of the exhibit rooms, a public forum, and an exit interview. In addition, colleges and departments will also have open forums for their respective faculty and students.

We invite you to read the Self-Study, which can be found in its entirety on this Web site. Hard copies of the Self-Study and accompanying Appendices are available in the Renne Library and in the dean's office of each college. Thank you for participating in this very important event.