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A. Mission, Authorization and Governance (GIRs 1-8)
B. Faculty and Educational Programs (GIRs 9-18)
C. Finances and Public Information (GIRs 19-24)
1. It has a mission statement, formally adopted by the governing board and made public, declaring that it is an institution of higher education.
Approximately one year prior to the start of the self-study process, Washburn began to review and revise its mission statement. The revised statement was adopted by the Washburn Board of Regents on January 20, 1996. It appears on p.11 of the Washburn University Catalog, 1997-98. In addition, it is distributed to all members of University advisory committees and is used as a starting point in planning discussions, such as the Pew Higher Education Roundtable. It is also sent each year to all members of University committees whose work is based on the mission statement (e.g., Program Review Committee, Assessment Committee, etc.)
2. It is a degree-granting institution.
A list of degree programs offered appears on pp.18-19 of the Washburn University Catalog, 1997-98. Degree names appear below in the evidence for GIRs #14-#15.
3. It has legal authorization to grant its degrees, and it meets all the legal requirements to operate as an institution of higher education wherever it conducts its activities.
Washburn is by statute a degree granting institution per K.S.A. 13-13a16. (Kansas Statutes Annotated (K.S.A.) will be available to the evaluation team for reference in the University Legal Counsel's Office.)
4. It has legal documents to confirm its status: not-for-profit, for-profit or public.
Washburn University is a public institution per the Kansas Constitution, Article VI, Section 2(c); per K.S.A. 13-13a03 through 13-13a37 and per K.S.A. 72-6501 et seq.
5. It has a governing board that possesses and exercises necessary legal power to establish and review basic policies that govern the institution.
Such powers are granted to the Washburn Board of Regents by statute.
K.S.A. 13-13a03 provides in pertinent part: "the management and control of the municipal university established under the provisions of Article 13a of Chapter 13 of Kansas Statutes Annotated shall be vested in a board to be known as the board of regents...."
K.S.A. 13-13a09 authorizes the Board of Regents to "prescribe such rules, bylaws and regulations as may be proper for the Board and for the government of the municipal university" and to "fix reasonable tuition and other charges to be paid by students attending said university...."
K.S.A. 13-13a11 provides that, in pertinent part, the "board of regents shall be vested with all powers, authority and control belonging to or vested in such municipal university with respect to the management of the estate property and funds given, transferred, covenanted or pledged to such municipal university...."
K.S.A. 13-13a13 authorizes the Board of Regents to receive, hold, purchase and dispose of personalty and property. K.S.A. 13-13a14 authorizes the Board of Regents to promulgate rules and regulations with respect to the use of the University's property when not in use for the purpose of the municipal university. K.S.A. 13-13a16, mentioned previously, authorizes the Board to grant degrees. K.S.A. 13-13a17 authorizes the municipal university to cooperate with any board of education and any city, state or federal government in the furtherance of education. K.S.A. 13-13a19 is the statute which gives the Board of Regents "all other powers and privileges necessary" for the discharge of the municipal university's function provided that it is not in conflict with other specific state or federal legislation.
6. Its governing board includes public members and is sufficiently autonomous from the administration and ownership to assure the integrity of the institution.
K.S.A. 13-13a04 outlines the methodology by which the Board of Regents is appointed in order to provide such autonomy. Four of the Regents are appointed by the Mayor, one each from each state senatorial district and one from the taxing district at large; three are to be appointed by the Governor and shall be residents of the state; one is the Mayor or other member of the city governing body; and one member is a member of the Kansas Board of Regents selected by that Board on an annual basis. Members serve four-year terms.
7. It has an executive officer designated by the governing board to provide administrative leadership for the institution.
K.S.A. 1995 Supp. 13-13a12 authorizes the Board of Regents to "employ a president of the municipal university, who shall be the chief executive officer of the board and of the municipal university...."
8. Its governing board authorizes the institution's affiliation with the Commission.
The Board of Regents has authorized the institution's affiliation with the Commission because Washburn has been accredited by North Central continuously since 1913 and as a public university since 1941. Further, K.S.A. 72-6509 requires the University to maintain accreditation through North Central in order to receive its state general fund operating grant.
9. It employs a faculty that has earned from accredited institutions the degrees appropriate to the level of instruction offered by the institution.
Faculty credentials appear on pp. 296-308 of the Washburn University Catalog, 1997-98.Faculty files, including transcripts, are maintained in the Vice President for Academic Affairs Office. About 90% of the 214 full-time faculty have earned the terminal degree. A terminal degree is a requirement for new tenure-track faculty. All but four of the full-time faculty hold graduate degrees. These four have bachelors degrees and teach in two-year allied health degree programs, where their substantial clinical experience is critical to their positions. Of the relatively few (34) part-time faculty employed, 11 (32%) have the terminal degree. The University also employs approximately 225 adjunct faculty in a typical semester. Per the University's "Statement on the Qualifications and Use of Adjunct Faculty Members" (University Faculty Handbook 10th edition, Section 5, part V), an adjunct faculty member ordinarily teaches no more than 6 credit hours per semester, and typically teaches one three-credit course. Adjunct faculty must have at least the masters degree in the appropriate field. Exceptions, for adjuncts with expertise in specialized fields, must be approved by the academic dean of the academic unit in which the adjunct will teach.
10. A sufficient number of the faculty are full-time employees of the institution.
As of the start of the 1997-98 academic year, Washburn University employed 214 full-time faculty and 34 part-time faculty. For Fall 1997, 223 adjunct faculty taught courses with enrollments totalling 12,847 student credit-hours. This represents 20.3% of the 63,390 total student credit-hour enrollment for that semester.
11. Its faculty has a significant role in developing and evaluating all of the institution's educational programs.
That the faculty has such a role is required by Article V of the University Bylaws. See also Section One, Part IV(B) of the University Faculty Handbook, 10th edition. The University's General Faculty has authority to recommend to the Board of Regents through the President changes in graduation requirements; new degrees; academic majors or programs; elimination of existing degrees or majors programs; and creation of new academic departments. The above cited portion of the faculty handbook states: "On these matters the power of review or final decision lodged in the governing board or delegated by it to the President should be exercised adversely only in exceptional circumstances and for reasons communicated to the general faculty. It is desirable that the general faculty should, following such communication, have opportunity for further consideration and further transmittal of its views to the President or Board. Budgets, manpower limitations, the time element, and the policies of other groups, bodies and agencies having jurisdiction over the institution may set limits to realization of faculty advice."
12. It confers degrees.
13. It has degree programs in operation, with students enrolled in them.
Washburn graduates students three times per year, in August (at the end of the Summer Session), in December (at the end of the Fall Semester) and in May (at the end of the Spring Semester). The majority of graduating students complete requirements for the May graduation date. Figures for the May 1997 graduation illustrate both GIR #12 and #13. The following numbers of degrees were conferred, by type of degree.
| Type of degree | Spring 1997 degrees conferred | |
| associate degrees | 90 | (AA-25, AS-45, AAS-20) |
| Bachelors degrees | 373 | (BA-103, BAS-19, BBA-78, BEd-25, BFA-5, BM-7, BPA-8, BS-7, BSCJ-41, BSN-42, BSW-38) |
| Masters degrees | 88 | (MA-5, MBA-37, MEd-8, MSW-38) |
| J.D. | 108 | |
| Total degrees conferred | 659 |
The University also maintains figures on enrollment of students by major. Degree programs that no longer generate sufficient enrollments, that no longer meet community needs, or that can be offered more efficiently by other local institutions (such as the Kaw Area Technical School) are phased out.
14. Its degree programs are compatible with the institution's mission and are based on recognized fields of study at the higher education level.
A list of degree programs offered appears on pp.18-19 of the Washburn University Catalog, 1997-98. Washburn offers the typical assortment of programs associated with an institution with roots in, and a continuing commitment to, the liberal arts. The Schools of Business, Nursing and Law offer degree programs. Washburn's mission also includes a commitment to serve the needs of a diverse metropolitan population. This has given rise to two-year programs in a variety of fields, as well as bachelors and graduate degrees in professional programs usually associated with urban areas, such as Criminal Justice and Social Work, along with an MBA program designed to meet the needs of working professionals.
15. Its degrees are appropriately named, following practices common to institutions of higher education in terms of both length and content of the programs.
Two-year degrees offered are: A.A., A.S. and A.A.S. Four-year degrees offered are: B.A., B.S., B.F.A., B.P.A., B.Ed., B.B.A., B.S.N., B.S.C.J., B.A.S. and B.S.W. Graduate degrees offered are: M.A., M.B.A., M.Ed., M.S.W., M.C.J. and J.D. Degree requirements are spelled out in the catalog. Two-year degrees require a minimum of 62 semester hours; four year degrees require at least 124 semester hours. Hour requirements for graduate programs vary with the degree program, ranging from a minimum of 30 graduate credits (MBA) to over 90 graduate credits (JD).
16. Its undergraduate degree programs include a coherent general education requirement consistent with the institution's mission and designed to ensure breadth of knowledge and to promote intellectual inquiry.
The University's mission statement (p.11 of the Washburn University Catalog, 1997-98) states clearly that "the general education program is the common foundation for all of the University's undergraduate degrees."
Various faculty committees attempted, for well over a decade, to develop a comprehensive statement of what should be included in a general education curriculum. In 1995, the General Faculty approved a statement developed by the General Education Committee, a group broadly representative of the University community. That statement said:
"Since knowledge consists of more than random and unrelated facts, the university encourages broad comprehension. The areas of knowledge needed by a graduate are listed below:
1. The world of human ideas, aspirations, values and institutions--an understanding of how ideas have been developed and expressed in history, the arts, literature, philosophy, religion and the social sciences. This includes investigation into how human beings have existed at other times and in cultures other than our own.
2. The world of nature--an understanding of the scientific method and the physical world, knowing something about the earth, the nature of human beings as a biological species, and comprehending the implications of science and technology in our society.
A liberal education cannot be obtained by a student through enrollment in a few specially designed courses. The required skills and areas of knowledge must be presented, explained, discussed and used throughout the whole university curriculum. This statement is a guide not only for the students to determine their expectations of a college education, but also for each professor to help determine the extent that his or her course is meeting the goals of general education."
In order to achieve a course distribution representing the various components of knowledge that will provide students with the broad and comprehensive understanding of the "worlds" described in the statement, the disciplines represented in the College of Arts and Sciences at Washburn University were divided into the following areas: Arts and Humanities; Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics; and Social Sciences.
Each undergraduate degree offered by the University has a specific distribution of credits representing approved general education courses from each area. These specific distributions were developed by the several schools and approved by these schools and the General Faculty, and are detailed in the catalog. In addition to the distribution requirements, there are University-wide requirements in mathematics (College Algebra or the equivalent), composition (two semesters, one of which is upper division), and physical education (a 2-credit wellness course). While these requirements vary some from degree to degree, general education is the foundation for every degree program.
Every course in the general education program undergoes a review process before being recognized as an "approved general education course." Departments are encouraged to submit those courses for general education approval which they believe provide a particularly broad and comprehensive overview from the perspective of that academic discipline, which would be appropriate for a liberally educated person to have. Syllabi for these courses are forwarded to the General Education Committee, which uses standards developed from the general education statement to determine whether a given course is acceptable as a general education course.
These standards require that every general education course should assist students in the development of at least three of the following skills, or that the development of one of these skills be the specific purpose of the course (e.g., an introductory statistics might have as its purpose to teach students to "reason mathematically and understand numerical data"): (a) read intelligently, (b) write effectively, (c) listen sensitively, (d) speak clearly, (e) think creatively, (f) reason mathematically and understand numerical data, (g) process information both in terms of synthesis and analysis, (h) interpret and assess human values, and (i) solve problems using the methods of analysis considering evidence, relevance and validity.
17. It has admission policies and practices that are consistent with the institution's mission and appropriate to its educational programs.
Washburn is a public, urban, institutional resource for the people of Kansas. It is an access/opportunity institution with open admissions allowing geographic access for the diverse metropolitan population of Topeka/Shawnee County and programmatic access for students from across the state and region. Washburn's mission is to focus on the total educational needs of the area and to be responsive not only to the needs of recent high school graduates but also to the adult learner.
The Washburn Admissions Office welcomes application from all interested students. The University's policy is that any graduate of a Kansas high school is eligible for admission, as is any graduate from a high school in another state with at least a 2.0 GPA. Washburn works closely with community colleges and other institutions and their students to ensure opportunity for transfer students.
The Admissions Office is organized to bring together policy, practice and mission. All admissions counselors have responsibility for conveying information to high school students in Topeka and Shawnee County. Responsibility for other Kansas high schools and those in neighboring states is divided geographically. One counselor is specifically charged with assisting transfer students; another has responsibility for recruitment of minority students, while another counselor maintains liaison with the Topeka business community, public, and non-profit agencies and by direct mail with the public to detail opportunities for adult learners to update skills and pursue educational credentials necessary for career advancement and lifelong learning.
18. It provides its students access to those learning resources and support services requisite for its degree programs.
Among the learning resources and support services (which are described in detail elsewhere in this report) are:
-a University library system that is electronically accessible from throughout the campus and the world
-an academic computing network with hardware and software to meet student needs, also accessible from throughout the campus and the world
-numerous student laboratories and special classrooms
-the Center for Learning and Student Success, bringing together academic advising, career services, learning enrichment and counseling and testing
-free tutoring provided by advanced students in many academic departments
-a full range of student services including a health center, centers for veterans and students with disabilities, a multicultural affairs center, a non-traditional student center and a student life office
-admissions counseling and financial aid offices
-on-campus educational, cultural and entertainment activities
-an accredited art museum
-numerous international exchange and study abroad programs
-public television through KTWU Channel 11
-cable access through Cable Channel 16, operated by the Media Center and the Mass Media Department
19. It has an external finance audit by a certified public account or a public audit agency at least every two years.
Kansas Statutes, KSA 75-1117, et seq., requires Washburn University to engage an annual audit by a certified public accounting firm. These general audits are presented to the Board of Regents at open/public meetings and the audits are public records available to review and/or copy. The audits are required to be submitted to the State of Kansas and other cited parties. In addition, the University is subject to many other auditors ranging from federal/state government audits to sponsored program audits. Copies of these audits are available for review by the evaluation team.
20. Its financial documents demonstrate the appropriate allocation and use of resources to support its educational programs.
Three documents prepared on an annual basis demonstrate the allocation of resources to support the University's educational program. These are the Annual Financial Report, the Strategic Financial Indicators and the Facilities Master Plan. All of these documents are available to the evaluation team for review. Of course, the annual budget also demonstrates how resources are allocated.
21. Its financial practices, records, and reports demonstrate fiscal viability.
To understand how the University's practices, records and reports demonstrate fiscal viability, a brief explanation of our revenue sources is required. Washburn has three significant sources of revenue: tuition, state aid, and local taxes. Local taxes are provided via four separate tax funds:
-General Fund: This fund can levy up to a maximum of 7.0 mills of ad valorem tax on the property within the City of Topeka. This levy generates approximately $4.7 million annually, which includes other tax related revenues; i.e., motor vehicle taxes, back taxes, etc.
-Employee Benefit Contribution Fund: This fund does not have a mill levy limit but only employee fringe benefits can be expended via this fund. The University levied approximately 8 mills in FY 1997, resulting in about $5.9 million. Thus, Washburn has a source to fund employee benefits without competing with other needs such as salaries, buildings, equipment, etc.
-Debt Retirement and Construction Fund: Washburn is fortunate to be able to levy a maximum of 3 mills which are restricted to bond service and capital improvement. The fund generates about $2.2 million annually for support of the plant and/or equipment. These funds are restricted by statute for capital and do not compete with other University activities for funds.
-Liability Expense Fund: As part of the Kansas Tort Claim Act, Washburn and other quasi municipalities and governmental units are allowed to separately levy an ad valorem tax for liability claims, litigation expenses, liability insurance premiums, etc. Again, this fund provides a source of revenue for a restricted purpose without detriment to the educational and other programs of the University.
The general operations of the University are primarily funded via these four tax funds. However, the University has seven other funds: endowment (both Washburn University and the Washburn Endowment Association) with a market value of over $80 million; student loan fund; restricted and agency fund; plant fund (an accounting conduit only); building construction fund; development fund (also an accounting conduit only); and government and research fund.
All of the above funds are accounted for and reported in the Annual Financial Report. Washburn has consistently added to fund balances each year. Washburn is also subject to the "Kansas Cash Basis Law," which requires it to have uncommitted cash in the bank to cover any financial commitments prior to making the commitment. Washburn's debt is also restricted by statute to certain bond issues, and requires such restricted debt to be less than 2% of the taxing districts assessed valuation.
Thus, statutory requirements demand that Washburn be fiscally viable. However, the laws do not require that programs, activities, staffing, facilities, etc., be adequately funded to discharge the University's responsibilities. That part of the equation is internally monitored through the University's budget processes, including the Program Review and Resource Planning and Process Committee, discussed in chapter 5.
22. Its catalog or other official documents includes its mission statement along with accurate descriptions of its educational programs and degree requirements; its learning resources; its admissions policies and practices; its academic and non-academic policies and procedures directly affecting students; its charges and refund policies; and the academic credentials of its faculty and administrators.
The following are the pages in the Washburn University Catalog, 1997-98, that contain these important items: mission statement (p. 11), educational programs and degree requirements (pp. 61-267), learning resources (pp. 13-17, 21-26, 50-55), admissions policies and practices (pp. 45-50), academic policies (pp. 27-45), charges and refund policies (pp. 55-60), academic credentials of faculty/administration (pp. 296-308), equal opportunity and sexual harassment policies (p. 2).
23. It accurately discloses its standing with accrediting bodies with which it is affiliated.
The various bodies through which Washburn receives accreditation are indicated annually in the University Catalog (see p.12 of the 1997-98 catalog).
24. It makes available upon request information that accurately describes its financial condition.
The State of Kansas has both open records statutes (KSA 45-217 et seq.) and open meetings statutes to which Washburn University is subject. Financial records are open under these statutes.