In reaffirming the University’s accreditation in spring 2000, the
Commission on Colleges of the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges commended UM
for:
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Its
high quality, intellectually sound General Education Program, which fulfills UM’s
mission that an education here “nurtures in students the capability to think
critically, to communicate effectively, and to understand the world as they mature
intellectually and emotionally.”
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Its
emphasis on the importance of artistic activities and the high level of student
involvement, as well as for its statewide cultural leadership and extensive artistic
outreach efforts.
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Faculty
and staff’s concern for the academic success and general welfare of students, which
is apparent at all levels of classroom, laboratory, research and extracurricular
interaction, as well as in the extensive involvement of students in planning, implementing
and evaluating student support services.
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Creating
and supporting the unique Native American studies department, which offers an academic
degree and fosters relationships with various tribal communities.
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Retaining
an experienced and dedicated support staff who — despite increasing responsibilities
— demonstrate daily their commitment to students, faculty and the University’s
mission through service and loyalty.
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Maintaining
the character of campus while introducing new facilities and renovated space for enhanced
student life and in developing facilities for innovative teaching and learning
environments, particularly in pharmacy, business and the honors program.
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Achieving
rapid growth in its extramural research funding.
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| The University underwent its first
accreditation process of Dennison's tenure when evaluators from the Northwest Association
of Schools and Colleges visited campus in April 2000. The site visit culminated a two-year self-evaluation by a
campus committee led by Jerry Fetz, dean of the Davidson Honors College.
In its report and final letter of approval,
the NASC evaluation team gave the University more commendations for excellence than
recommendations for improvement, even though it cited repeatedly UM's obvious struggle
with insufficient state funding.
"The commendations provide confirmation
of our own opinion that The University of Montana offers a wonderful experience to
students who choose to come," President Dennison said. "The most serious
problems, as the report makes quite clear, derive from the unwillingness or inability of
the state to provide a more appropriate funding base."
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