Memorandum of Agreement

This Memorandum describes mutual intentions, expectations, and commitments made by St. Olaf College and The Higher Learning Commission pertaining to the special emphasis self-study proposed by St. Olaf College.

St. Olaf College

St. Olaf College respectfully proposes to conduct a special emphasis self-study in the form of a new strategic plan for the College, one that will deal with challenges and issues that are critical to significant advancement and improvement in the achievement of mission and vision. The plan will address three critical challenges: diversity; internationalization; and student learning and will include answers to four planning questions: Where are we going? (goals); How will we get there? (strategies); What will it take to get us there? (resources); and How will we assess progress? (outcomes). The plan will also provide strategic decisions in two areas of ongoing operations: Program Mix and Quality; and Faculty/Staff Roles and Rewards. The College agrees to include a concise but substantive section in the Self-study Report to show that it continues to meet the General Institutional Requirements and Criteria for Accreditation.

The Higher Learning Commission

Commission staff recognizes the value St. Olaf College has attached to the special emphasis self-study that it has proposed in preparation for the comprehensive visit to be conducted April 21-23, 2003.

The Commission will organize a consultant-evaluator team of sufficient size and experience, and with expertise in the focal areas that the College has identified for study: diversity, internationalization, and student learning. The evaluation team that conducts the visit will prepare a final report that provides both evaluative and consultative information in accordance with Commission policy. It is anticipated that the report will be useful to the College and its Board of Regents and it updates its strategic plan.

St. Olaf College will be held harmless by the Commission for having elected to conduct a special emphasis self-study as long as the College includes a concise but substantive section in the Self-Study Report that shows it continues to meet the General Institutional Requirements and Criteria for Accreditation.

Agreed to by:

(signed) Dr. Christopher M. Thomforde President, St. Olaf College (date)	(signed) Dr. Steven Crow Executive Director, The Higher Learning Commission (date)
(signed) Dr. James L. Pence Provost and Dean of the College (date)	(signed) Dr. John A. Taylor Staff Liaison (date)