Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) Overview

Augsburg College elected to join the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) in 2001. AQIP is an alternative process through which Augsburg can maintain its accredited status with The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. AQIP's seven-year continuous improvement cycle replaces the comprehensive self-study and site visit that occurred every ten years . Reaffirmation of Accreditation is based on Augsburg's active participation in AQIP, on evidence of progress and improvement in the organization, and on evidence that the College continues to fulfill the Commission's Criteria for Accreditation (The Higher Learning Commission, 2003, p. 6.1-2)1.

Summary of AQIP Requirements/Augsburg's Timeline

Completed organizational self-assessment as part of the AQIP application process (Summer 2001)

Sent AQIP team to Strategy Forum in Chicago to identify Action Projects that would advance the institution's goals (Spring 2002)

Implemented three Action Project plans to be emphasized by Augsburg over a three to four-year period (2002-2006):

Assessment of Student Learning (Retired)

Distinctive General Education Curriculum based on Augsburg 2004 Vision (Retired)

Mission-driven Assessment of Student Markets and College Programs (Retired)

Added new three-year Action Projects Fall 2004 as directed by the AQIP Graduate Program Site Visit Team in Spring 2004:

Master of Business Administration Assessment of Student Learning Plan

Graduate Studies Division Governance and Oversight (Retired)

Submitted Systems Portfolio three years after attending the first Strategy Forum (May, 2005)

Received Appraisal Feedback Report on the Systems Portfolio from AQIP Systems Appraisal Team (March, 2006) 

Repeat cycle of attending Strategy Forum in Chicago to identify new Action Projects (May, 2006)

Aligning strategic planning and budgeting

Access to Excellence:  The Developmental Curriculum (Retired)

Investment in and improvement of Teaching and Learning Spaces (Retired)

Host Quality Checkup Site Visit one to two years before Reaffirmation of Accreditation (February 7-9, 2007).

  Submit application for Reaffirmation of Accreditation within seven years of initial year in AQIP (2007).

Augsburg receives Reaffirmation of Accreditation (November 2007)

Added four new Action Projects (September 2008)

First Year Program Design

Improving Retention of Day Program Seniors

Organizing Institutional Research and Academic Assessment

Systematic Alumni Engagement Stategy

Augsburg begins the second 7-year cycle by submitting the AQIP Systems portfolio for appraisal (November 2008)

1 The Higher Learning Commission (2003).   The handbook of accreditation (3 rd ed.).   Chicago:   Author.