Letter from the President

August 15, 2009

Every ten years, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette undertakes an in-depth self-study under the direction of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Such a study presents a unique opportunity for a university to take stock of its strengths and special features, and to identify strategic areas for investment and development. On behalf of our University, I invite you to review the report our faculty, staff, and students have developed to support our reaffirmation of accreditation, and to participate in this important process of introspection and institutional development.

This website serves as a gateway to the SACS accreditation reaffirmation process, and houses one of the two principal components of the reaffirmation: the Compliance Certification, a comprehensive review of the entire university. The second component, the Quality Enhancement Plan, a university-wide initiative to enhance student learning through the development of a coherent freshman year seminar system, will be posted by December 2009.

The SACS-COC reaffirmation process is always productive because it entails intense self-examination coupled with a goal of improved effectiveness. In our case, the reaffirmation process has dovetailed with key institutional changes which themselves have brought earnest review and assessment — the retirement of a president of over thirty years tenure and the appointment of a new president. The fruitful transition process culminated in the adoption of the UL Lafayette 2009 – 2014 Strategic Plan: Tradition, Transition, Transformation. The new strategic plan focuses the university’s future efforts in student learning, growth and development; research; and community support and outreach.

The reaffirmation effort at UL Lafayette reflects the unique nature and heritage of our campus and our community. It is borne of the work of many on campus, but it has principally been faculty-driven. Their leadership will ensure that accreditation is not seen as an isolated activity and that our university will continue its commitment to its core values, particularly in improved student learning and in research.

Sincerely,

E. Joseph Savoie
President