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  CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE 
 
Name of Unit: Jerry S. Rawls College of Business Administration
Date:    August 18, 2004
 

Section 2: CORE REQUIREMENTS
     
2.1 The institution has degree-granting authority from the appropriate government agency or agencies.  (Degree-granting Authority)
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
    
     
2.2

The institution has a governing board of at least five members that is the legal body with specific authority over the institution. The board is an active policy-making body for the institution and is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the financial resources of the institution are adequate to provide a sound educational program. The board is not controlled by a minority of board members or by organizations or interests separate from it. Neither the presiding officer of the board nor the majority of other voting members of the board have contractual, employment, or personal or familial financial interest in the institution.

A military institution authorized and operated by the federal government to award degrees has a public board in which neither the presiding officer nor a majority of the other members are civilian employees of the military or active/retired military. The board has broad and significant influence upon the institution’s programs and operations, plays an active role in policy-making, and ensures that the financial resources of the institution are used to provide a sound educational program. The board is not controlled by a minority of board members or by organizations or interests separate from the board except as specified by the authorizing legislation. Neither the presiding officer of the board nor the majority of other voting board members have contractual, employment, or personal or familial financial interest in the institution.  (Governing Board)
 
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
2.3 The institution has a chief executive officer whose primary responsibility is to the institution and who is not the presiding officer of the board. (Chief Executive Officer)
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
 

 

  
     
2.4 The institution has a clearly defined and published mission statement specific to the institution and appropriate to an institution of higher education, addressing teaching and learning and, where applicable, research and public service. (Institutional Mission)
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
2.5 The institution engages in ongoing, integrated, and institution-wide research-based planning and evaluation processes that incorporate a systematic review of programs and services that (a) results in continuing improvement and (b) demonstrates that the institution is effectively accomplishing its mission. (Institutional Effectiveness)
     
The Rawls College of Business is in compliance with this requirement.
   i. The Rawls College participates in the ongoing, integrated TTU-wide research-based planning and evaluation process, also known as the TTU strategic plan. The strategic plan for the college may be found at: http://planassess.ba.ttu.edu/Strategic%20Plan/Strategic%20Plan.asp.
 
   ii. These and other data are reviewed systematically and result in continuing improvement; see for example the improvement and enrollment management plan for the Rawls College, which is available in the Office of the Associate Dean (BA 103).
  
   iii. The Rawls College is accomplishing its mission and goals as demonstrated in its recent annual report: http://www.irs.ttu.edu/SACS/AssessmentReports/3_0_2003.pdf
 
     
     
2.6 The institution is in operation and has students enrolled in degree programs.  (Continuous Operation)
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
2.7 Degree Programs
The Rawls College is in compliance with all requirements 7.a. -7.d 

The Institution
  2.7.1   offers one or more degree programs based on at least 60 semester credit hours or the equivalent at the associate level; at least 120 semester credit hours or the equivalent at the baccalaureate level; or at least 30 semester credit hours or the equivalent at the post-baccalaureate, graduate, or professional level. The institution provides a written justification and rationale for program equivalency. (Program Length)
   

The Rawls College has:

  • One baccalaureate degree that requires 120 semester credit hours.


  • A Master of Science in Business Administration, which requires a minimum of 36 hours.


  • A Master of Science in Accounting, which requires a minimum of 36 hours.


  • A Master of Business Administration, which requires a minimum of 48 hours.
     
  • An International Master of Business Administration, which requires 48 hours, international experiences, and language ability.

  • Integrated undergraduate and graduate programs involving a minimum of 150 total hours.


  • A doctoral program requiring 60 hours of coursework plus dissertation hours.
     
  2.7.2 offers degree programs that embody a coherent course of study that is compatible with its stated purpose and is based upon fields of study appropriate to higher education. (Program Content)
   


All of the programs meet the AACSB standards for curricula, which include a coherent set of requirements for the courses of study.

http://www.aacsb.edu/accreditation/standards.asp.

The college curriculum was reviewed during 2002-03 by AACSB International and the Site Review Team Report (February 9, 2003) from that review is available in the office of the Associate Dean of the Rawls College.
     
     
  2.7.3 requires in each undergraduate degree program the successful completion of a general education component at the collegiate level that is (1) a substantial component of each undergraduate degree, (2) ensures breadth of knowledge, and (3) is based on a coherent rationale. For degree completion in associate programs, the component constitutes a minimum of 15 semester hours or the equivalent; for baccalaureate programs, a minimum of 30 semester hours or the equivalent. These credit hours are to be drawn from and include at least one course from each of the following areas: humanities/fine arts; social/behavioral sciences; and natural science/mathematics. The courses do not narrowly focus on those skills, techniques, and procedures specific to a particular occupation or profession. The institution provides a written justification and rationale for course equivalency. (General Education)
   
The Rawls College complies with the university-wide core curriculum requirement as found in the 2004-2005 TTU University Catalog, http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/catalog/AcademicsCore.html .
     
     
  2.7.4 provides instruction for all course work required for at least one degree program at each level at which if awards degree.  If the institution makes arrangements for some instruction to be provided by other accredited institutions or entities through contracts or consortia, or uses some other alternative approach to meeting this requirement, the alternative approach must be approved by the Commission on Colleges.  In all cases, the institution demonstrates that it controls all aspects of its educational program.  (Contractual Agreements for Instruction)
   
The Rawls College controls all aspects of its degree programs, except for joint programs with other programs on campus. The college also participates in an agreement with Universidad Annahuac. The agreement with Universidad Anuahac has been reviewed and approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools as per a letter from James T. Rogers, Executive Director on May 27, 2003.
     
     
2.8 The number of full-time faculty members is adequate to support the mission of the institution. The institution has adequate faculty resources to ensure the quality and integrity of its academic programs. In addition, upon application for candidacy, an applicant institution demonstrates that it meets the comprehensive standard for faculty qualifications.  (Faculty)
   
  The Rawls College is in partial compliance with this requirement.

The compliance level is noted in the AACSB Site Review Team report and the final letter of the Business Accreditation Committee. Both of these reports are in the office of the Associate Dean of the Rawls College of Business (BA103). The college in not in full compliance because the enrollment is too large in comparison with the faculty size.

The college has a plan to get into compliance, as required by the AACSB accrediting agency. The document is titled “Instructional Resource Plans 2004-09” and may be found in the Office of the Associate Dean of the Rawls College of Business (BA 103). 
   
     
2.9. The institution, through ownership or formal arrangements or agreements, provides and supports student and faculty access and user privileges to adequate library collections as well as to other learning/information resources consistent with the degrees offered. These collections and resources are sufficient to support all its educational, research, and public service programs. (Learning Resources and Services)
     
  The Rawls College is in compliance with this requirement.

The library holdings were sufficient to meet AACSB International standards in the college recent review.  
     
     
2.10 The institution provides student support programs, services, and activities consistent with its mission that promote student learning and enhance the development of its students. (Student Support Services)
     
  The Rawls College is in compliance with this requirement.

The college has the following:
     
2.11

The institution has a sound financial base and demonstrated financial stability, and adequate physical resources to support the mission of the institution and the scope of its programs and services.

The member institution provides the following financial statements: (a) an institutional audit (or Standard Review Report issued in accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services issued by the AICPA for those institutions audited as part of a systemwide or statewide audit) and written institutional management letter for the most recent fiscal year prepared by an independent certified public accountant and/or an appropriate governmental auditing agency employing the appropriate audit (or Standard Review Report) guide; (b) a statement of financial position of unrestricted net assets, exclusive of plant assets and plant-related debt, which represents the change in unrestricted net assets attributable to operations for the most recent year; and, (c) an annual budget that is preceded by sound planning, is subject to sound fiscal procedures, and is approved by the governing board.

Audit requirements for applicant institutions may be found in the Commission policy entitled "Accreditation Procedures for Applicant Institutions.  (Resources)
     
 

The Rawls College is in compliance with this requirement.

Routes of compliance:

  • Support for faculty and departmental expenses from the university



  • Contributions from alumni.



  • Programs and operations of the Center for Professional Development.
   a. Institutional Audit: The Rawls College was last audited during Spring and Summer 2003 by the Internal Audit staff of the university.
 
   b. Changes in Net Assets: Not applicable to unit level.
 
   c. Annual Budget: The annual budget of the Rawls College is prepared by the Assistant Dean for Finance. The budget is reviewed and approved by the Office of the Provost.  
   
   
2.12 The institution has developed an acceptable Quality Enhancement Plan and demonstrate that the plan is part of an ongoing planning and evaluation process.  (Quality Enhancement Plan).

(Not applicable for the Compliance Certification submitted by institution).
     
   
   

Section 3:  COMPREHENSIVE STANDARDS
     

Institutional Mission, Governance, And Effectiveness
3.1  Institutional Mission
   
3.1.1 The institution has a clear and comprehensive mission statement that guides it; is approved
by the governing board; is periodically reviewed by the board; and is communicated to the
institution’s constituencies.
     
The Rawls College is in compliance with this standard.

The mission for the Rawls College may be found at:

http://planassess.ba.ttu.edu/Strategic%20Plan/Mission.asp

The mission of the college was reviewed and approved as part of the strategic plan by the TTU Board of Regents at their regular meeting of December 2001.
     
     
3.2  Governance and Administration
   
3.2.1 The governing board of the institution is responsible for the selection and the evaluation of
the chief executive officer.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.2.2 The legal authority and operating control of the institution are clearly defined for the following
areas within the institution’s governance structure:
  3.2.2.1 the institution’s mission;
  3.2.2.2 the fiscal stability of the institution;
  3.2.2.3 institutional policy, including policies concerning related and affiliated corporate
entities and all auxiliary services;
  3.2.2.4 related foundations (athletic, research, etc.) and other corporate entities whose
primary purpose is to support the institution and/or its programs.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.2.3 The board has a policy addressing conflict of interest for its members.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.2.4 The governing board is free from undue influence from political, religious, or other external
bodies, and protects the institution from such influence.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.2.5 Members of the governing board can be dismissed only for cause and by due process.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.2.6 There is a clear and appropriate distinction, in writing and practice, between the policy-making
functions of the governing board and the responsibility of the administration and faculty to administer and implement policy.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.2.7 The institution has a clearly defined and published organizational structure that delineates
responsibility for the administration of policies.
     
The Rawls College is in compliance with this standard.

Before the review of the college by AACSB International during 2002-03, the Rawls College was only in partial compliance with this requirement on delineation of duties.

Both the Peer Review Team Report and the Business Accreditation Committee letter addressed this issue (available in BA 103). This issue has since been addressed in the college’s response (report of November 1, 2003).

The Rawls College of Business organization and organizational duties may be found in the document “Organization” available in the office of the Associate Dean (BA 103).
9.-10. Not applicable to the unit or area level.
     
     
3.2.8

The institution has qualified administrative and academic officers with the experience,
competence, and capacity to lead the institution.

     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.2.9

The institution defines and publishes policies regarding appointment and employment of
faculty and staff.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.2.10 The institution evaluates the effectiveness of its administrators, including the chief executive
officer, on a periodic basis.
     
The Rawls College is in compliance with this standard.
  • The Dean reports to the Provost and is evaluated annually in meetings with the Provost.

  • All college administrators of the college report to and are evaluated annually by the Dean in meetings between each administrator and the Dean.
     
  • Area Coordinators are also evaluated by the tenure track faculty of their respective areas. These written evaluations are summarized and then reviewed by the Dean in preparation for prior to meetings with the area coordinator.
     
3.2.11 The institution’s chief executive officer has ultimate responsibility for, and exercises
appropriate administrative and fiscal control over, the institution’s intercollegiate athletics
program.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.2.12 The institution’s chief executive officer has ultimate control of the institution’s fund-raising
activities.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.2.13 Any institution-related foundation not controlled by the institution has a contractual or other
formal agreement that (a) accurately describes the relationship between the institution and
the foundation, and (b) describes any liability associated with that relationship. In all cases,
the institution ensures that the relationship is consistent with its mission.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
     
     
3.2.14

The institution’s policies are clear concerning ownership of materials, compensation,
copyright issues, and the use of revenue derived from the creation and production of all
intellectual property. This applies to students, faculty and staff.
     
  Not applicable to unit level.
3.3  Institutional Effectiveness
   
3.3.1

The institution identifies expected outcomes for its educational programs and its
administrative and educational support services; assesses whether it achieves these
outcomes; and provides evidence of improvement based on analysis of those results.
     
The Rawls College of Business is in compliance with this standard.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES:
  • Each of the academic programs has expected outcomes, assessments, and evidence of improvement as can be found at http:\\planassess.ba.ttu.edu.
     
  • The BBA and MBA programs and educational support services are assessed using national assessment tools (Educational Benchmarking, Inc.) For benchmarking, the college uses the national average for a peer set of institutions.


  • For undergraduate and masters programs and support services, the college uses local assessment tools and as a benchmark has a criterion of “above average,” on 5 or 6 point Likert scales.


  • As an example and evidence of improvement based on the analysis of these results, improvements were made to advising, computer facilities, placement, and class size; see page 16 of “Program Assessment Measures and Initiatives” of January 10, 2003 found in (BA 103).

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES:

  • Administrative services are assessed annually by the Dean and the Assistant Dean for Finance. Corrections are made as necessary to improve the operations of the college. For example, recent improvements include the centralization of computer and building maintenance for the college. See Bob Rhoades (BA 104).

PROGRAMS
3.4  Educational Programs Standards for All Educational Programs:
(Includes all on-campus, off-campus and distance learning programs) 
3.4.1 The institution demonstrates that each educational program for which academic credit is
awarded (a) is approved by the faculty and the administration, and (b) establishes and
evaluates program and learning outcomes.
     
  The Rawls College is in compliance with this standard.
   a. New Programs follow a set procedure, originating from the faculty and approved by administration, as documented in the Operating Procedures Manual of the Rawls College, which may be found in the Office of the Associate Dean (BA 103).
 
  b. The Rawls College has established and assessed desired program and learning outcomes for each of the five degree programs: BBA, MBA, MS, MSA, and PhD, as detailed at http:\\planassess.ba.ttu.edu. The IMBA is too new to have been assessed at this date.
     
     
3.4.2 The institution’s continuing education, outreach, and service programs are consistent with
the institution’s mission.
     
  The Rawls College is in compliance with this standard.

The Rawls College provides the following continuing education, outreach, and service programs as part of its mission (http://planassess.ba.ttu.edu/Strategic%20Plan/Mission.asp “Provides service to our educational and professional communities”): 
  i. The Entrepreneurship program provides service and outreach to local businesses.
 
ii. Student organizations, such as Beta Alpha Psi, provide outreach through the Meals on Wheels program and VITA (Volunteers in Tax Assistance to those not able to afford tax preparation assistance).
  
  iii. The Chief Executives Roundtable is a program that reaches the local business community providing them with nationally known speakers and opportunities to interact with students.
  iv. Banking School provides continuing education to community bankers from the surrounding region.
   
  v. Texas Tech Tax Institute provides continuing tax education to CPAs as required by Texas state law.
  
  vi. School of Governmental Finance provides continuing education to municipal and local finance officers.
  
  vii. Annual Update for Municipal Finance Officers (Professor Robert Freeman).
  
  viii. The Management and Executive Education office provides courses and materials for on-site and off-site continuing education in business and management for people in the Lubbock and wider communities.
     
     
3.4.3 The institution publishes admissions policies consistent with its mission.
     
  The Rawls College is in compliance with this standard.

The Rawls College admissions policies for undergraduate and graduate programs are published in the 2004-05 Texas Tech University Catalog (http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/catalog/Admission.html, http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/catalog/BACURRICULUM.html, and http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/catalog/BAGRAD.html). Additional published policies may be found on the web, for example for the MBA:
http://mba.ba.ttu.edu/MBA/MBA_Application/MBA_Application_Process.asp

The college’s admissions policies are consistent with the university mission which states that Texas Tech “provides the highest standards of excellence in higher education, [and] fosters intellectual and personal development.” 
     
     
3.4.4 The institution has a defined and published policy for evaluating, awarding, and accepting credit for transfer, experiential learning, advanced placement, and professional certificates that is consistent with its mission and ensures that course work and learning outcomes are at the collegiate level and comparable to the institution’s own degree programs. The institution assumes responsibility for the academic quality of any course work or credit recorded on the institution’s transcript.
     
  The Rawls College is in compliance with this standard.

The Rawls College follows university policy with respect to credit for transfer
(2004-05 Texas Tech University Catalog,http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/catalog/Admission.html) with college specific requirements stated here: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/catalog/BAUNDER.html#Admission.
     
     
3.4.5 The institution publishes academic policies that adhere to principles of good educational practice. These are disseminated to students, faculty, and other interested parties through publications that accurately represent the programs and services of the institution.
     
  The Rawls College is in partial compliance with this standard.

Information on academic policies can be found in the 2004-2005 Catalog, http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/catalog/AcademicsRegulations.html for the university, and for the Rawls College, http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/catalog/BADEGREES.html.

Curricula of the Rawls College were recently reviewed by AACSB International. Compliance comments may be found in the AACSB International Peer Review Team Report (February 9, 2003), which may be found in BA 103. All programs were found to generally be in conformance with commonly accepted standards and practices for business education with one exception (see p. 5), which is the reason for claiming partial compliance. The Peer Review Committee recommended establishing a process to assure that infused material regarding international business, ethics and so forth represents a logical and comprehensive review. This issue has been directed to the Undergraduate Programs Committee and a successful resolution is expected within five years.
     
     
3.4.6 The institution employs sound and acceptable practices for determining the amount and
level of credit awarded for courses, regardless of format or mode of delivery.
     
  The Rawls College is in compliance with this standard.

The Rawls College offers all courses with traditional modes of delivery and formats giving traditional credit with the exception of courses in the Physician’s MBA, which are taught in an executive format, and courses taught by Universidad Anahuac in the Joint MBA program with that university. The college followed the following process for the Physician’s MBA program, which we believe to be sound and acceptable.
  • The program was proposed by faculty members to the college graduate faculty committee,
    which approved it.
     
  • The program was approved by vote of the college graduate faculty.
     
  • The program was reviewed by the Dean of the Graduate School.
     
  • The program was reviewed by the Associate Provost.
     
  • The program was reviewed and approved by the Provost (document available in the
    Office of the Associate Dean (BA 103).

The process for the joint Anahuac program we believe to be sound. We followed the same process, except we additionally had this program reviewed by the Graduate Council, Academic Council, Board of Regents, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (see Rawls response to Core Requirement 2.7.4).

     
     
3.4.7 The institution ensures the quality of educational programs/courses offered through consortia relationships or contractual agreements, ensures ongoing compliance with the comprehensive requirements, and evaluates the consortial relationship and/or agreement against the purpose of the institution.
     
  The Rawls College is in compliance with this standard.

See the discussion in 3.4.6 immediately above, and also the response to Core Requirement 2.7.4.
     
     
3.4.8 The institution awards academic credit for course work taken on a noncredit basis only
when there is documentation that the noncredit course work is equivalent to a designated
credit experience.
     
  The Rawls College is in compliance with this standard.

The Rawls College does not give academic credit for noncredit course work.
     
     
3.4.9 The institution provides appropriate academic support services.
     
 

The Rawls College is in compliance with this standard.


The college has the following:
 
     
     
3.4.10 The institution defines and publishes general education requirements for its undergraduate programs and major program requirements for all its programs. These requirements conform to commonly accepted standards and practices for degree programs.
     
 

The Rawls College is in partial compliance with this standard.

   o        http://mba.ba.ttu.edu/MBA/MBA_Current/MBA_Concentrations_C.asp
o        http://ms.ba.ttu.edu/MSBA/MSBA_Current/MSBA_Concentrations_C.asp
o        http://msa.ba.ttu.edu/MSA/MSA_Current/MSA_Concentrations_C.asp