Self-Study Report Summary

The institution’s mission defines its purpose within the context of higher education, the students it serves, and what it intends to accomplish. The institution’s stated goals are clearly linked to its mission and specify how the institution fulfills its mission.

1. Clearly Defined Mission and Goals

   Monmouth University’s mission statement emphasizes excellence and integrity in teaching, scholarship, and service while preparing students to become leaders and engaged citizens in a diverse, interconnected world. The mission explicitly guides institutional decision-making and aligns with strategic initiatives, ensuring that all academic programs and administrative activities reflect its core values.

   The 2021-2026 strategic plan, titled “Excellence. Access. Ambition.,” articulates how Monmouth advances its curriculum, enhances student experiences, and fosters inclusivity. The plan integrates academic excellence and affordability to make high-quality education accessible to a broad demographic.

2. Institutional Priorities and Strategic Alignment

   Monmouth University’s institutional priorities are grounded in six key themes that drive its mission implementation:

   1. Invest in Academic Excellence
   2. Enhance the Student Experience
   3. Cultivate a Diverse and Inclusive Campus Community
   4. Improve Identity and Image
   5. Modernize Infrastructure
   6. Ensure Financial Stability

   These themes serve as the foundation for institutional decision-making, shaping academic programs, resource allocation, and strategic initiatives.

3. Periodic Assessment and Continuous Improvement

   The University regularly evaluates its mission and goals as part of its strategic planning process:

   • The University President oversees periodic assessments of the University’s mission, reaffirming its relevance and effectiveness.
   • The Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness (OIRE) conducts ongoing assessments of student learning, retention, and institutional performance.
   • Progress is systematically tracked using a Strategic Plan Responsibilities Spreadsheet, which is updated regularly to ensure accountability and alignment with institutional goals.

Ethics and integrity are central, indispensable, and defining hallmarks of effective higher education institutions. In all activities, whether internal or external, an institution must be faithful to its mission, honor its contracts and commitments, adhere to its policies, and represent itself truthfully.

1. Commitment to Ethics and Integrity

   The University has a Code of Ethics that provides guidance for both students and employees. The Student Handbook outlines behavioral expectations, ensuring respect and integrity within the campus community. Additionally, Monmouth continuously reviews and updates its ethics policies to align with evolving legal and institutional expectations.

2. Academic and Intellectual Freedom

   Monmouth University upholds academic freedom through agreements such as the Faculty Association of Monmouth University (FAMCO) Agreement, which guarantees faculty the freedom to conduct research, publish their findings, and engage in scholarly discourse without restriction. The University also fosters freedom of expression through various student and faculty initiatives, including:

   • The student-run newspaper, The Outlook.
   • The Model United Nations and Debate Teams, which engage in discussions on global issues.
   • The University’s Center for the Arts, showcasing diverse perspectives through exhibitions and performances.

3. Climate of Respect and Inclusivity

   Monmouth University prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) through institutional policies and initiatives such as:

   • The Intercultural Center, which supports the success of underrepresented students and promotes inclusivity on campus.
   • Safe Zone training and diversity initiatives, expanding faculty and student awareness of equity issues.

   • Annual climate surveys (2020 and 2024) assessing campus inclusivity, which have led to initiatives like the Diversity Innovation Grant Program.

   The University also ensures fair hiring practices, requiring faculty and staff hiring committees to undergo implicit bias training.

4. Grievance Policies and Due Process

   Monmouth University maintains transparent grievance procedures for students, faculty, and staff:

   • Student Grievances:

     The Student Code of Conduct outlines the procedures for filing complaints, including harassment, discrimination, and academic grievances.

   • Employee Grievances:

     Faculty and staff grievances are addressed through collective bargaining agreements or the Employee Handbook.

   • Title IX and Sexual Misconduct:

     The University complies with Title IX, offering reporting mechanisms, prevention education, and support services for students and employees experiencing sexual misconduct or gender-based discrimination.

5. Institutional Compliance and Financial Integrity

   Monmouth ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, including:

   • Annual Institutional Updates (AIU) and IPEDS surveys, which provide transparency on institutional performance.
   • Financial Aid Code of Conduct, which aligns with the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) ethical standards.
   • Conflict of Interest policies, requiring University trustees and employees to disclose financial interests and abstain from decisions where conflicts exist.

An institution provides students with learning experiences that are characterized by rigor and coherence at all program, certificate, and degree levels, regardless of instructional modality. All learning experiences, regardless of modality, program pace/schedule, level, and setting are consistent with higher education expectations.

1. Rigorous and Coherent Student Learning Experiences

   Monmouth University offers 33 undergraduate, 23 graduate, and four doctoral degree programs, along with a variety of certificate programs. The institution ensures rigor and coherence in the student learning experience through multiple layers of program review and diversity of learning opportunities, including:

   • Periodic Program Review:

     Academic programs undergo periodic review every seven years to assess educational quality, including external assessments when applicable.

   • General Education Oversight:

     The General Education Oversight Committee (GEOC) ensures that undergraduate curricula remain aligned with institutional goals and broader liberal arts learning outcomes.

   • Experiential Learning:

     Students are required to engage in hands-on experiences, such as internships, service learning, faculty-led research, and study abroad programs, which reinforce academic learning with real-world applications.

2. Qualified and Engaged Faculty

   The University maintains a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring small class sizes that foster close faculty-student interactions. Faculty are actively engaged in:

   • High-impact pedagogical practices, such as service-learning courses, faculty-led study abroad programs, and senior seminars.
   • Assessment of faculty teaching effectiveness, using the IDEA Student Ratings of Instruction Diagnostic Feedback instrument (IDEA SRI), which informs teaching improvements and personnel decisions.
   • Professional development support, including sabbaticals, travel grants, research funding, and faculty workshops offered by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL).

3. Learning Opportunities and Resources

   Monmouth University provides students with a range of academic resources to enhance learning outcomes:

   • State-of-the-art facilities, including the Linda Grunin Simulation Lab, which provides health care students with hands-on clinical training.
   • Global education programs, enabling students to study abroad and earn course credits, integrated into the broader curriculum.
   • Flexible course scheduling, including online and hybrid learning experiences that align with the Distance Education Policy to ensure quality across modalities.

4. Assessment and Continuous Improvement

   Monmouth University employs multiple mechanisms to assess and enhance student learning experiences:

   • Student feedback surveys (IDEA SRI) provide data for instructional improvements.
   • National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) and Student Satisfaction Inventory (SSI) inform curricular enhancements.
   • Third-party reviews are conducted for accredited programs, ensuring compliance with industry and academic standards.

Across all educational experiences, settings, levels, and instructional modalities, the institution recruits and admits students whose interests, abilities, experiences, and goals are congruent with its mission and educational offerings. The institution commits to student retention, persistence, completion, and success through a coherent and effective support system sustained by qualified professionals, which enhances the quality of the learning environment, contributes to the educational experience, and fosters student success.

1. Admissions and Recruitment Aligned with Institutional Mission

   Monmouth University ensures that incoming students align with its mission by using a holistic admissions review process that evaluates:

   • Academic performance (GPA, coursework rigor, standardized test scores when applicable).
   • Extracurricular engagement, including leadership roles, community service, and work experience.

   • Personal statements and recommendations to assess student interests and goals.

   The University also has transfer articulation agreements with community colleges and actively supports military-affiliated students through dedicated veterans’ services and military bridge programs.

2. Commitment to Student Retention and Success

   Monmouth University provides structured support services to enhance student retention and degree completion:

   • First-Year Advising:

     A structured program that helps new students transition into university life through advising, mentorship, and engagement opportunities.

   • Early Academic Intervention:

     The Monmouth Early Warning System (MEWS) proactively identifies students who may need support and connects them with academic support.

   • Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives:

     The Intercultural Center and First-Generation at Monmouth Program offer mentorship, community-building, and tailored academic support.

3. Financial Support and Affordability

   Monmouth University is committed to making higher education accessible:

   • 98 percent of undergraduates receive financial aid, and 97 percent receive scholarships or grants.
   • The Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program supports economically disadvantaged students through scholarships, mentorship, and tutoring.
   • Financial literacy programs and transparent cost disclosures help students and families make informed financial decisions.

4. Student Engagement and Support Services

   The University fosters a dynamic student experience through:

   • Athletics and Student Organizations: With 24 NCAA Division I teams and 120+ student clubs, Monmouth provides diverse extracurricular opportunities.
   • Residential Life: Structured housing programs support first-year and upper-class students with academic and personal development resources.
   • Mental Health and Wellness Services: The University offers counseling, peer support, and crisis intervention services through Counseling and Prevention Services (CPS) and external partners.

5. Continuous Assessment and Institutional Improvement

   Monmouth University tracks student success through:

   • National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE):

     93 percent of Monmouth students participate in at least one high-impact learning experience before graduation.

   • Retention and Graduation Rate Analysis:

     The six-year undergraduate completion rate is consistently above the national average, reflecting the University’s commitment to student success.

   • Student Satisfaction Inventories (SSI):

     These provide feedback on advising, campus climate, and academic experience, informing institutional improvements.

Assessment of student learning and achievement demonstrates that the institution’s students have accomplished educational goals consistent with their program of study, degree level, the institution’s mission, and appropriate expectations for institutions of higher education.

1. Clearly Defined Educational Goals and Learning Outcomes

   Monmouth University establishes educational goals at multiple levels, including:

   • Institutional Goals:

     Rooted in the University’s mission and core values, focusing on student success and academic excellence.

   • Program-Level Learning Outcomes:

     Each academic program has well-defined Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) that are regularly assessed.

   • General Education Learning Outcomes:

     These are assessed annually by the General Education Oversight Committee (GEOC), ensuring that students acquire broad, interdisciplinary skills.

2. Systematic Assessment of Student Learning

   The University conducts regular and systematic assessment of student learning at multiple levels:

   • Course-Level Assessment:

     Faculty conduct assessments in their courses and submit reports through a standardized process.

   • Program-Level Assessment:

     Departments conduct annual reviews of SLOs and implement improvements based on assessment findings.

   • Institutional-Level Assessment:

     The Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness (OIRE) collects and analyzes data from multiple sources, including the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), Faculty Survey of Student Engagement (FSSE), Student Satisfaction Inventory (SSI), and HERI Climate Surveys.

3. Use of Assessment for Continuous Improvement

   Assessment results are actively used to improve student learning and institutional effectiveness:

   • Closing the Loop:

     Faculty and administrators review assessment data to identify gaps and make improvements. However, some inconsistencies remain in how departments document follow-ups to assessment findings.

   • Curricular Changes Based on Assessment:

     The Department of Communication revised its curriculum based on alumni and student feedback to better align with industry needs.

     The experiential education requirement was modified in 2023 to improve faculty participation and assessment outcomes.

     The General Education program underwent revisions, including the reduction of required credits from 128 to 120 in response to assessment data and benchmarking.

4. External Accreditation and Program Review

   • Accredited programs follow discipline-specific accreditation standards, ensuring compliance with external benchmarks.
   • Non-accredited programs undergo external program reviews every seven years, including a self-study, external evaluator visit, and assessment-based improvements.

The institution’s planning processes, resources, and structures are aligned with each other and are sufficient to fulfill its mission and goals, to continuously assess and improve its programs and services, and to respond effectively to opportunities and challenges.

1. Alignment of Planning, Resources, and Institutional Improvement

   The University’s strategic plan informs decision-making and resource allocation across all institutional levels. The Strategic Plan 2021-2026: Excellence. Access. Ambition. serves as the guiding framework, structured around six mutually supportive themes that directly influence institutional planning and budgeting.

   • Institutional Planning and Resource Allocation:

     The University employs a data-driven budgeting process that incorporates information from enrollment management reports, financial updates, and accreditation requirements. This ensures financial sustainability and alignment with institutional priorities.

     A separately budgeted contingency fund allows for flexibility in responding to unexpected financial and strategic needs.

     The budget process ensures resource allocation remains within planned parameters, as confirmed by multi-year financial reviews.

   • Financial Sustainability and Adaptability:

     Recognizing its high reliance on tuition revenue, the University has implemented initiatives to diversify revenue streams, including strategic partnerships, expanded external programs, corporate sponsorships, and fundraising campaigns.

     The University’s strong balance sheet and low debt levels provide flexibility for future financial planning.

2. Assessment and Continuous Improvement

   Monmouth University integrates direct and indirect assessment mechanisms to evaluate the effectiveness of its financial and operational planning:

   • Direct Assessment:

     The University measures how well actual expenditures align with the approved budget throughout each fiscal year.

   • Indirect Assessment:

     The effectiveness of resource allocation is evaluated based on whether institutional units achieve their goals, indicating adequate resourcing.

   • The institution has a structured assessment cycle where successful initiatives receive continued or expanded funding, while underperforming ones are adjusted or phased out.

3. Strategic Investment in Institutional Growth

   Monmouth University has demonstrated a commitment to institutional growth and modernization:

   • Investments in academic excellence include launching the Monmouth Edge program to support academically at-risk students.
   • Enhancing student experience through new facilities, including the Career Development Center and investments in career placement technologies.
   • Campus infrastructure improvements, such as residence hall renovations, new academic spaces, and an upcoming campus-wide energy upgrade project to improve sustainability.

The institution is governed and administered in a manner that allows it to realize its stated mission and goals in a way that effectively benefits the institution, its students, and the other constituencies it serves. Even when supported by or affiliated with governmental, corporate, religious, educational system, or other unaccredited organizations, the institution has education as its primary purpose, and it operates as an academic institution with appropriate autonomy.

1. Clear and Transparent Governance Structure

   Monmouth University’s Board of Trustees holds the legal authority for the institution’s governance. The board delegates operational responsibilities to the University president and administration while maintaining fiduciary oversight.

   • The Board of Trustees consists of 28 regularly appointed members, two ex officio members, and three life trustees, ensuring diverse representation.
   • Faculty, staff, and student representatives participate in thrice-annual meetings to provide input on governance matters.

   • A Committee on Trustees is responsible for vetting and recommending new board members to ensure governance quality.

   The board oversees major initiatives, fiscal management, faculty tenure and promotion decisions, and curricular program approvals to uphold institutional integrity.

2. Shared Governance and Decision-Making

   Monmouth University maintains a shared governance structure that integrates faculty, staff, and student participation in decision-making:

   Faculty Governance:

   • The Faculty Council represents faculty interests and has legislative authority over academic policies, curricula, and faculty tenure qualifications.

   • Faculty serve on 16 standing committees and meet regularly with the provost to ensure transparency and collaboration.

   Shared governance examples include:

   • The introduction of a winter session in 2025, which was modified based on faculty input to enhance contact hours and maintain academic quality.

   • Retention of midterm grading, after student advocacy through the Student Government Association (SGA).

   Student Governance:

   • Students hold membership positions on University committees and participate in governance through the SGA.

   • The Hawk Flight Plan initiative (2024) was established to amplify student voices in institutional decision-making.

3. Institutional Leadership and Administration

   The president of Monmouth University is appointed by the Board of Trustees and leads the institution in alignment with strategic priorities.

   The executive leadership team includes:

   • The President’s Direct Reports oversee Academic Affairs, Finance, Student Life, Enrollment Management, and Institutional Research.

   • A recent administrative reorganization streamlined leadership roles, creating a senior vice president position for the provost and consolidating vice provost positions.

   To ensure accountability, the president undergoes annual performance evaluations by the Board of Trustees, based on self-appraisals and strategic goals.

4. Autonomy and Institutional Integrity

   Monmouth University operates with appropriate autonomy as an independent, non-profit institution with education as its primary purpose.

   • The Board of Trustees retains final decision-making power while allowing faculty and administration to shape academic policies and institutional priorities.
   • The University adheres to state and federal regulations and undergoes external audits to ensure compliance with ethical and financial policies.

5. Assessment and Continuous Improvement

   Monmouth University regularly evaluates governance, leadership, and administrative effectiveness through:

   • Regular performance reviews for the president, provost, deans, and department chairs.
   • A Campus Climate Survey (2024) to assess institutional leadership effectiveness.
   • The Institutional Assessment Committee (new) facilitates the university’s assessment policies and procedures and fosters data-driven decision-making.