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Notre Dame College Self-Study Report

Chapter 2: Mission Documents

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Self-Study Report

• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 2
  • Criterion One - Mission and Integrity
  • Mission Documents
  • Diversity
  • Understanding the Mission
  • Fulfilling the Mission
  • Integrity
  • Considerations
• Chapter 3: Criterion Two - Preparing for the Future
• Chapter 4: Criterion Three - Student Learning & Effective Teaching
• Chapter 5: Criterion Four - Acquisition, Discovery, and Application of Knowledge
• Chapter 6: Criterion Five - Engagement & Service
• Chapter 7: Conclusions

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  Higher Learning Commission Final Team Report

Core Component: Notre Dame College’s mission documents are clear and articulate publicly the organization’s commitments.

Mission Documents include:

• Mission Statement
• Statement of Purpose
• Catholic Identity Statement
• Values List of the Notre Dame Community

The mission documents state goals for the learning to be achieved by Notre Dame College students.

All faculty members are expected to include the Mission Statement in their syllabi. Two other mission documents state goals for the learning to be achieved by the College’s students. The first is the Statement of Purpose, located in the 2006 – 2007 edition of the College Catalog and the 2006 – 2007 edition of the Academic Calendar and Student Handbook.

Notre Dame College engages students, staff, and the wider community in the educational experience. Those who choose a Notre Dame College education are encouraged to develop these values and skills:

• Think logically, analytically, and creatively,

• Communicate effectively in speech and in writing,

• Demonstrate mastery of an academic discipline,

• Choose wisely for health and well-being,

• Appreciate the fine arts,

• Integrate Judaeo-Christian values into their lives,

• Pursue their personal spiritual development,

• Share talents and gifts in the spirit of friendship and compassion, and

• Engage in the lifelong search for truth, beauty, and justice.

In addition to the Mission Statement, syllabi are to include the Statement of Purpose. The goal is to link those tenets that are especially applicable to the course objectives. Students then understand how the course connects to the College’s larger purpose.

In July, 2005, a survey of syllabi on file in the VPAA’s office was conducted. A faculty member gathered 281 syllabi created for the 2004 – 2005 academic year and counted how many of these included the Mission Statement and the Statement of Purpose: 71 percent or 199 syllabi included the Mission Statement; 29 percent or 82 did not. Forty-three percent or 120 syllabi included the Statement of Purpose, 57 percent or 161 did not.

This result led the researcher to conclude that instructors could do a much better job of formally communicating the College’s mission and purpose in their syllabi.

 

The second mission document is the Catholic Identity Statement located in the 2006 – 2007 edition of the College Catalog and the 2006 – 2007 edition of the Academic Calendar and Student Handbook.

A Catholic college finds its identity not only in its ethos, ministry and worship, but also in its presentation of the broad history and diverse areas of theology:

• The Gospel made appealing, interesting and intelligible within an educated Church,

• The traditions of centuries of reflection upon faith,

• The principles of the Catholic interpretation of Christianity, and

• The Good News of Christ as beacon and bridge between the Church and the world.

Notre Dame College, fulfilling the ministry of the Catholic Church and the mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame, realizes that true learning orients the human person:

• To the divine, that we may know what it is to be fully human, created in time and destined for eternity,

• To the wisdom of our ancestors, respecting the traditions of every people and every age, relying upon revelation and authority,

• To the self and the environment, preparing with concern and generosity for the future.

As a Catholic college, we therefore seek to develop:

• Minds through which Christ thinks,

• Hearts through which Christ loves,

• Voices through which Christ speaks, and

• Hands through which Christ serves.

The Values List of Notre Dame College Community defines the College’s code of ethics.
The final mission document is the list of values of the Notre Dame College community. It was formulated in 2000 as part of strategic planning. After its creation, faculty and staff accepted it as a clear and honest statement of the College’s code of ethics.

This Values List of the Notre Dame College Community is a code of ethics and values for each member of the Notre Dame College community. It applies to daily performance as employees and as members of the Notre Dame College community. The primary goal of each person – student, faculty, staff, administration – is the education of the student. All positions need to work together so that the College as a whole serves the best interests of the students.

To achieve this goal, we commit ourselves to these principles:

• Each student, colleague and visitor is of equal worth,

• A learning community values truth in all its forms,

• The College community honors the dignity of each person,

• A community is enhanced by the power that comes from uniqueness,

• The interdependence of all positions in a small college makes teamwork essential,

• Quality in the basics is the goal in every area,

• Imagination and versatility enrich every venture, and

• A sense of joy characterizes the Notre Dame College culture.

SERVICE TO STUDENTS: The primary goal of each member of the Notre Dame College community is the education of the student.
Each person:

• Understands the student as a whole person,

• Helps students set appropriate educational and career goals,

• Helps students become responsible and self-directed,

• Places student needs before employee convenience,

• Responds to student communications, and

• Maintains courtesy, professionalism, and confidentiality with students.

FAIRNESS: Each student, colleague and visitor is of equal worth.
Each person:

• Treats each person fairly,

• Communicates directly,

• Asks questions of fact rather than makes assumptions,

• Adheres to objective standards, policies and procedures, and

• Resolves conflicts fairly.

HONESTY: A learning community values truth in all its forms.
Each person:

• Completes all responsibilities thoroughly,

• Uses time, money and other College resources conscientiously,

• Promotes healthy discussion,

• Avoids blaming and accepts responsibility for errors, and

• Risks voicing an unpopular position.

RESPECT: The College community honors the dignity of each person.
Each person:

• Encourages the free expression of differences,

• Shows patience and courtesy,

• Maintains cordial professional relationships,

• Responds to requests in a timely manner, and

• Sets reasonable and achievable goals.

DIVERSITY: A community is enhanced by the power that comes from uniqueness.
Each person:

• Affirms others,

• Appreciates the variety of skills, talents, and gifts in the College community,

• Respects the diversity of race, culture, religion, age, and gender in the College community, and

• Shows special regard for all expressions of religious faith and spiritual value.

COLLABORATION: The interdependence of all positions in a small college makes teamwork essential for success.
Each person:

• Shares information and resources, and

• Pays attention to how one’s work affects others.

EXCELLENCE: Quality in the basics is the goal in every area.
Each person:

• Takes pride in the quality of one’s work,

• Learns new information and skills to enhance personal and professional growth,

• Insists on thoroughness and intellectual integrity in all work, and

• Takes initiative; anticipates needs and requests.

CREATIVITY: Imagination and versatility enrich every venture.
Each person:

• Shows resourcefulness and responds to changing circumstances,

• Takes personal responsibility for problem solving, and

• Is willing to experiment and take risks.

CELEBRATION: A sense of joy characterizes the Notre Dame College culture.
Each person:

• Demonstrates flexibility and a sense of humor,

• Fosters warm, inclusive relationships across organizational lines, and

• Participates in College activities and celebrations.

The Board of Directors has adopted a Constitution and Bylaws and other mission documents that together clearly and broadly define Notre Dame College’s mission.

Some historical background to the current Board Constitution and Bylaws provides a timeline of governance events:

Notre Dame College was owned and operated by the Sisters of Notre Dame of the Chardon Province of the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame and was founded by this group as a Catholic, four-year, liberal arts college committed to the education of women. It was incorporated in the State of Ohio on March 30, 1923. Operating under its founding charter, Notre Dame College was governed by a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees comprised of Sisters of Notre Dame.

On September 10, 1990 the Board of Trustees approved and adopted a revised Board Constitution and Bylaws that changed the governance of the College to include both religious and lay women and men trustees. On September 10 the newly constituted Board of Trustees was appointed and installed.

On September 22, 2000 the Board of Trustees voted to modify and expand the Mission to include in their commitment not only women but also men, international students, and home-schooled students.

On June 8, 2001 the Board of Trustees voted to amend and modify the Bylaws to conform to contemporary thinking. They also adopted a Statement of Expectations that clarified aspects of the responsibilities of Board members. The State of Ohio modified its statement concerning the governing Boards of institutions by changing the word “Trustee” to “Director.”

Article I of the current Board Constitution names Notre Dame College as the Corporation. Article II identifies the members of the Corporation as the Provincial Superior of the Sisters of Notre Dame of Chardon, Ohio and the Council to the Provincial Superior. This shows a solid commitment to the mission and values of the College as these members form the leadership team of the College’s founding religious community. Although the powers that pertain to the conduct and management of the affairs of the College are delegated to the Board of Directors, Article III identifies some powers that are reserved to the members of the Corporation. This assures, as much as possible, that no decision contrary to the original intention of the founders will be made. Reserved powers include:

• To make any changes in the mission of the College Corporation as defined by the Sisters of Notre Dame,

• To sell, mortgage, purchase, lease or convey or otherwise dispose of the Corporation’s personal property (in excess of $100,000) and any real property,

• To amend the Articles of Incorporation and to change the Bylaws,

• To make loans exceeding $500,000 in the aggregate at any one time, and

• To approve the selection of candidates to be interviewed for the office of President of the College.

 

In addition to the Provincial Superior and her Council holding these important reserved powers of the College, Article IV of the Bylaws guarantees the Sisters of Notre Dame a percentage of the Board seats. The membership of the Board includes no fewer than 20 members and no more than 30 members (other than Ex Officio Directors). Of these members at least 20 percent must be Sisters of Notre Dame. The Provincial Superior serves as an Ex Officio Director and is counted for purposes of determining a quorum and has a vote on all matters presented to the Directors. The presence of the Sisters on the Board ensures mission-based expectations for all of its business.

Further, not only are the Sisters mission-centered, but Article Four also provides the entire Board of Directors the power to determine the general, educational and financial policies, consistent with its mission. New Board members learn about the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame and the mission of the College as part of their orientation program. Sr. Mary Louise Trivison, professor emerita of Spanish and Theology, presented the charism at the most recent orientation and provided a written document. Now, in addition to a presentation made by one of the Sisters, the written document is included in the Board Orientation Manual.

Finally, new Board members sign a Statement of Expectations. These responsibilities are specific to the Notre Dame College Board of Directors and are provided for the purpose of clarifying aspects of the traditional governing responsibilities. The first expectation is to commit to the mission and goals of Notre Dame College. Other expectations are to represent Notre Dame College, to be familiar with and speak in support of Notre Dame College, and to allow the member’s name to be used in support of the College’s mission.

Notre Dame College makes the mission documents available to the community, particularly to prospective and enrolled students.

Mission Statement: The Mission Statement generally appears on all
official College printed material and on the website.

• All recruiting material from the Admissions, Adult Education, and Professional Development offices display the mission prominently,

• The Office of Academic Affairs, responsible for catalogs, the academic calendar, and student handbook, assures that the Mission Statement is included in these documents,

• The media guides created by the Athletic Department include the Mission Statement,

• Printed material designed for all College departments and functions include the Mission Statement,

• The template for constructing class syllabi directs the faculty to include the mission on each syllabus, and

• The Board of Directors’ resource manual includes the Mission Statement, Constitution and Bylaws, the Charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame, and the Statement of Expectations. Every new member receives one of these at orientation.

 

The Notre Dame College Catalog is available in paper copy through the Admissions Office. It is also available on the College website, at www.NotreDameCollege.edu/catalog/. The Academic Calendar and Student Handbook are published each year. Every attempt is made to assure that each student receives a copy. Copies are placed in student mailboxes and notices are posted that direct students without mailboxes to obtain one through the Adult and Graduate Admissions Office. It is also available on the Campus Life section of the website.

• The Statement of Purpose is included in the 2006 – 2007 edition of the Notre Dame College Catalog and the 2006 – 2007 edition of the Academic Calendar and Student Handbook. In addition, the template for constructing class syllabi directs the faculty to include applicable elements of the Statement of Purpose on each syllabus.

• The Catholic Identity Statement is found in the 2006 – 2007 edition of the Notre Dame College Catalog and the 2006 – 2007 edition of the Academic Calendar and Student Handbook.

The Notre Dame College Prayer Book is a collection of prayers, meditations, and reflections written to promote the spiritual growth of the College community. This book describes the Catholic identity of Notre Dame College as well as the unique charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame. It was created by the Office of Campus Ministry and has been disseminated to Board members, students, faculty, and staff.

Dr. Andrew P. Roth delivered a mission-centered Inaugural Address on November 2, 2003. He stated, “Notre Dame College must remain Catholic, but with both a capital ‘C’ and a lower-case ‘c’. It must remain faithful to the Sisters of Notre Dame and to the Catholic Church… The world needs its Notre Dame Colleges, colleges dedicated to providing a values-based education to not only the underserved but to all students. How does a college witness to such a mission in an ecumenical way? It does it by recognizing that what makes it Catholic is not only adherence to Church dogma, but by living the truth that salvation comes from both faith and works… an education for ALL that begins in faith and ends in service”.

Notre Dame Today, the College’s magazine, is published twice each year. The College’s mission is printed on the inside front cover. Beginning with the Fall/Winter edition of 2005 – 2006, a feature article entitled,“Fulfilling the Mission” is included in every edition. It features those who are connected to the College and are impacting the community at large. In addition, student or alumni profiles are a standard feature. This feature highlights the individual as he or she exemplifies personal, professional, or global responsibility.

Notre Dame College regularly evaluates and, when appropriate, revises the mission documents.

The Mission Statement, Statement of Purpose, and Catholic Identity Statement have been reviewed and revised over time, usually as part of the self-study in preparation for a Higher Learning Commission reaccreditation visit. The current Mission Statement and Statement of Purpose were rewritten in 1999, and first appear in the 2000 – 2002 edition of the Catalog. One later modification was made to the Mission Statement. The phrase “diverse population of women” became “diverse population,” reflecting Notre Dame College’s expansion of its mission by including men in Fall, 2001. The Catholic Identity Statement, written and incorporated into our 1992 – 1994 Catalog, also has been reviewed and remains the same.

In 2001, a Core Objectives Sub-Committee, created under the auspices of the Assessment Committee, studied the Statement of Purpose and created assessment rubrics that outline the development, refinement, and deepening of these values and skills over a student’s four-year college experience at Notre Dame College. These rubrics were shared with faculty and adjunct faculty and currently are used by divisions and individual faculty as they engage in on-going assessment of student learning. Highlights of these intended outcomes also may be gleaned in the Core Objectives of the General Education Curriculum section of the 2006 – 2007 edition of the Academic Calendar and Student Handbook.

In sum, the mission documents have been revised and widely distributed. The College community is proud of its mission and values and consciously initiates new members into their practice.

 

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