APPENDIX A
General Institutional Requirements

1. Bowling Green State University has a mission statement, formally adopted by the governing board and made public, declaring that it is an institution of higher education.

The Role and Mission Statement of Bowling Green State University was written by the Faculty Senate and formally approved by the Board of Trustees in 1984. A revision was approved by the Board of Trustees in 1989. The revised Role and Mission Statement is published as Appendix B to the Academic Charter, which is accessible on the World Wide Web.  

Evidence
Academic Charter [AC1]  

2. Bowling Green State University is a degree-granting institution.

Bowling Green State University meets the needs of the state and region by offering degrees in the arts and sciences, business administration, education and human development, health and human services, musical arts, and technology. Degrees are provided at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral levels.  
 

Evidence
Undergraduate Catalog, 2001-2003 [CU1]
Graduate Catalog, 2002 [CG1]  
Fact Book, List of Degrees Offered [FB1]  

AUTHORIZATION

3. Bowling Green State University has legal authorization to grant its degrees, and it meets all the legal requirements to operate as an institution of higher education wherever it conducts its activities.

Bowling Green State University has legal authorization to grant its degrees through Ohio Revised Code, Section 3341.05. Associates degrees are granted by BGSU Firelands in Huron, Ohio; all other degrees are granted by the main campus in Bowling Green.  

Evidence
Ohio Revised Code, Section 3341.05 [OR1]  

4. Bowling Green State University has legal documents to confirm its status as a public institution.

Bowling Green State University is organized as a public institution under Ohio Revised Code, Section 3341.01  

Evidence
Ohio Revised Code, Section 3341.01 [OR1]

GOVERNANCE

5. Bowling Green State University has a governing board that possesses and exercises necessary legal power to establish and review basic policies that govern the institution.

Under Ohio Revised Code Sections 3341.02 (A) and 3341.04, “the government of Bowling Green State University is vested in” its 11 member Board of Trustees, who are required to “do all things necessary for the proper maintenance and successful continuous operation” of the University. The Board meets regularly and carries out its business according to published bylaws.  

Evidence
Ohio Revised Code, Sections 3341.02 (A) and 3341.04 [OR1]
Board of Trustees Bylaws [BB1]  

6. Bowling Green State University’s governing board includes public members and is sufficiently autonomous from the administration and ownership to assure the integrity of the institution.

The Board of Trustees is comprised of nine voting members and two nonvoting student members, all of whom are appointed by the Governor from among the corporate, civic, educational, and professional leaders of Ohio. Voting members have staggered nine-year terms and student trustees have staggered 2-year terms.

Evidence
Ohio Revised Code, Sections 3341.02 (A) and 3341.04 [OR1]
Board of Trustees Bylaws [BB1]

7. Bowling Green State University has an executive officer designated by the governing board to provide administrative leadership for the institution.

Dr. Sidney A. Ribeau has been Bowling Green State University’s president since 1995. He is the chief executive officer of the University and reports to the Board of Trustees. In accordance with the Board Bylaws, the Board delegates to the president the authority for “the entire administration of the University.”

Evidence
Undergraduate Catalog, 2001-2003 [CU1]
Graduate Catalog, 2002 [CG1]
Academic Charter, Section AIII [AC1]
Board of Trustees Bylaws [BB1]
Fact Book, Organization Charts: [FB1, OC1]

8. Bowling Green State University’s governing board authorizes the institution's affiliation with the Commission.

Bowling Green State University’s Board of Trustees authorized its affiliation with the Commission in 1916. This affiliation was last authorized in 1993.

Evidence
Undergraduate Catalog, 2001-2003 [CU1]
Graduate Catalog, 2002 [CG1]

FACULTY

9. Bowling Green State University employs a faculty that has earned from accredited institutions the degrees appropriate to the level of instruction offered by the institution.

Bowling Green State University faculty possess master's and/or doctoral degrees earned from regionally accredited institutions. Eighty-one percent of the University’s full-time faculty hold terminal degrees in their disciplines as of fall 2001. All faculty qualifications and appointments are reviewed and approved according to a formal approval process outlined in the Faculty Handbook and the Academic Charter. The Undergraduate Catalog lists all full-time faculty with their terminal degrees and the institutions at which they were awarded.

Evidence
Undergraduate Catalog, 2001-2003  [CU1]
Graduate Catalog, 2002 [CG1]
Academic Charter Section B [AC1]
Fact Book, Full-Time Faculty Information [FB1]
Faculty files and certified copies of transcripts are 
    kept on file in the Provost’s Office.

10. A sufficient number of the faculty are full-time employees of Bowling Green State University.

Of the 1,190 faculty of Bowling Green State University, 820 (69%) were full-time employees as of fall 2001. This core of full-time teaching faculty has its primary commitment to the educational program of the University.

Evidence
Fact Book, Full-Time Faculty Information [FB1]
Faculty files and certified copies of transcripts are 
    kept on file in the Provost’s Office.

11. Bowling Green State University’s faculty has a significant role in developing and evaluating all of the institution's educational programs.

The faculty have primary responsibility for establishing, reviewing, and revising course, program, and degree requirements. Department, division, or school curriculum committees initiate proposals for such curricular changes, which are then reviewed by college curriculum committees, the Undergraduate Council or the Graduate Council, the Committee on Academic Affairs (a committee of Faculty Senate), and the Faculty Senate as a whole, as appropriate. The academic program review process calls for review of all academic programs on a seven-year cycle. The Program Review Committee, which is made up of faculty, works in coordination with deans and the central administration in the program review process.

Evidence
Faculty Senate Minutes [MF1]
Undergraduate Council Minutes [MU1]
Graduate Council Minutes [MG1]

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

12. Bowling Green State University confers degrees.

Bowling Green State University was established In 1910, enrolled its first students in the fall of 1914, and began to confer degrees in 1915. The University currently confers degrees at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral levels. A total of 3,766 degrees were conferred in 2000-2001, including 103 associates, 2,769 bachelor’s, 789 masters, 5 specialist, and 100 doctoral degrees. Since its establishment in 1910, the University has awarded about 154,000 degrees.

Evidence
Fact Book, List of Degrees Conferred [FB1]
IPEDS Completions Survey [IC1]
Undergraduate Catalog, 2001-2003 [CU1]
Graduate Catalog, 2002 [CG1]

13. Bowling Green State University has degree programs in operation, with students enrolled in them.

The University currently offers a broad range of programs at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral levels. A total of 20,276 students were enrolled as of fall 2001. Beginning with orientation-registration and continuing thereafter on a regular basis, advisers work to place students in a course of study leading to degree completion in a timely fashion. Non-degree students comprise a small proportion of the total enrollment.

Evidence
Fact Book, List of Program Offerings [FB1]
IPEDS Enrollment Survey [IE1]
Undergraduate Catalog, 2001-2003 [CU1]
Graduate Catalog, 2002 [CG1]

14. Bowling Green State University’s degree programs are compatible with the institution's mission and are based on recognized fields of study at the higher education level.

Bowling Green State University’s range of degree programs at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral levels are compatible with the part of its vision statement that calls for an extensive portfolio of distinctive undergraduate programs, focused master’s and specialist degrees and a select number of nationally recognized doctoral programs. In addition to on-campus programs, an array of off-campus courses and programs are offered by Continuing Education, International, and Summer Programs. All programs are accessible to a diverse student body. The content, length, and delivery of courses and programs are consistent with the university’s mission and are consistent with the purposes and practices of higher education in the United States and the world.

Evidence
Undergraduate Catalog, 2001-2003 [CU1]
Graduate Catalog, 2002 [CG1]
Schedule of Classes [SC1] [SC2]

15. Bowling Green State University’s degrees are appropriately named, following practices common to institutions of higher education in terms of both length and content of the programs.

Bowling Green’s State University’s curricula are appropriately named and meet the requirements for length and content as established by institutional curriculum committees, the Undergraduate Council, the Graduate Council, the Faculty Senate, the Board of Trustees, and external accreditation and certification agencies where they exist. Associate degree programs required at least 62 semester credit hours. Bachelor’s degree programs require at least 122 semester credit hours. Master’s degree programs require at least 30 graduate semester hours. Doctoral degree programs require at least 60 graduate semester hours beyond the master’s degree.

Evidence
Undergraduate Catalog, 2001-2003 [CU1]
Graduate Catalog, 2002 [CG1]
Fact Book, List of Accreditations [FB1]
IPEDS Institutional Characteristics Survey [II1]
Programmatic accreditation reports are available 
     in the Provost’s Office.

16. Bowling Green State University’s undergraduate degree programs include a coherent general education requirement consistent with the institution's mission and designed to ensure breadth of knowledge and to promote intellectual inquiry.

The general education curriculum is an integral and required part of all bachelor’s degree programs at Bowling Green State University. Additionally, associate’s degree programs include a strong general education component. Baccalaureate students must complete nine courses within the general education requirements including general studies writing; natural sciences; social and behavioral sciences; arts and humanities; and cultural diversity in the United States. In addition, at least one of the courses in the social science or arts and humanities must be designated as having an “international perspective.” The general education requirements provide a foundation for college and major/ specialization requirements and facilitate students’ mastery of the six university-wide learning outcomes: to investigate, connect, write, present, lead, and participate. The General Education Committee, a subcommittee of the Undergraduate Council, has the responsibility for the review of the general education program and of the courses comprising it.

Evidence
Undergraduate Catalog, 2001-2003 [CU1]
General Education Bulletin [GE1]

17. Bowling Green State University has admission policies and practices that are consistent with the institution's mission and appropriate to its educational programs.

Bowling Green State University is committed to equal opportunity for all and provides all students with the opportunity to obtain a quality education without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, or veteran status. Appropriate admission policies have been established by faculty for all of the university’s educational programs, subject to review and approval by college and university curriculum committees and councils. Admission practices conform to published policies. These admission policies and practices are consistent with the university’s vision and values. In addition to university admission requirements, applicants are also required to fulfill any special requirements of the college, school, department, or program in which they intend to enroll.

Evidence
Undergraduate Catalog, 2001-2003 [CU1]
Graduate Catalog, 2002 [CG1]
Undergraduate Admissions Application [AA2]
Graduate Admissions Application [AA1]

18. Bowling Green State University provides its students access to those learning resources and support services requisite for its degree programs.

Bowling Green State University provides availability to learning resources and academic support services to all of its students. Many services, including many of those provided by Libraries and Learning Resources, Information Technology Services and Career Services, are available to students regardless of time or location via web sites. A sampling of available learning resources and academic support services includes academic advising, adult learner services, career services, cooperative education and internship programs, the counseling center, dining services, disability services, evening credit programs, financial aid, the first year experience program, the honors program, information technology services, learning laboratories, libraries and learning resources, off-campus student services, parking and traffic, research centers and institutes residence life programs and services, ROTC, special services for international and multicultural students, student health services, and study abroad. In recent years, the University has implemented a variety of residential learning programs designed to integrate academic programs with residence life. In an effort to provide support and connection for all first year students, the University has created an array of first year programs designed to improve the transition to university level study. Recent investments in technology infrastructure and computing increase technology access for students and serve as another vehicle to integrate academic programs with student life beyond the classroom.

Evidence
Undergraduate Catalog, 2001-2003 [CU1]
Graduate Catalog, 2002 [CG1]
Student Handbook, 2001-2002 [HS1]

FINANCES

19. Bowling Green State University has an external financial audit by a certified public accountant or a public audit agency at least every two years.

Financial audits of Bowling Green State University are conducted annually by qualified external auditors according to generally accepted government auditing standards. The most recent opinion letter (September 2002) finds no reportable conditions or findings and no questioned costs.

Evidence
BGSU Financial Report FY02 [FR4]
External Auditor Opinion Letter (2002) [EA1]

20. Bowling Green State University’s financial documents demonstrate the appropriate allocation and use of resources to support its educational programs.

Bowling Green State University’s Faculty Senate Budget Committee and University Budget Committee meet systematically to develop, discuss and recommend to the president the educational and general, general fee and related auxiliary, residence and dining hall, and miscellaneous auxiliary budgets. The university’s vision statement and core values, strategic future directions, and annual priorities, along with specific direction from the president, inform the work of these committees. Annual budget development processes in each of the four budget areas provides for input from units and feedback from supervisors. Final budgets are approved annually by the Board of Trustees. Numerous accounting and management reports are used to monitor the university’s and individual units’ financial position and to track detailed transactions. The university’s budgeting, financial accounting, and treasurer’s offices, under the supervision of the Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration, are responsible for maintaining all accounts and for financial reporting.

Evidence
Planning and Budgeting Process Documentation [PB1]
BGSU Financial Report FY02 [FR4]
Quarterly and Annual Budget Review Documents [BR1]
Department and Division Accounting Reports [AR1]

21. Bowling Green State University’s financial practices, records, and reports demonstrate fiscal viability.

At a broad level, the externally audited university financial report and the fiscal watch information allow for external validation of Bowling Green State University’s overall financial viability. Internally, a number of centralized functions provide financial controls. All activities such as purchasing and travel require approvals at appropriate levels. Purchasing activities are centralized and require adherence to University and state policies. The bursar’s and business offices handle all cash management, payment and expenditure activity. All student fees are received centrally. The Office of Internal Auditing assists all levels of management in assuring internal and external parties that the financial resources are being properly managed and accounted for, and that the University is complying with the applicable policies and laws. Numerous accounting and management reports are used to monitor the university’s and individual units’ financial position and to track detailed transactions.

Evidence
BGSU Financial Report FY02 with External Auditor
     Opinion Letter [FR4] [EA1]
Ohio Board of Regents’ Fiscal Watch Ratios [OB1]
  Planning and Budgeting Process Documentation [PB1]
Quarterly and Annual Budget Review Documents [BR1]
Department and Division Accounting Reports [AR1]

PUBLIC INFORMATION

22. The Bowling Green State University catalog or other official published documents includes its mission statement along with accurate descriptions of

 
Bowling Green State University provides the public information listed above through its undergraduate and graduate catalogs, student handbook, faculty handbook, web site, fact book, and schedule of classes bulletin. Plans for the future include greater reliance on the World Wide Web as the medium in which the catalog material will be available.

Evidence
Undergraduate Catalog, 2001-2003 [CU1]
Graduate Catalog, 2002 [CG1]
Student Handbook, 2001-2002 [HS1]
Web Site for Currently Enrolled Students [CS2]
Fact Book [FB1]
Schedule of Classes Bulletin [SC1] [SC2]

23. Bowling Green State University accurately discloses its standing with accrediting bodies with which it is affiliated.

Bowling Green State University provides information on its North Central Association accreditation as well as programmatic accreditations in its undergraduate and graduate catalogs and its fact book.

Evidence
Undergraduate Catalog, 2001-2003 [CU1]
Graduate Catalog, 2002 [CG1]
  Fact Book, List of Accreditations [FB1]

24. Bowling Green State University makes available upon request information that accurately describes its financial condition.

Bowling Green State University’s approved budgets and budget review documents are available on the World Wide Web and also in the Jerome Library. Budget materials are developed and discussed by the Faculty Senate Budget Committee and the University Budget Committee. Additionally, the university’s audited annual financial report is available from the Treasurer’s Office.  

Evidence
Financial Report FY01 [FR4]
BGSU Financial Report FY02 With External Auditor
     Opinion Letter [FR4] [EA1]
Ohio Board of Regents’ Fiscal Watch Ratios [OB1]