The Higher Education Group, Inc. (THE Group) has served institutions of Higher Education and their parent organizations, Boards of Trustees, university systems and holding companies in the development and execution of strategic planning, institutional mergers and acquisitions, program development and assessment, as well as accreditation. In addition to its own consultants and staff, THE Group calls upon independent experts to provide technical assistance, mock site visits, etc. when external expertise is required. Below are listed are some of the continuing and recently completed projects in which THE Group is engaged or has recently completed projects.
Organizational Structure, Strategic Planning, Board Development, Assessment and Accreditation
The University of Antelope Valley is the only accredited (ACICS) Bachelor’s and Master’s degree granting institution based in this region of California. Founded by local leaders, Marco and Sandra Johnson, who grew up in Antelope Valley and returned to found a university based in their home town and providing access to undergraduate and graduate education to the over 300,000 people who live in the high desert. This project involves organizational design consultation, assistance in the creation, orientation and training of the Board of Trustees and its committees, the articulation of student learning outcomes, development of processes of assessment and program review. THE Group is assisting in the preparation for and application for accreditation by WASC and other external recognitions and memberships such as NAIA membership.
California Northstate University:
Board Development, Strategic Planning, Organizational Communications
In an ongoing multi-year relationship THE Group has conducted Board Training for the College’s Board of Trustees and the Corporate Board of Directors on board roles and responsibilities of Trustees and Directors, board processes and organization (committee, etc.) and assisted in the development of Trustee components of the Institutional Strategic Plan. THE Group provided consultation regarding preparation of WASC CPR and EER Self studies and offered workshops for faculty staff and trustees in preparation for both WASC Visits. T.H.E Group also served as a consultant to clarify roles and responsibilities among the rapidly growing faculty and staff and conducted workshops targeted at improved organizational communication.
International Technological University (ITU):
Doctoral Program Development, Board Development, Strategic Planning, Program Assessment and Accreditation
This multi-year process is focused on four major areas of university strengthening and improvement in ITU’s transition from prior ACICS accreditation toward the goal of WASC accreditation as a Doctoral and Master’s level institution. There have been four principal areas of focus: (1) Strengthening and documenting university policies and procedures (2) Implementing a strengthened program review process, (3) Strengthening doctoral program policies, procedures and support, (3) Broaden and strengthen the strategic planning process, (4) Strengthen Board of Trustees involvement, membership and committee processes, (5) Identify, renovate and relocate to a larger, more suitable campus (in downtown San Jose). In a follow up to the ongoing consultation in the area of Doctoral Program Development, a major revision of governance, credentialing, university requirements and participation in doctoral colloquia were initiated. An expanded EER Self Study was prepared with extensive THE Group Involvement and workshops and training for all constituents on both programmatic/organizational improvements and for WASC visit preparation were conducted.