In 2004, CMU requested and received permission from the Higher Learning Commission to pursue the ‘special emphasis’ option in its accreditation self-study.

The topic of the special emphasis, “ making the transition to an institution with increased scholarship and national prominence” was explored in great depth in Chapter 8 of the 2005 self-study.

The Higher Learning Commission observations, recommendations, and comments were organized into five topic areas:

o    Transforming the Institutional Culture

o    Identifying ‘Niches of Notice’

o    Identifying Indicators of Distinction

o    Leveraging Institutional Investments to Reach Prominence

o    Determining Progress Steps

The Special Emphasis Committee was convened to review and communicate CMU’s progress in this area, develop a report for the Higher Learning Commission, and host their visit in October 2010

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