The comprehensive self-study of the institution was conducted by a broadly representative cross section of the campus. Following conventional wisdom, the Provost appointed a small Steering Committee to coordinate the process. Five subcommittees, each charged with considering one of the five criteria for accreditation, worked under the general direction of the Steering Committee.

Members of the Steering Committee and the subcommittees were charged to take an institutional perspective and not see themselves as proponents of particular interest groups. Interested parties were invited to contact any member of any committee if they had suggestions or comments about the process or the self-study itself.