Working groups 1-4 meeting minutes and supporting documentation, 2019 - 2020

Working Group 1 (WG1) was a crucial component of Barnard's 2019-2020 Middle States Self-Study process, tasked with describing the "holistic environment conducive to academic excellence". The group's central aim was to demonstrate how Barnard meets Middle States' standards, detail advances made since the 2010 Self-Study, and address current challenges for future improvements, focusing on the relationship between faculty and student success. Key institutional changes addressed by WG1 included the transition in College leadership, the development of the Foundations curriculum, the opening of the Milstein Center for Teaching and Learning, the establishment of the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment, increases in applications and enrolled students, and the expansion of global programs.

Working Group 2 (WG2) was established as part of the 2019-2020 Middle States self-study process, tasked with addressing how the institution meets standards related to student success. Key areas of inquiry and discussion included the distinction between pre-major and major advising, student perception of then-current resources, and overall campus climate. WG2 incorporated institutional priorities throughout its report, including a review of Barnard’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, alongside the support and resources available for exploring career paths, using post-graduation outcomes as an assessment tool.

Working Group 3 (WG3) was an integral part of the 2019-2020 Middle States self-study process, tasked with focusing on analysis of institutional priorities related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), especially concerning how the institution carries itself in alignment with both the College and Diversity mission statements. Key areas of inquiry for WG3 included the hiring, retention, and development of faculty and staff; teaching and learning, including inclusive pedagogy; supporting inclusivity in extracurricular life; and student admissions and enrollment. WG3 also worked to identify gaps in data and documentation, focusing on areas like outcomes tracking for student groups, the accommodation of faculty/staff, and the visibility of Title IX reporting and governance structures.

Working Group 4 (WG4) was established for the 2019-2020 Middle States self-study process, tasked with reviewing the institution's financial and infrastructure challenges, with a main focus on the sustainability of the college's financial model. WG4’s work included leveraging the ongoing long-range financial and infrastructure plans, using these efforts to inform their report. The group also considered potential challenges, like planning for technological change, teaching spaces, housing, student wellness/fitness, and the impact of climate change on infrastructure and accessibility. Additionally, WG4 looked into the financial implications of hiring, recruitment, and retention. The group also addressed the lack of a sufficient capital budget for maintenance, noting the institution's reliance on unpredictable bequests and plans to take out more debt to establish a five-year capital budget.