WKU News & Events

February 05, 2002

WKU Meets All 8 Criteria
In Kentucky Plan

Bowling Green, Ky. - Western Kentucky University has achieved continuous progress status in all eight of the degree program eligibility objectives, or Kentucky Plan for Equal Opportunities.

The objectives, set by the Council on Postsecondary Education, measure progress in areas such as Kentucky resident African-American undergraduate enrollment, retention of first-year Kentucky resident students, six-year graduation rates and employment of African Americans in faculty, professional and administrative positions.

"Western Kentucky University is committed to ensuring a diverse learning environment and to providing equal opportunities in education and employment," President Gary Ransdell said. "We have put into place several initiatives, including the creation of the University Diversity Committee, to help us meet these objectives as well as our own objectives for diversity that are a part of our strategic plan."

Universities in Kentucky must show continuing progress in at least six of the eight categories to receive automatic eligibility for beginning new degree programs. If continuing progress is lacking in more than two categories, then that university has to seek a waiver from CPE before seeking approval for a new degree program.

C.J. Woods, Western's director of Minority Student Services, said the objectives were met because the University took proactive measures to identify and to implement necessary actions to ensure progress in each category.

"Dr. Ransdell empowered the University Diversity Committee to act in the university's best interest and by giving the committee a budget to make things happen," Woods said. He said the UDC worked with areas from across campus to create a university-wide effort. Some of those areas included Minority Student Support Services, Academic Affairs, Student Activities, Academic Advising, and Residence Life.

"As pleased as we are about these achievements, we can't be complacent," Woods said. "We have a continuing commitment, and we will monitor campus actions which we know will be in the best interest of our students, faculty and staff."

Dr. Ransdell agreed. "Diversification in a university community adds value to the campus experience," he said. "We continue to set high standards for diversity in our strategic plan, which exceed those of the Kentucky Plan. These are among the many planning elements which are aimed at making Western the best comprehensive university in Kentucky and among the best in the nation."

********

Western Kentucky University
Degree Program Eligibility Status for Calendar Year 2002

DEGREE PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY STATUS: AUTOMATIC
INSTITUTION SHOWED CONTINUOUS PROGRESS IN: 8 of 8 OBJECTIVES
Based on Academic Year 2000-2001

For more information, contact C. J. Woods at (270) 745-5066. More WKU news is available on the World Wide Web at www.wku.edu. If you'd like to receive WKU news via E-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.