Re-accreditation continues

The University is now in the final stages of reaffirming its accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University documents and the Web site were reviewed off-site last fall in accordance with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

On March 14-16, Southern Association of Colleges committee members will be on-site to discuss the school’s Quality Enhancement Plan with Loyola community members.

The QEP for Loyola centers on the theme, “Thinking Critically, Acting Justly.” According to an e-mail sent by the Rev. Kevin Wildes, S.J., university president, the QEP has three focuses: Faculty and staff development, first-year experiences and student leadership.

The QEP was drawn together with “input from faculty, staff, students, and administrators,” according to the e-mail.

Wildes wrote that the goal of faculty and staff development is to improve learning by incorporating effective practices in their courses and activities that use critical thinking and just action using the Jesuit vision of education, such as service learning.

The first-year experience gives the university a chance to welcome incoming students to the Jesuit mission. It also introduces them to the values of the Loyola community and prepares them for college life. The first-year experience provides funding for students in each undergraduate college.

-Deidre Eberwein

Parents shadow students

From today through Sunday, Loyola will hold its annual Family Weekend, a chance for students to share their college experiences with their families. A schedule of events are planned, starting today when parents are invited to shadow their son or daughter to class and a second orientation from 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. where parents can ask questions of organizations like campus police and financial aid.

Unlike previous years, this weekend will have several events that focus on Katrina and its effects on the New Orleans area. Mark Fernandez, associate professor of history, will lead a discussion on Saturday from 2:35-3:30 p.m. titled “New Orleans People and Places,” along with a “Re-New Orleans Teach-In” bus tour and invitation to participate in community service clean-up activities.

For more information and a full schedule of events, go to www.loyno.edu/parents/familyweekend/ or call the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at (800)798-ALUM.

-Lauren Bienvenue