Self-Study Design - Howard University, Graduate School

Standard 5: Administration
• Chair: Ms. Jacqueline Smith, Social Work
Scope of Work and Objectives.
This scope of work describes the formal administrative structure of the University and the
events, activities, and strategies implemented by administrative leaders used to achieve its goals
and objectives. The description will provide a context for understanding processes and outcomes
of institutional decision-making. In addition to the minimal criteria mentioned in the first, seven
research questions, this section of the report will capture dynamic changes initiated by critical
events, significant leaders, and any informal processes that are associated with institutional
outcomes.
Research Questions.
1. What leadership activities has the chief executive undertaken to help the University
achieve its goals?
2. Does the chief executive’s academic background and professional training “fit” or
“match” the assigned responsibilities and/or job description?
3. Do the administrative leaders have the appropriate or suitable skills, degrees, and training
to carry out their responsibilities and functions?
4. Does the staff have the appropriate qualifications for the goals, type, size, and complexity
of the University?
5. Are there adequate information and decision-making systems in place to support the work
of administrative leaders?
6. Is there clear documentation of the lines of organization and authority?
7. What is the frequency and extent of the periodic assessment of the effectiveness of
administrative structures and services?
8. What is the administrative structure of the University?
9. How does the administrative structure function?
10. What is the systemic effect of the administrative structure and its functioning on system
participants?
Standard 6: Integrity
• Chair: Professor D. Kortright Davis, Divinity
Scope of Work and Objectives.
This scope of work assesses the programs, processes, and practices of Howard University to
ensure that it is adhering to ethical standards that are consistent with its stated policies, mission,
goals, and objectives. It will also assess the degree to which the University’s public and
constituencies are informed clearly and fully through its various modes of communication.
Specifically, the scope of work examines the extent to which Howard University demonstrates
integrity “through the manner in which it specifies its goals, selects, and retains its faculty;
admits students; establishes curricula; determines programs of research; pursues its fields of
service; demonstrates sensitivity to equity and diversity issues; allocates its resources; serves the
public interest; and provides for the success of its students.” This will inevitably involve such
issues as transparency, consistency, impartiality, fairness, clarity, accountability, and modes of
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