The agreement is effective as of the date it is signed by the chief executive officer of Kent State University.

This agreement states, and also incorporates by reference, from the handout "Understandings and Expectations of AQIP Participant Institutions," formal points of agreement between AQIP and Kent State University that establish the conditions for this accreditation process.

Kent State University agrees

• to commit itself to a systematic initiative to improve continuously its academic and related processes and their results,
• to begin to participate no later than September 15, 2001, in scheduled AQIP activities which are essential to the operation of this accreditation process; and
• to provide AQIP with regular information and evidence of Kent State University's systematic efforts and accomplishments in continuous academic quality improvement, and to participate in activities required by AQIP for accrediting determinations.

The Commission agrees

• to maintain Kent State University's AQIP participation so long as the institution continues to participate in AMP activities and provides AQIP with credible evidence justifying continuation;
• to indicate in Kent State University's Statement of Affiliation Status (SAS) under a section titled "Next Reaffirmation of Accreditation," the scheduling of the date for a reaffirmation seven academic years in the future, in 2007-2008;
• to transition Kent State University, after notice and consultation, to the traditional accreditation process if (1) the institution so requests, (2) the Commission has evidence that the institution is no longer continuing in its good faith effort to participate in AQIP according to the terms of this Agreement; or (3) AQIP review of the institution's results with in the previous five years of partnership indicate lack of progress in continuous quality improvement and that the institution or the Commission would be better served by a traditional process;
• if the institution has participated in AQIP for five years or more, then the visit will be scheduled within five years of the year it leaves AQIP; and
• if the institution has participated in AQIP for fewer than five years, then the visit will be scheduled either for the year that it was originally scheduled before the institution joined AQIP I P, 2003-2004, or at least one full year after the year the institution ceases to be an AQIP participant, whichever is later.

The Commission continuously re-examines its programs and processes to make changes and corrections where appropriate. In the event the Commission makes changes that will affect this agreement, the Commission agrees to notify participant institutions in advance of implementation and allow a reasonable period of time for institutions to make appropriate adjustments or request transition to a traditional process.

This document was signed by Carol Cartwright, CEO, on September 19,2000; Steven D. Crow, Executive Director, Commission on Institiutions of Higher Education, on September 14,2000; and Stephen Spangehl, Director of AQIP, on September 14,2000

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