#537 compliance

For the past several days, we have had six peer evaluators on our campus as part of our decennial accreditation.  This is a process that we must successfully complete in order to allow our students to receive federal financial aid, or, in other words, to remain open.

Throughout the 18 month process and preparations, we have compiled countless documents and submitted a 200 page reflective assessment of where we stand.  This week, many configurations of committees and individuals have been interviewed to allow the evaluators to assess whether we actually do what we say we do and whether there is evidence to support our analysis and report.

It is interesting that nowhere in this process are we asking the question of whether we like the process, governance, rules, policies, etc. -- the aim is ascertain whether we are in compliance with the regulations.  

This is the exact phrase our human resources director used last week when informing the staff about new health care regulations.  "It's not about whether you like it or not," she said.  "It's the law."

I am a big proponent of continuous improvement, assessment and modifications based on evaluation or feedback.  But I am also a pragmatist who knows that dedicating energy to buck national regulations already in place is a futile effort.  This is not the time to advocate for new laws or policy changes, just as during an audit it is not time to challenge the GAAP accounting standards.  

Sometimes, you have to play the game with the rules as written.  At other times, you can make your own rules.  Know the difference so you use your energies wisely.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com