The four cross-cutting themes are present in all the criteria studied for reaccreditation. In identifying these themes, the Commission had several purposes in mind:

• Highlight primary attributes of effective and high-performance organizations valued by the Commission.
• Establish broad benchmarks for evaluating the interpretation and application of the new Criteria.
• Indicate the interrelatedness of the Criteria.
• Suggest an organizational schema that could inform self-study processes and give structure to self-study reports.

I. The Future-Oriented Organization

• Engages in planning
• Is driven by the mission
• Understands social and economic change
• Focuses on the future of constituents
• Integrates new technology

II. The Learning-Focused Organization

• Assesses student learning
• Supports learning
• Supports scholarship
• Creates the capacity for lifelong learning
• Strengthens organizational learning

III. The Connected Organization

• Serves the common good
• Serves constituents
• Creates a culture of service
• Collaborates
• Engages in healthy internal communication

IV. The Distinctive Organization

• Has an unambiguous mission
• Appreciates diversity
• Is accountable
• Is self-reflective
• Is committed to improvement