One way to think about the structure of the new Standards is as a central core supported by two bookends. Standards 3-5 focus on students (Student Learning and Formation, Master's Degree Programs, and Doctoral Degree Programs) and Standards 6-8 focus on the programs and personnel most closely connected to students (Library and Information Services, Student Services, and Faculty). Standards 1-2 (Mission and Integrity, Planning and Evaluation) and Standards 9-10 (Governance and Administration, Institutional Resources) support this central core.

In addition, each of the ten standards follows a similar format:

Each standard has an opening paragraph that provides a clear and concise summary of that standard and introduces essential elements of that standard.
Each summary standard is followed by a series of numbered statements, all of which are considered part of t hat standard, that clarify and amplify that standard’s essential elements.
The numbered statements [in the annotated version] are followed by Self-Study Ideas (in shaded boxes) that are meant to give schools ideas about how they might engage the standards in their self-study reports (see the Preamble for more information on these Self-Study Ideas).

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