In its first accreditation review in a decade, Boise State University was recognized for its team spirit, solid planning and work in helping create the College of Western Idaho.

An accreditation team spent time on the campus last month and then delivered a short review of its assessment before faculty and staff. No questions were taken.

Accreditation is important to Boise State because it acknowledges the university meets basic standards in providing an education. It also qualifies the institution to receive federal aid and allows students to get loans to attend the school.

A final report on the school's accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is expected early next year.

Under the leadership of President Bob Kustra, BSU has moved toward re-creating itself as a regional research university.

The accreditation team was "amazed we were actually moving forward according to the dictates of a strategic plan that was built by faculty, staff, students and the administration," Kustra said. "The chair of this committee was clearly impressed."

At the same time, the team said the university needs to work on improving student advising. Advisers help students navigate the college, getting the courses they require to meet their academic goals.

Kustra acknowledged that advising students is a challenge for the school of nearly 20,000 students. Many schools employ professional advisers to work with students, but that would require additional people, which could be difficult as the college struggles through lean economic times along with the rest of the state. Some schools use professional advisers and faculty.

"We are going to have to sit down and figure out how to do that within the constraints of a tight budget," he said.

The school also needs to get a better handle on what students learn and how the curriculum can be changed to improve performance and meet changes in different fields of study. The school is addressing both issues, and most departments have made the adjustments, said Sona Andrews, provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Bill Roberts:377-6408