HLC Accreditation Work Site
INFLUENCE THE FUTURE:
Are you interested in how we can strengthen students' first-year experiences at UNI? Are you interested in how we can make UNI a better place for teaching and learning? UNI is participating in a national higher-education project known as "Foundations of Excellence® (FoE) in the First College Year." UNI also is embarking on its Higher Learning Commission reaccreditation. The goal is to help UNI increase its effectiveness in recruiting, admitting, orienting, supporting, advising and teaching new students. Come to a special kickoff event from 3 to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 7, in the Commons Ballroom. Refreshments will be served at 3 p.m. The program will start promptly at 3:15 p.m.
Every 10 years, the University of Northern Iowa conducts a self-study in preparation for reaccreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. That process is now underway in preparation for the reaccreditation site visit in spring, 2011.
Preparing for our institutional reaccreditation requires the support and assistance from all programs and units on campus. The steering committee of faculty, staff and students will coordinate this process. We welcome and will be seeking your suggestions and feedback at every step of the way.
UNI has been granted permission by the HLC to utilize the option of creating a customized self-study process. We will participate in the joint project between the HLC and the Policy Center on the First Year of College which will allow us to integrate into our accreditation process a focus on evaluating and improving our students' first-year experience.
Accreditation is a process that evaluates quality and provides a road map for institutional improvements. It assures students that their academic programs meet nationally recognized standards. Accreditation is required for UNI to receive federal funds for student financial aid and research.
Focus of Re-Accreditation at UNI
- Assess the quality of an institution and its effectiveness
- Assist the institution in making improvements in its operations and effectiveness
- Provide mission-driven accreditation