For the past several months, The University of Akron has been engaged in its self-study process for reaccreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). HLC is one of six institutional accrediting bodies in the United States recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The accreditation process ensures that we meet standards of quality, are fulfilling our mission and are engaged in continuous improvement. In addition to ensuring quality, HLC accreditation is necessary for the institution to receive federal funding, including student financial aid.
The University has been accredited by HLC since 1914 and has been through many reaffirmation processes. In the last several years, this work has led to improvements in shared governance, program review and finances. Our current self-study is helping us prepare the University’s assurance argument—a report that will be provided to HLC and an HLC peer review team that will visit campus on September 12 and 13. This is a good opportunity for us to identify our strengths and determine areas for improvement.
The reaccreditation process includes broad participation from across the University and will ultimately result in a comprehensive report examining the role of the University in five key areas: mission; integrity; teaching and learning quality, resources, support; teaching and learning evaluation and improvement; and resources, planning and institutional effectiveness.
For those of you who have been working on The University of Akron’s self-study, thank you for the time and energy you’re dedicating to the process. For all others in our campus community, please look for future communications about the HLC visit, and be sure to keep up with our reaffirmation activities on the website.
In September, you’ll have an opportunity to take part in meetings with the HLC peer review team and let them know about the great work happening at The University of Akron.
HLC Reaccreditation Process UnderwaySincerely,
Gary L. Miller
President
The University of Akron