University of Cincinnati HLC/NCA Self Study

For more than 100 years, American institutions of higher education have voluntarily sought accreditation to assure quality and improvement. The University of Cincinnati is currently in the process of seeking re-accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, a non-governmental organization granting peer-reviewed accreditation and membership in the Higher Learning Commission and North Central Association. 

The University of Cincinnati has an established culture of data-collection, assessment, reporting and reflection leading to continuous improvement. During the next two years, UC will undergo an open, inclusive, evidence-based self-study process to explore and document this culture. This voluntary venture, which takes place once a decade, will show UC’s accountability toward demonstrating the national standards that assure a high-quality learning environment, world-renowned scholarship, innovation and service. 

The self-study process and report will be organized around five key areas

• Mission and Integrity
• Preparing for the Future
• Student Learning and Effective Teaching
• Acquisition, Discovery and Application of Knowledge
• Engagement and Service

The university has established five writing teams of administrators and faculty to address these key areas. Guided by the steering committee, the writing teams will complete a detailed self-study report in the spring of 2009. After carefully reviewing this report, a team of consultant evaluators representing the Higher Learning Commission will visit the university campus for three days. After this visit, the team of consultant evaluators will prepare a detailed report of their findings and final recommendations. The commission will issue its final report in fall 2009.