University of Cincinnati Begins Reaccreditation Process

The University of Cincinnati campus community has launched its self-study process toward efforts in seeking reaccreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

The self-study is a unique opportunity for the university to take stock of itself – celebrating its successes and discovering areas for continued enhancement. The process and outcomes demonstrate the university’s deep commitment to educational quality and continuous improvement.

“This is a transparent, public and inclusive exercise for regional accreditation. Substantive planning and work is underway, and a framework and timeline are in place to assure a successful review by the HLC,” according to Gigi Escoe, vice provost for undergraduate affairs and co-chair of UC’s HLC Reaccreditation Steering Committee. She added that regional accreditation was key to accountability in higher education.

Eileen Strempel, senior vice provost for academic affairs, who also co-chairs UC’s HLC Reaccreditation Steering Committee, stated, “The self-study data and documentation will show that UC is an institution of which the region, state and nation can be proud. The process itself demonstrates how the university continuously examines and enhances its successful service to students and the wider community.”

For an institution, accreditation signifies an assurance of high-quality education and educational experience. In fact, it’s so important that only accredited schools receive student financial aid dollars. Most schools will only accept transfer credits from an accredited school, and most graduate programs will only accept students with degrees from accredited schools.

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

The institution’s mission is publicly articulated, demonstrates commitment to the public good, is broadly understood within the institution and guides operations.

INTEGRITY: ETHICAL AND RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT

The institution acts with integrity. Its conduct is ethical and responsible.

TEACHING AND LEARNING: QUALITY, RESOURCES AND SUPPORT

The institution provides high-quality education wherever and however its offerings are delivered.

TEACHING AND LEARNING: EVALUATION AND IMPROVEMENT

The institution demonstrates responsibility for the quality of its educational programs, learning environments and support services, and it evaluates their effectiveness for student learning through processes designed to promote continuous improvement.

RESOURCES, PLANNING AND INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS

The institution plans for the future, and its resources, structures and processes are sufficient to fulfill its mission, improve the quality of its educational offerings and respond to future challenges and opportunities.

The university community will be invited to review the self-study report and provide feedback during the Spring of 2018.  The report will then be finalized and submitted to HLC in May 2018.. After reviewing the report, a team of evaluators for the Higher Learning Commission will visit campus September 24-25, 2018, to further explore the findings of the self-study.

“This accreditation process is ultimately for the institution’s benefit,” concluded Escoe.

For more background on UC’s reaccreditation process, visit the university’s reaccreditation site:

http://www.uc.edu/hlcaccreditation.html