Final preparations underway for HLC accreditation visit

“The HLC accreditation process is a significant and important undertaking for the entire university as it is our primary way ensuring continued academic excellence,” said associate professor Laura Reynolds Keefer.

In preparation for the visit the university conducted and submitted a self-study report of programs and processes. Hundreds of faculty, staff, students and outside stakeholders participated in the process, reflecting on how the university upholds its mission. The results of the process—partnered with the university’s strategic planning process, Vision 2020—will guide the direction of the university in the years to come.

The report is available online now.

There are a number of ways in which faculty and staff can prepare for the visit:

• Visit the HLC/Vision 2020 website to learn more about the process and read the executive summary and self-study report.
• Attend one of this month’s Vision 2020 forums to learn about the progress the university has made and what to expect during the accreditation visit. Forums take place Thursday, Sept. 12, and Monday, Sept. 16, from 11:15 a.m.-12:55 p.m.
• Review UM-Dearborn’s mission and goals for student learning. Consider the contributions you are making to the university’s mission and how your work contributes to accomplishing the HLC’s five criteria for continued accreditation:
  • Mission
  • Ethical and responsible conduct
  • Teaching and learning: quality, resources and support
  • Teaching and learning: evaluation and improvement
  • Resources, planning and institutional effectiveness

During the visit, faculty and staff members are encouraged to:

• Be available. Site team members may have additional questions or request additional information. All faculty and staff are asked to be on campus Monday and Tuesday, September 23-24, and available for last-minute requests.
• Attend the faculty and staff open forum. This is your opportunity to offer feedback and to help the site team more clearly understand the university and how it fulfills its mission. Time and location to be announced soon.
• Encourage students to attend the student open forum. Time and location to be announced soon.