KU earns reaccreditation from Higher Learning Commission


LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas has been reaccredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

Accreditation through the HLC assures students that their academic programs meet nationally recognized standards. Accreditation is also required for universities to receive federal funds for student financial aid and research.

The reaccreditation follows a comprehensive KU self-study that culminated with a campus visit by HLC consultant-evaluators in February as part of the university's routine 10-year, universitywide  review. While visiting the Lawrence and KU Medical Center campuses, the team met with administrators, faculty, staff and students through a series of meetings and open sessions.

“Accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission validates the quality of an institution as a whole and evaluates multiple aspects of an institution, ranging from its academics, governance and administration to its mission, finances and resources,” said Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little. “The continuation of the University of Kansas’ accredited status affirms that we are fulfilling our mission as a flagship research university and serving the state and nation.”

For the 18 months leading up to the HLC visit, committees of more than 100 members of the campus community engaged in the extensive data gathering and evaluation necessary to prepare a self-study report, compiling accomplishments and assembling evidence that KU has met the criteria for reaccreditation.

A steering committee led by Susan Twombly, professor of higher education, guided the self-study process and oversaw completion of the self-study report. An executive summary of the self-study, a Q&A about the reaccreditation process and other pertinent materials are available on KU’s HLC website.   

“The University of Kansas has used this self-study and reaccreditation process as an additional opportunity to examine everything we’re doing, the challenges ahead and specific steps we can take to improve,” said Jeffrey S. Vitter, provost and executive vice chancellor. “I want to thank Susan Twombly, the steering committee, and the students, faculty and staff who contributed to this process. The continuation of our accredited status confirms that we are well on our way to fulfilling the goals and objectives of our strategic plan, Bold Aspirations, and confirming our status as a top-tier public international research university.”

Regional accreditation agencies like the HLC are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit degree-granting colleges and universities. The HLC accredits degree-granting institutions of higher education that are based in the 19-state North Central region of the United States.

KU was previously granted a full 10-year reaccreditation in June 2005. KU has been accredited by the HLC since 1913.

Tue, 05/26/2015

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Joe Monaco

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