The Observer, October 14, 2005
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 7
Case re-accredited as an institution of higher learning
This article is the first of a two-part series about the accreditation process and its results.
Last spring, 10 professors and administrators from 10 different universities came to Case to determine whether the university deserved to be re-accredited as an institution of higher learning.
The professors and administrators came to Case as part of The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges (NCA). NCA is responsible for accrediting schools ranging from pre-kindergarten to colleges. HLC is a branch of the NCA that accredits colleges and universities. The HLC is recognized by both the US Department of Education and the Council on Higher Learning Accreditation. It accredits colleges at least once every 10 years based on recommendations and a vote by the HLC.
The accreditation involves two main steps, according to Don Feke, the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education. The first step was a self-study performed by the university while the second was an evaluation of that study and the school by a commission from the HLC. The self-study that included strengths and weaknesses was conducted by Case faculty and staff as well as two students.
Chaired by Feke, the Accreditation Steering Committee was in charge of the self-study. In the spring of 2003, the committee began by picking a theme, "Developing the transformational learning environment." "[The study is] an introspective, objective look at the university and plans for the future with respect to the accreditation criteria of the NCA," Feke said.
The accreditation criteria is broken up into five sections: the mission of the university, the resources available to carry out that mission, the university's educational programs, research, and service to the community, nation, and world.
In order to approach the criteria, the committee broke up into four subcommittees concentrating on the development of collaboration with other groups, faculty engagement, undergraduate students, and graduate students. After the completion of the self-study, it was posted online for people to read and comment on. The committee received about 80 comments, many from undergraduate students, which the committee took into account when creating the final version, according to Feke.
Last January, the final version was printed and sent to the evaluation team from HLC. The 10-member team came in April and reviewed documents from all areas of the university to confirm the information in the self-study. The team researched to determine the reality of the self-study, which included reviewing a hard copy of all data mentioned in the self-study. A library of documents from the self-study was set up by the Steering Committee for the evaluation team.
The team used the study and research, interviews with students and faculty, and other information provided to draft a report on the school. Sectioned in two parts, Assurances and Advancement, the report addressed how well Case met the criteria for accreditation.
According to Feke, the Assurances section specifically addresses the accreditation criteria and the Advancement section contains advice on where the school is strong and where it could be better.
According to the HLC website, the documents from the visit are then reviewed by a panel or committee and a recommendation was made. The Institutional Actions Council then takes action based on that recommendation and the Board of Trustees validates that work.
For Case, the HLC recommended that the school be reaccredited for the maximum allowed period, which is 10 years.
Karen Ziarnowski was the student representative on the Steering Committee last semester. Ziarnowski participated in revising the self-study and said that the whole process was very complete.
"The accreditation process was very thorough and required the work of many dedicated committee members to complete," Ziarnowski said. "The results of the site team visit were, in my opinion, thorough and accurate and appropriately addressed where Case can stand to improve. Recommendations for advancement made by the Higher Learning Commission will enhance the vision of the University."
The HLC accreditation covers the school as a whole, including graduate and undergraduate programs.
The accreditation process takes over two years and has just been completed. In 2013, the process will start all over again.
To view the documents of the accreditation, go to http://www.case.edu/president/cir/accreditation/accredhome.htm.
