Park University Set to Seek Confirmation of Accreditation Renewal from the Higher Learning Commission
Park University is set to undergo a comprehensive evaluation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) from April 8-9, as the institution seeks to maintain its accreditation status. This evaluation is a regular process for HLC-accredited institutions, including Park University, and is aimed at ensuring the university continues to meet quality and ethical standards.
The Five Core Criteria
The HLC uses five core criteria for accreditation, which Park University must address during the evaluation. These criteria include:
- Mission: The university's mission must be clear, publicly articulated, and guide its operations.
- Ethical and Responsible Conduct: The institution must act with integrity, ethics, and responsibility in its governance and operations.
- Teaching and Learning: The quality of academic offerings, learning environments, and student support services must ensure effective teaching and learning.
- Resources and Planning: The university must have adequate resources and planning processes to fulfill its mission and sustain performance.
- Institutional Effectiveness: The institution must systematically assess its performance and use the results for continuous improvement.
The Evaluation Process
The evaluation process involves a detailed assurance argument and supporting evidence submitted by the institution, followed by a peer review process. This peer review is mainly conducted by trained volunteer reviewers who evaluate how these criteria are met on campus. The process typically culminates in a formal site visit by a review team who verifies the assurance argument and assesses institutional effectiveness.
While the exact checklist or additional specific standards for Park University are not detailed in publicly available sources, the structural framework of the comprehensive evaluation aligns with the five core HLC criteria outlined above.
Preparation and Participation
Park University has been preparing for this evaluation, with the Office of Academic Affairs providing information about the university's preparation on the MyPark page. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to participate in all opportunities for interaction with the peer review team.
The HLC evaluation will also visit the Gilbert (Ariz.) Campus and Camp Pendleton (Calif.) Marine Corps Base Campus in the coming weeks, in addition to the Parkville (Mo.) Campus.
Accreditation through the HLC allows the University to disperse federal Title IV funding to students, making it a crucial process for the institution. Park University has been continuously accredited through the HLC since 1913, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to quality education.
For more information about the HLC evaluation, please visit our website and reach out to academic_affairs@our website. The agenda for the site visits will be posted on MyPark once finalized.
- In preparation for the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) evaluation, Park University's Office of Academic Affairs has been gathering information about the university's adherence to the HLC's five core criteria for education and self-development: mission, ethical and responsible conduct, teaching and learning, resources and planning, and institutional effectiveness.
- As the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) undergoes a comprehensive evaluation of Park University, it is crucial that students, faculty, and staff participate in all opportunities for interaction with the peer review team to demonstrate the university's commitment to meeting high-quality education and self-development standards.
