Faculty, staff and students all have a role in the Higher Learning Commission’s site visit this fall

Wayne State advances toward October accreditation review

For more than a century, Wayne State University has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). It recently entered the final phase of its current accreditation review, which will culminate with the HLC's on-campus visit Oct. 26-27.

Accreditation is an essential peer-review process that serves to guarantee all universities provide students with a quality education and that the programs and financial structure necessary to operate effectively are in place. Additionally, accreditation allows Wayne State to participate in federal financial aid programs and offer degree programs that lead to professional licensure and certification.

"Accreditation reflects Wayne State's commitment to providing an outstanding education and continually strengthening the work we do on behalf of our students," said Richard Bierschbach, president of Wayne State University. "It is an opportunity to demonstrate who we are as a university, how we fulfill our mission and why students, families and our community can have confidence in a Wayne State education."

Know your mission

During the October site visit, HLC reviewers will verify and gather information, seek feedback, and make a recommendation for continued or modified accreditation status. status. Reviewers will meet with representatives from across campus, in both scheduled conversations and impromptu interactions. If an HLC reviewer stops you to ask a question, it will likely be about your experiences at the university. Be ready to talk about how your role contributes to Wayne State's mission and student success.

In the coming weeks, all Warriors are encouraged to review:

• Wayne State's mission: Wayne State University's mission is to create and advance knowledge, prepare a diverse student body to thrive, and positively impact local and global communities.
• The strategic plan: "Our Moment is Now"
• HLC accreditation criteria and FAQ

HLC reviewers may ask the following questions:

• What do you know about accreditation?
• What do you know about the Higher Learning Commission?
• What are Wayne State's greatest strengths and challenges?

"Maintaining accreditation is one of the clearest demonstrations of the quality of a Wayne State education," said Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Christina L. Bloebaum. "It sends a strong message to students, families, employers and our community that a degree from our university is respected, academically rigorous and recognized for preparing graduates to succeed."

A campus-wide commitment

The forthcoming HLC site visit is just one part of the final phase of the 10-year review cycle, and the culmination of long-term campus collaboration and preparation.

Over the past year, more than 140 faculty, staff and students have worked together to prepare the university's assurance argument, which documents how Wayne State meets HLC's standards for academic quality, student success and institutional effectiveness. The assurance argument will be submitted to the HLC in September. Previous assurance arguments can be found online.

A separate report was also submitted in June on the 2024-26 quality initiative - Data-Informed Student Success for All - in addition to a student survey conducted in April.

"The accreditation review process is an exciting opportunity for members of the campus community to connect and to reflect on how their unique role at Wayne State contributes to our strengths, accomplishments and the impressive progress we continue to make in improving student outcomes," said Dr. Darin Ellis, vice provost for academic programs, assessment and accreditation. "We all play a role in achieving Wayne State's mission, and in maintaining the accreditation that makes our mission possible."

A series of stakeholder campus meetings will be scheduled before and during the site visit to engage the Wayne State community around its shared commitment to academic excellence. Stay tuned for further details and visit Wayne State's accreditation website for more information.