51³Ô¹ÏÍø

What Students need to know about reaffirmation

51³Ô¹ÏÍø is a student-first university which strives to provide quality education, experiences and services to our students. To assist in the reaffirmation of the university's accreditation status it is helpful that students be aware of...

  1. 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's vision, mission and core values
  2. Our accreditation process
  3. The HLC accreditation criteria
  4. The dates of the HLC site visit
    • April 14-15, 2025
  5. How students can be involved...
    • Learn about 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's accreditation
    • Take part in the Student Opinion Survey (sent out around Jan 2025)
    • Take part in a student forum
    • If stopped by an HLC peer reviewer, be able to answer some of the questions listed below

 

During an HLC site visit, Peer Reviewers may randomly ask students, faculty or staff questions about 51³Ô¹ÏÍø or accreditation. Here is a list of possible questions that can be used to help prepare. Remember, maintaining accreditation requires engagement from the entire university community. 

Questions HLC may ask students

General Questions

  • What do you know about 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s institutional accreditation?
  • What distinguishes 51³Ô¹ÏÍø from neighboring institutions?
  • What are 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s greatest strengths?
  • What are the biggest challenges facing 51³Ô¹ÏÍø?
  • What is it like to be a student at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø?
  • Describe any campus processes that could be improved or made more efficient.
  • What kind of changes are taking place at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø?

Questions about Accreditation Criteria

Criterion 1

  • Do you know 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s mission statement? How would you describe it?
  • Do you know where you would find the official mission statement?
  • Do you support the mission?
  • Are you familiar with the core values of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø?
  • Do you support the core values?
  • Could you name some resources At 51³Ô¹ÏÍø that supports students who are struggling academically?
  • How does 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s processes/activities reflect attention to human diversity?
  • How does 51³Ô¹ÏÍø support the community?
  • Are marketing materials accurate and up to date?
  • Why did you choose to attend 51³Ô¹ÏÍø? Have your expectations been met? Would you make the same choice if you were given the opportunity again?
  • What do you like best about 51³Ô¹ÏÍø?
  • What would you change about 51³Ô¹ÏÍø if you could?
  • Would you recommend 51³Ô¹ÏÍø to other students?

Criterion 2

  • Describe the campus climate at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.
  • Does 51³Ô¹ÏÍø present academic and financial requirements clearly and completely to students and the public?
  • Do you understand the transfer guidelines? The academic requirements to complete your degree?
  • Have you experienced any problems getting the courses you need in a timely manner?
  • Describe your experiences with academic advising.
  • Do you believe 51³Ô¹ÏÍø supports freedom of expression?
  • Do you know where to go for help with the following?
    • Academic support
    • Career planning
    • Personal counseling
    • Making a complaint
    • Technology support
  • Does 51³Ô¹ÏÍø have policies and procedures in place to address ethical conduct in research for both faculty and students?

Criterion 3

  • Are you supportive of the general education requirements?
  • Do you know your program’s student learning outcomes?
  • Are the classes offered by your program taught by qualified faculty including adjuncts?
  • Is technology support sufficient on campus?
  • What is your experience with the following university services?
    • Library
    • Tutoring
    • Dining
    • Health Center
    • Recreational facilities
    • Counseling Services
  • What opportunities do you have to conduct research? Participate in community or service-learning experiences? Interact with people and cultures different from your own?
  • Are students provided with sufficient and relevant co-curricular experiences?
  • Are facilities and classrooms appropriately maintained at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø?

Criterion 4

  • Did you transfer credit to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø? If so, what was your experience with the process?
  • Do you think 51³Ô¹ÏÍø is clear in its communication with students about topics such as financial aid, student conduct, costs, and graduation requirements? What improvements would you recommend?

Criterion 5

  • How are students given the opportunity to provide input into important initiatives?
  • How are students given the opportunity to provide input into proposed tuition increases?
  • Are academic programs relevant and current?
  • Are the computer software systems helpful in assisting students with registration? With advising? With knowledge of campus events?