The University of Michigan has been granted renewal of institutional accreditation for another 10 years by the Higher Learning Commission. The decision comes as the result of a comprehensive evaluation by HLC peer reviewers performed last spring.
“We appreciate the approval of the Higher Learning Commission,” said Susan M. Collins, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “Accreditation is critical to assuring our students, their families and Michigan citizens that we are providing the best possible environment for academic success.”
The HLC’s peer review process, which follows a multiyear, campuswide effort, is intended to provide colleges and universities critical evaluation of their purposes, and how effective they have been in serving those purposes.
A core team from the Office of the Provost and the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching began work on the reaccreditation process in 2016. Members worked with faculty and staff across the Ann Arbor campus to gather evidence that illustrated the breadth and depth of the campus’ strengths, and identified areas where it strived to innovate and improve. The work led to an evidence-based report called the assurance argument.
The rigorous and time-intensive process culminated with a virtual site visit — due to the COVID-19 pandemic — of an HLC review team in April 2020. The reviewers met with campus administrators and conducted virtual open forums to interact with faculty, staff and students during the team visit.
“Reaffirmation of accreditation would not have been possible without the support of the entire campus community,” said Michael Solomon, dean of the Rackham School of Graduate Studies and vice provost for academic affairs — graduate studies. Solomon is a member of U-M’s core team.
“This is also an opportunity to express our deep appreciation and thanks to the scores of faculty, students and staff who generously contributed their time and expertise to help secure this all-important seal of approval from the HLC,” he said.
The HLC’s criteria for accreditation fall into five broad categories: mission, ethical conduct, educational quality, educational evaluation, and planning and resources.
Accreditation is the primary means of assuring accountability and improving the quality of higher education institutions. It is required to receive federal and state funding and is essential for private-sector financial support. U-M has been continuously accredited since 1913.
Barbara Hopkins
Kudos to the UM Reaccreditation Core Team on this achievement! As a person who served on the HLC Reaccreditation Team at another university, I personally know how detailed and lengthy the process is. Congratulations and well done!