Case Western Reserve is about to go through its version of a final exam—and students are among the graders.
As part of the accreditation review that takes place every 10 years, The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) asked students to participate in a survey regarding their experiences and assessments of the university. Donald Feke, vice provost for undergraduate education, emailed undergraduate, graduate and professional students yesterday with a link to the online questionnaire—as well as more detailed explanation regarding the accreditation process and its purpose.
“We provide the commission extensive documentation regarding what the university does and how it performs,” Feke said, “but the accreditation team also wants to hear directly from students think about their education and other experiences here. This survey is part of that process.”
Feke emphasized that the student survey is only one part of the process the commission follows to get feedback from people other than those participating directly in the review. Faculty, staff, alumni and the public also will have opportunities to provide their thoughts. First, though, are the students, who have until midnight, Wednesday, Feb. 11, to enter their responses. To access the survey, students should access the link contained in Feke’s Monday email.
The Higher Learning Commission is the accrediting body for the area of the country designated as the “North Central” region. This area is composed of 19 states, including Ohio. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes these accrediting agencies are the organizations with responsibility to assess and evaluate institutions of higher learning. The country has a total of six regions, although the accrediting standards for each are fairly similar.
As explained on the HLC website, “Regional accreditation validates the quality of an institution as a whole and evaluates multiple aspects of an institution ranging from its academic offerings, governance and administration, mission, finances, and resources.”
Case Western Reserve’s last full accreditation review took place in 2005. Since that time, the university has adopted two five-year strategic plans, dramatically improved its undergraduate admissions results, and extended its capital campaign to $1.5 billion. The campaign’s original goal was $1 billion.
The accrediting process involves review by peers—that is, individuals affiliated with other colleges and universities within the region who have received training regarding the commission’s standards and procedures. The accreditation team itself visits Case Western Reserve this spring, but its members first must read the university’s accreditation report, as well as the comments from students and other stakeholders.
“We very much hope that our students participate actively in this process,” Feke said. “They have a perspective unique from all others and the HLC needs to hear it.”