Indiana University East has received continued accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC). The HLC’s next comprehensive evaluation of IU East will take place in 2021-22.

“It is an outstanding accomplishment to receive continued accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Accreditation is a validation that the university has a strong mission as the region’s leader in providing high-quality baccalaureate and graduate education that is affordable and accessible,” said Chancellor Nasser Paydar.

IU East has been an accredited institution of higher education since 1971. The HLC is one of six accrediting agencies in the United States that provide institutional accreditation on a regional basis. The HLC accredits over 1,000 institutions in a nineteen-state region, and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

“Our enrollments are at an all-time high, our retention rates have been increasing, and we had the largest number of graduates in our history this past year. Today, with a clear mission, defined direction, and growing momentum, we focus on achieving our goals set out in our strategic plan,” Paydar said.

Accreditation signifies that the campus’ academic programs meet nationally recognized standards and that students earning a baccalaureate degree are well prepared for graduate work. Institutions that are accredited are eligible to receive federal funds for student financial aid and to facilitate the transfer of credits to other institutions of higher education.

Executive vice chancellor for Academic Affairs Larry Richards said, “Regional accreditation in higher education is what makes everything work. It verifies that we meet the qualifications to receive federal and state financial aid for its students. It says we are a legitimate four-year and graduate institution. It validates all of our programs, undergraduate, graduate and online.”

IU East hosted a team of peer reviewers from the commission as part of the accreditation process. The team visited October 24-26, 2011, to meet with administrators, faculty, staff, students and the community.

Prior to the team visit, IU East underwent a two-year process of self-study to address commission requirements and criteria. Findings from the study were analyzed and compiled into a self-study document and submitted to the commission prior to the campus visit. The two-phase process of accreditation provided an opportunity for critical self-analysis followed by consultation and advice from persons from other institutions, leading to ongoing improvement in quality including mission and integrity; preparing for the future; student learning and effective teaching; acquisition, discovery, and application of knowledge; and engagement and service.

The process was led by Mary Ann Morse, former associate vice chancellor for Teaching and Learning, and T.J. Rivard, associate vice chancellor for Academic Administration  and professor of English, as well as a steering committee made up of administrators, faculty, and staff from across the campus.

Following the campus visit, the team recommended to the HLC that IU East receive a renewal of its accreditation. The commission approved the continued accreditation during its meeting March 19. IU East was notified of the accreditation March 27.

For more information, visit iue.edu.