Indiana University East will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit in October 2011 by a team representing the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. IU East has been accredited by the Commission since 1971, and was last evaluated in 2002.

The Higher Learning Commission is one of six accrediting agencies in the United States that provide institutional accreditation on a regional basis. The Higher Learning Commission accredits over one thousand institutions in a nineteen-state region, and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

The two-phase process of accreditation provides an opportunity for critical self-analysis followed by consultation and advice from persons from other institutions, leading to ongoing improvement in quality. For the last two years, IU East has been engaged in a process of self-study addressing Commission requirements and criteria.

The process has been led by Mary Ann Morse, Associate Vice Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, and T.J. Rivard, Professor of English, as well as a steering committee made up of administrators, faculty, and staff from across the campus.

Findings have been analyzed and compiled into a self-study document that will be submitted to the Commission prior to the campus visit October 24-26, 2011.

“The visit is important, as the whole process of accreditation is to providing assurance to the public and to prospective students that IU East meets accepted standards, and is committed to maintaining and advancing the quality of its programs,” said IU East Chancellor Nasser Paydar. “How appropriate that this visit coincides with our 40th Anniversary, a time designed to celebrate the accomplishments of the past 40 years while we focus on the future.”

The public is invited to submit comments regarding the university. Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs. Comments may be in writing and signed or submitted using the Higher Learning Commission’s online form; comments cannot be treated as confidential.

All comments must be received by September 24, 2011, and can be sent to:

Public Comment on Indiana University East
The Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle St., Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604-1411