Indiana University East received continued accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC).

IU East hosted a team of peer reviewers from the commission as part of the accreditation process. The team visited February 28 to March 1, 2022, to meet with administrators, faculty, staff, students, and community members.

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.

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 May 24. IU East was notified of the accreditation June 1. The HLC’s next comprehensive evaluation of IU East will take place in 2031-32.

Chancellor Kathy Girten said the continued accreditation for the campus is an outstanding achievement and a demonstration of the commitment the university has to the region and beyond.

“To achieve this accomplishment is a significant achievement, and I am very proud of our campus for meeting this goal,” Girten said. “IU East has had a strong focus on increasing enrollment and improving student success. This is the core of what we do— educate students and ensure they receive their degrees and are prepared for the future world of work.”

IU East has been an accredited institution of higher education since 1971. The HLC is an independent corporation, and one of six regional institutional accreditors that accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the United States.

Michelle Malott, interim deputy chancellor and executive vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, said “student success is one of our top priorities at IU East. Reaffirming our accreditation solidifies our mission as a campus and the standards that we hold ourselves to as a leader in online programs and our traditional on campus programs.”

Girten said IU East continues to meet the criteria for accreditation, including goals and initiatives accomplished within the campus’ strategic plan, such as:

• Significant and consistent improvement in graduation rates
• Success in dramatically lowering student loan default rates
• Reduction in the amount of student debt upon graduation
• Increase in the number of IU degrees awarded at IU East
• Increase in student diversity
• Development of new degree programs, including collaborative online programs
• Continued improvements on campus including construction of the Student Events Center and the Arts Annex and renovations to Whitewater Hall Lobby, Vivian Auditorium, and other areas on campus.
• Expansion of athletics, including its most recent co-ed varsity esports team in fall 2021
• Development of new degree programs, including collaborative IU online programs
• AACSB accreditation for the IU East School of Business and Economics
• Successful completion of the IU Bicentennial Campaign, exceeding the campus goals of $7 million
• Increased meaningful community presence and engagement

Accreditation signifies that the campus’ academic programs meet nationally recognized standards and that students earning degrees are well prepared. In addition, institutions that are accredited are also eligible to receive federal funds for student financial aid, a very important source of support for students.

Girten said IU East is continuously looking toward the future and planning for the possibilities ahead. She added that the current strategic plan has six focus areas: Enrollment & student success; Human Resources; Academic Planning; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Community Engagement; and Sustainability & Environmental Resiliency.