UW Colleges Higher Learning Commission
Higher Learning Commission
During the course of the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 academic years, the UW-Colleges will be undergoing our re-accreditation process through the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, which conducted our previous accreditation reviews. As this process progresses, this site will provide access to all stakeholders in the Colleges. Please take time to explore the information presented here, beginning with information on your Colleges' peers who are leading the various working groups and committees that will develop the self-study to be presented to North Central, and for the timeline of this process.
More about the Higher Learning Commission
See also HLC Handbook.
Voluntary accreditation in higher education originated almost a century ago as a uniquely American process. Sought voluntarily by colleges and universities, accreditation is conferred by nongovernmental bodies. Voluntary accreditation has two fundamental purposes: quality assurance and institutional and program improvement. Voluntary accreditation has come to be marked by the following attributes: it is provided through private agencies; it requires a significant exercise of self-evaluation by an institution or program, the results of which are summarized in a report given to the agency; a team visit is conducted by the agency; judgments about accreditation are made by expert and trained peers; and institutions under review have opportunities to respond to most steps in the process. Although in recent years accrediting associations are implementing unique processes, they continue to rely on institutional self-evaluation, peer review, and institutional response as essential to sound accreditation practice.
Throughout the last decade, many nations have established new quality assurance agencies that are often funded by, but independent of, government ministries. Some follow the American model of accreditation; others offer different types of quality assurance programs. International discussions are currently being conducted about mutual recognition, perhaps adding a new global dimension to the U.S. accreditation process.
UW-Marshfield/Wood County has the lowest tuition, combined with a wonderful college environment. That's what made "The Wood" the best choice for me!
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UW-Marshfield/Wood County