FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

This page contains details about the accreditation process. Excerpts have been reproduced from the commission's Accreditation of Higher Education Institutions: An Overview, 2003 Edition (http://www.ncahlc.org/download/2003Overview.pdf).

What is accreditation?

In the United States, schools and colleges voluntarily seek accreditation from external nongovernmental bodies. The University of Tulsa is accredited by and affiliated with The Higher Learning Commission of The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (“HLC/NCA”), one of six regional nongovernmental agencies which provide institutional accreditation on a geographical basis. North Central Association is a membership organization of colleges and universities in nineteen states, including Oklahoma. As an affiliated organization of HLC/NCA, TU has voluntarily agreed to meet the obligations of affiliation, including undergoing periodic reviews, submitting required reports, completing annual reports, hosting required or requested visits, paying dues and fees and, of course, meeting HLC/NCA’s criteria for accreditation and affiliation. An institution must have its accreditation status reaffirmed not later than five years after initial accreditation and not later than ten years following each subsequent reaffirmation. TU was granted accreditation in 1929. Our 10-year accreditation site visit and review is scheduled to take place during Spring, 2008.

What is the value of accreditation?

Accreditation provides both public certification of acceptable institutional quality and an opportunity and incentive for institutional self-improvement. By voluntarily agreeing to undergo the accreditation process, an institution opens itself to examination by outside, experienced evaluators familiar with accrediting requirements and higher education. The process provides an opportunity for critical self-analysis with consultation and advice from outside persons and organizations, ultimately leading to continued improvement in the quality of an institution’s programs and practices.

Who evaluates The Higher Learning Commission and other bodies which grant accreditation to institutions of higher learning?

HLC/NCA and other accrediting bodies receive recognition from the U.S. Department of Education (“USDE”) and The Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), a national, nongovernmental organization. USDE maintains a list of accrediting bodies determined to be “reliable authorities as to the quality of training offered by educational institutions and programs.” To qualify, an accrediting body must demonstrate its compliance with criteria established in accordance with the Higher Education Act. The USDE list serves as one of the bases for the federal government’s determination of institutional eligibility for participation in federally funded programs, including student financial aid.

Why is TU’s Mission Statement so important to the accreditation process?

HLC/NCA has established five Criteria for Accreditation. The five Criteria are broad enough to accommodate the fact that institutions of higher learning are not alike, and flexible enough to support diversity and innovation. Each Criterion not only examines one or more areas of an institution, but also measures the institution’s programs and accomplishments against the institution’s own self-declared purposes, as found in its mission statement. TU’s Mission Statement establishes our core values and goals applicable to all aspects of our institution. Our Mission Statement, therefore, is central to the self-study and accreditation processes being undertaken under HLC/NCA’s five Criteria for Accreditation.

Why are we undergoing a comprehensive self-study process for HLC/NCA, when some departments and colleges are already accredited by other bodies?

Although several departments and colleges are accredited by agencies which deal with specific types of programs or disciplines, HLC/NCA is the only agency which grants accreditation to our entire institution. The comprehensive self-study and review process required by HLC/NCA requires evaluation of the entire organization, including not only its educational activities but also its governance and administration, financial stability, admissions and student personnel services, resources, student academic achievement, organizational effectiveness, and relationships with outside constituencies. No other accrediting body conducts such a comprehensive review, and no other accrediting body applies the same Criteria as those used by HLC/NCA.

Are all colleges, departments and divisions required to participate?

Yes. The HLC/NCA accreditation process requires participation of all colleges (and all departments within each college). Enrollment & Student Services, Business & Finance, Institutional Advancement, Athletics and all other parts of the University are also being required to participate and assist in the self-study and accreditation process.

How is the self-study being organized and conducted?

The process is being led by our Self-Study Steering Committee, which is responsible for coordinating and overseeing work being done by five Criterion Committees (one for each of the five HLC/NCA Criteria for Accreditation), a Resource Committee, and an Events Committee. The Steering Committee is chaired by the Vice Provost and includes all committee chairs, associate deans and representatives from the Board of Trustees, students and self-study committees. All Criterion Committees are chaired by faculty, at least one from each college. To ensure that all constituencies are represented in the self-study process, the committees include representatives from all colleges, student body, Board of Trustees, and all operating divisions of the University. For a complete list of committee members, please visit the link at http://www.utulsa.edu/accreditation/committees.html.

When did the self-study process begin?

The process began in 2004. For an overview of the timeline and process, please visit the link at http://www.utulsa.edu/accreditation/timeline.html.

Other questions?

If you have any other questions regarding accreditation and the accreditation process, please contact assessment@utulsa.edu.