But did you ever wonder if anybody out there is watching to see if what the institutions say about themselves is really true? Who is responsible for monitoring how well colleges and universities measure up?
Well, yes. There are a variety of accrediting agencies, based on region or specialty. One such organization is the North Central Association (NCA) Higher Learning Commission, which periodically reviews colleges and universities that seek accreditation. It is one of six accrediting agencies in the United States that provide institutional accreditation on a regional basis. The Commission accredits approximately 950 colleges, universities, technical schools and junior colleges in a 19-state region, including Indiana.
NCA reviewers will be on the Wabash College campus September 23-25, 2002. Wabash has been accredited since 1915 at the bachelor’s degree level. In 1992, NCA renewed Wabash’s accreditation for the maximum period of 10 years. Why should Wabash be accredited? Simply put, accreditation confirms that Wabash does what it claims to do: educate men to think critically, act responsibly, lead effectively, and live humanely. Accreditation demonstrates to students, employers, and professional schools that Wabash is a well-established institution that can be trusted, and has the resources to continue its good work.
Accredited institutions recognize coursework taken at each other’s institutions, so students can transfer credits. The accreditation process also gives Wabash a chance to evaluate itself and to plan for the future through a self-study. Wabash has been preparing for this review for the past two years.
A team of faculty has been learning about the review process, gathering information, and writing a self-evaluation report for submission to the NCA prior to the review team’s visit. Much of the evaluation necessary for the accreditation review has been conducted through the College’s strategic plan, yearly assessments, and faculty initiatives, such as the Writing Portfolio Project.
The NCA is very interested in receiving comment from all of Wabash’s constituents. Alumni already have been made aware of the review. The Crawfordsville community can be a part of this process. If you wish to comment about Wabash and its academic programs, please send a signed letter to the following address by August 15, 2002:
Public Comment on Wabash College Commission on Institutions of Higher Education North Central Association of Colleges and Schools 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400 Chicago IL 60602
Public comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs.
Comments should include the name, address, and telephone number of the person providing the comments; the comments will not be treated as confidential.
Ann Taylor is an assistant professor of chemistry at Wabash and is part of the on-campus team preparing for this fall’s NCA review.