The Higher Learning Commission

In the United States, schools and colleges voluntarily seek accreditation from nongovernmental bodies. There are two types of educational accreditation: institutional and specialized.

Institutional accreditation is provided by regional and national associations of schools and colleges. There are six regional associations, each named after the region in which it operates (Middle States, New England, North Central, Northwest, Southern, Western). The regional associations are independent of one another, but they cooperate extensively and acknowledge one another's accreditation. Several national associations focus on particular kinds of institutions (for example, trade and technical colleges, and religious colleges and universities). An institutional accrediting agency evaluates an entire educational organization in terms of its mission and the agency's standards or criteria. It accredits the organization as a whole. Besides assessing formal educational activities, it evaluates such things as governance and administration, financial stability, admissions and student services, institutional resources, student learning, institutional effectiveness, and relationships with internal and external constituencies.

A specialized accrediting body evaluates particular units, schools, or programs within an organization. Specialized accreditation, also called program accreditation, is often associated with national professional associations, such as those for engineering, medicine, and law, or with specific disciplines, such as business, teacher education, psychology, or social work.

Click on the link below or the one on the left if you wish to find out more about the The Higher Learning Commission North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the accreditation process or call (312) 263-0456 or web site at http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org/

The above office is set up for the accreditation co-chairs and committee members is located in 447 Gardner. With any questions regarding UW-Platteville's accreditation, you may call 342-1097, or you may contact the co-chairs by emailing HLCAccredit@uwplatt.edu. To email the steering and criterion committee members, click here.