Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE-The National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) reaccredited the University of Wisconsin-Platteville for the next 10 years, bumping UWP from associate member to full membership with the organization. While membership in NASM is voluntary, there are a variety of benefits to becoming a member explains Dan Fairchild, chair of the department of fine arts at UWP.

"The accreditation lets people know that we meet all the national standards and are comparable to other research universities. This validates what we are doing. In addition, we are able to network with other institutions on nearly a day-to-day basis," said Fairchild. Fairchild said that the standards that need to be met help the department realize where any possible changes to curriculum or facilities might be needed.

"We began accreditation about 12 years ago. We were accredited for two five year terms and this term will last 10 years," added Fairchild. NASM was founded in 1924 to create a more uniform method of granting credit, setting minimum standards for the granting of degrees and to secure a better overall understanding of higher education in music.

"Every institution offers the same courses, we pride ourselves on our outstanding faculty and the personal way that we deliver the materials, that is what makes UWP's program unique. With great pride, our facilities, instructors and students meet the highest standards for a 10 year accreditation," concluded Fairchild.