HLC Visiting Team Schedule (Please check times and locations carefully as some revisions have been made.)
CMU's most recent reaffirmation of accreditation review culminated with the University's institutional accreditation being extended by the Higher Learning Commission for ten years (through Academic Year 2023 - 2024). Beginning in 2014, CMU transitioned to a new process: the Standard Pathway. Like other institutions in the Standard Pathway, the Higher Learning Commission will visit CMU twice within the ten-year period following its reaffirmation, once after four years (AY 2017 - 2018) and again at the ten-year point (AY 2023 - 2024).
Through this process, CMU completes a comprehensive evaluation by submitting an Assurance Argument, which replaces the old self-study format, and an Evidence File that documents how the Institution meets the Commission's Criteria for Accreditation. Within the Argument, CMU addresses its progress in the assessment of student learning, a required follow-up to the 2013 review. Two other documents are part of the comprehensive evaluation: a Federal Compliance Filing, a requirement of the U.S. Department of Education, and two Multi-location Reports for the WCCC and Montrose campuses. In 2015, a Steering Committee began preparation of the required documents and supporting materials for submission in Fall 2017, followed by a site visit in November 2017.
Why is Accreditation Important?
Accreditation demonstrates the overall quality of an institution and shows that the academic and administrative programs and processes are aligned with the institution's mission. Accreditation proves an institution's commitment to sustaining a high level of accountability to students and the larger community, and shows that an institution is dedicated to educational improvement.
Accreditation assures students that the academic programs at CMU meet nationally recognized standards. Without accreditation CMU would be unable to receive federal funds for student financial aid and research. In addition, students attending accredited universities and colleges are eligible to take state licensure examinations in many professional fields, and are able to transfer credits earned at accredited universities and colleges to other accredited universities and colleges.