Accreditation Podcasts Created By Western Illinois University
MACOMB/Moline, IL – Public universities like Western Illinois University go through an accreditation process every 10 years, but what is accreditation and why is it important? The newly created podcast series, The Leatherneck Accreditation Lab, will explain the process and more.
The first episode, which can be found at wiu.edu/aasp/accreditation/podcast.php, provides viewers with information about the process and what members of the WIU community can expect from the institution’s reaccreditation visit with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) in March. All podcasts will be available at wiu.edu/aasp/accreditation.
According to Debbie Kepple-Mamros, director of assessment, accreditation and strategic planning, the first episode, “What is Accreditation and Why is it Important,” features herself, Associate Provost for Undergraduate and Graduate Studies and Accreditation Liaison Officer Mark Mossman, associate and Assessment Coordinator and Women’s Studies Professor Lori Baker-Sperry explaining the process.
Other episodes, which will be launched weekly or every other week through late March, will feature the history of accreditation and each of the five criteria WIU must meet to be re-accredited, including the University’s mission and vision, ethics, teaching and learning and budget and planning.
In addition, WIU faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends are invited to share comments for the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) assurance argument review for WIU’s reaffirmation of accreditation. More information, including the feedback form, can be found at wiu.edu/aasp/accreditation/review.php. Feedback must be submitted by Feb. 17.
WIU was last reaccredited for 10 years in September 2011, following an on-site review team visit to both campuses.
