What KU Staff Should Know About Accreditation
Importance of Institutional Accreditation
- Ensures the value and recognition of KU degrees.
- Allows the university to receive federal funding, including financial aid for students.
- Signals to students, employers and other educational institutions that KU meets or exceeds national standards.
- Necessary for the accreditation of individual schools and programs.
Student Support Services Continuous Improvement
HLC calls for institutions to provide robust support services, including academic advising, counseling, career services, and other resources aimed at enhancing student learning and personal development. These services must be well-aligned with the institution's mission and contribute to the holistic development of students, promoting not only academic achievement but also personal growth and engagement. Furthermore, institutions are required to continuously evaluate the effectiveness of their student services, using data to enhance the quality of support and ensure that they meet the evolving needs of a diverse student population.
Strategic Planning
Strategic planning is a critical component of the HLC accreditation process, as it ensures KU has a clear, forward-thinking roadmap aligned with the mission, vision, and values. Through strategic planning, institutions demonstrate their commitment to continuous improvement, resource allocation, and meeting the needs of students, staff, faculty and critical stakeholders. The KU Lawrence/Edwards strategic plan is Jayhawks Rising. The three institutional priorities are Student Success, Healthy & Vibrant Communities, and Research and Discovery. The four pillars of the KUMC strategic plan are Education, Healthy Communities, Research and Discovery, and Employees.
Learn more about the Lawrence/Edwards and KUMC strategic plans.
KU Mission
KU has a single mission for the University: To educate leaders, build healthy communities, and make discoveries that change the world.
HLC reviewers are looking for a compelling story of mission fulfillment in the quest for continuous improvement. When KU can clearly articulate how our mission drives everything we do including strategic planning, student outcomes, scholarly innovation, and community care, it not only aids in the reaffirmation of accreditation, but it also strengthens our reputation and identity as Jayhawks.
How You Can Help
- Review our mission and accreditation documents: Familiarize yourself with our mission statement, Lawrence/Edwards Jayhawks Rising strategic plan and/or KUMC strategic plan, our institutional learning goals and the Assurance Argument.
- Be Ready to Discuss Assessment and Student Learning Outcomes: Ensure you can articulate how you support student learning in your job and how you and your unit undertake continuous improvement to positively impact student success.
- Know Key Institutional Initiatives: Be aware of recent institutional initiatives, changes and improvements in academic programs, student support services and faculty development.
- Engage in Open and Honest Dialogue: The HLC Peer Review Team values transparency. Answer questions honestly, based on your knowledge and experience.
Below are questions the HLC Peer Review Team may ask individual faculty members or in group meetings with faculty during the site visit March 3-5.
Questions the HLC Review Team Might Ask
- How is morale on campus?
- What kind of changes are taking place at KU? Do you view these as positive?
- What is KU’s greatest strength?
- Do you believe academics are top priority at KU?
- Have you read the Assurance Argument?
- Do you know KU’s mission statement?
- How do you support KU’s mission?
- Do you feel the Board of Regents supports KU’s mission?
- Have you been involved in strategic planning at KU?
- Do you believe KU has made progress with Jayhawks Rising? How so?
- What are KU’s values? Do these align with your values?
- What is KU’s relationship like with the city of Lawrence? What about the state of Kansas?
- How does KU support diversity and inclusion?
- Do units across the university work collaboratively?
- Do you feel your work is valued by administration? By students? By faculty?
- What opportunities do you have for professional development?
- Can you describe the Staff role in shared governance?
- Are you familiar with the institutional learning goals?
- Do you have adequate space, technology, and support for your role?
- Are staff appropriately qualified?
- Does your department contribute to student learning and development? How do you assess it?
- How does your department support retention and graduation goals?
- How do you feel about the Gateway District project?
- How has your department participated in Jayhawks Elevate?
- Do you understand the budgeting process?
- Are you able to provide input on department and institutional initiatives?