What Students 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 employers and other educational institutions that KU meets or exceeds national standards.
- Necessary for the accreditation of individual schools and programs.
Institutional Learning Goals and KU Promise
KU’s Institutional Learning Goals have been embedded in every degree program and throughout our general education curriculum to ensure students are not only obtaining the knowledge for their degree program but also obtaining a set of skills beyond that program, such as being able to communicate effectively, analytically reason, to have leadership and collaboration skills.
In addition, we have identified Jayhawk values that are spelled out in the acronym IRISE. These values represent how we approach life, what it means to be a Jayhawk, the standards we hold for ourselves and for how we engage with each other: Integrity, Respect, Innovation, Stewardship, and Excellence.
Strategic Planning
KU's strategic plans for Lawrence/Edwards and KUMC ensure the university has a clear, forward-thinking roadmap aligned with the mission, vision and values. The strategic plans help ensure faculty and staff efforts are aligned with KU's mission and our institutional priorities for academics, research and student success. The KU Lawrence/Edwards strategic plan is Jayhawks Rising, which has three institutional priorities: 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 compelling stories that illustrate how KU is achieving that mission. Those stories come from the experiences of our students, and the work of faculty and staff. The goal for the HLC site visit is for students to know our mission, and be able to put into words some examples of how they see KU is achieving that mission. KU students also can even share stories for how they have contributed to the mission, through their academic success, service to the community, research projects, and more.
How You Can Help
- Review our mission and accreditation documents: Familiarize yourself with our mission statement, Lawrence/Edwards Rising strategic plan and/or KUMC strategic plan, our institutional learning goals and the Assurance Argument.
- Discuss Your Experience: Be ready to discuss your experiences at the university related to instruction and availability and use of any resources to support you.
- Know Key Institutional Initiatives: Be aware of recent institutional initiatives, changes and improvements in academic programs, student support services.
- 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
- What distinguishes KU from other universities?
- What is it like to be a KU student?
- What is KU’s greatest strength?
- What challenges is KU facing?
- What do you enjoy about the KU community? Is there anything you would like to see improved?
- Do you know the KU mission statement? Would you know where to find it?
- Are you familiar with KU’s values? Do you feel the align with your student experience?
- What do you think is special about KU?
- Why did you choose KU? Would you recommend it to other students?
- Do you feel KU value’s academics?
- Describe the campus climate.
- Upperclassman: Has it changed over your time here?
- Transfer students: Did you have any problems transferring credits?
- Do you believe KU supports freedom of expression?
- Do you know where to go if you have a problem? If you’ve had a problem, were you able to get it resolved?
- Are you familiar with the learning outcomes of your classes? Your program?
- What do you know about the KU Core/Core 34?
- Are the classes you need offered at a time you need?
- Do you know where to go for help with
- Academic advising? Career planning? Personal counseling? Technology support? Tutoring or classroom support?
- What has your experience been like with campus services?
- Libraries? Dining? Recreation? Housing? Health Services? Other support programs?
- What’s your relationship like with the faculty?
- What co-curricular (study abroad, RSOs, etc.) experience have you been involved with?
- What opportunities have you had to conduct research?
- Have you had opportunities to interact with people and cultures different from you?
- Describe the role of the Student Senate at KU.
- Are students given an opportunity to provide input on important initiatives?
- 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?