Index of University Press Releases

Dec. 12, 2006

DWU requests third party comments

MITCHELL – Dakota Wesleyan University will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit Feb. 26-28, 2007, by a team representing The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Dakota Wesleyan University has been accredited by the commission since 1916. Its accreditation is at the Master’s degree level and includes degree sites at various other locations within the state.

The Higher Learning Commission is one of six accrediting agencies in the United States that provide institutional accreditation on a regional basis. Institutional accreditation evaluates an entire institution and accredits it as a whole. Other agencies provide accreditation for specific programs. Accreditation is voluntary. The commission accredits approximately 1100 institutions of higher education in a nineteen-state region and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

For the past year and a half, Dakota Wesleyan University has been engaged in a process of self-study, addressing the commission’s requirements and criteria for accreditation. The evaluation team will visit the institution to gather evidence that the self-study is thorough and accurate. The team will recommend to the commission a continuing status for the college; following a review process, the commission itself will take the final action.

The public is invited to submit comments regarding the college:

Public Comment on Dakota Wesleyan University
The Higher Learning Commission
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602

Comments may be submitted online at http://www.ncahlc.org/wrapped/thirdparty.php.

Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs. Written signed comments must be received by Jan. 26, 2007. The commission cannot guarantee that comments received after the due date will be considered. Comments should include the name, address, and telephone number of the person providing the comments. Comments will not be treated as confidential.

Individuals with a specific dispute or grievance with an institution should request the separate Policy on Complaints document from the commission office. The Higher Learning Commission cannot settle disputes between institutions and individuals. Complaints will not be considered third party comment.