IU East is accredited by Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC), one of six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the Federal Department of Education.
Accreditation is important because:
- it assures students and the public that IU East’s academic programs meet nationally recognized standards.
- it makes IU East eligible to receive federal funds for student financial aid.
- it facilitates transfer of credits among institutions.
- graduate schools often require that undergraduate degrees come from accredited institutions.
Through the Commission’s Program to Evaluate and Advance Quality (PEAQ), institutions are accredited for a 10-year period and are evaluated for reaffirmation at the end of that period. The evaluation includes:
- self-study by the campus (two-year process) addressing HLC Criteria for Accreditation
- preparation of the self-study report
- comprehensive campus visit by a team of consultant evaluators, who prepare a report with recommendations for Commission action
- review of recommendations by Higher Learning Commission decision-making bodies
Higher Learning Commission Criteria for Accreditation address:
- Mission and Integrity
- Preparing for the Future
- Student Learning and Effective Teaching
- Acquisition, Discovery, and Application of Knowledge
- Engagement and Service
