IU East is preparing for a visit from the The Higher Learning Commission during the upcoming Fall semester. The HLC is an independent corporation and one of two commission members of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), which is one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. In the U.S., colleges and universities voluntarily seek accreditation from this nongovernmental organization.  Accreditation assures education consumers (i.e., students) that a school is meeting specified criteria and standards for effectively providing an education.

The Commission’s mission statement is “serving the common good by assuring and advancing the quality of higher learning.” They use five criteria in determining accreditation:

• Mission and integrity
• Preparing for the future
• Student learning and effective teaching
• Acquisition, discovery, and application of knowledge
• Engagement and service

The IU East Campus Library is a vital part of the education process and we are committed to our partnership for students’ academic success.  Our mission is to provide resources and services that support the academic engagement and research of diverse participants in our teaching and learning community. We strive to prepare each student for the future by offering information resources and education in how to access, critically evaluate, and manage them.  We encourage students to apply and share in meaningful and ethical ways the knowledge gained. Learning is our raison d’être and our efforts are focused on helping students navigate an abundance of information resources that at times can seem overwhelming.  To avoid “infowhelm” and to achieve academic success let the library help!  Ask a question on facebook (facebook.com/iuelibrary), email iueref@iue.edu, call 765-973-8279, or simply walk in and ask!