Receiving the highest marks in every evaluation area, Wayne State University’s institutional accreditation has been reaffirmed by the Higher Learning Commission. Wayne State has been continuously accredited for more than a century, and this reaffirmation validates the quality of the university’s academic programs, support systems, resources and financial structure.
Wayne State successfully fulfilled all five accreditation criteria and 21 core components that assessed all facets of the university. Criterion included the university’s commitment to its institutional mission; integrity; the quality and evaluation process of its teaching and learning; and overall resources, planning and effectiveness.
“The outcome validates Wayne State’s many strengths and highlights the stability that has been brought to bear by President M. Roy Wilson’s leadership,” said Sandra Yee, dean of the Wayne State University Library System and co-chair of the HLC Steering Committee.
In addition to ensuring the quality and integrity of Wayne State and its programs, this reaffirmation will allow the university to continue improving the quality of its programs, maintain eligibility to offer new degrees and certifications, sustain access to federally subsidized financial aid for students, enable programs to receive public funding, and more.
The reaffirmation follows the comprehensive evaluation conducted on campus by the HLC’s review committee in March. During this visit, faculty, students and staff participated in open forums, which attested to the engagement of WSU’s campus community and assured reviewers that all opinions are encouraged and valued.
Prior to the campus visit, the HLC conducted surveys to gather input from students and invited public feedback. The HLC Steering Committee also completed a two-year initiative dedicated to self-evaluation, which culminated in a final report to the HLC.
The report issued by the HLC review team acknowledged the positive impact of WSU’s strategic plan, Distinctively Wayne State University; responsible stewardship of resources; and the institutional stability that has been led by Wilson and the Board of Governors.
“The reaffirmation process was a wonderful opportunity to bring the campus together to look back and, most importantly, look forward to how we can best serve our students, faculty and community,” said Hilary Ratner, research professor with the Merrill Palmer Institute and co-chair of the HLC Steering Committee.