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Welcome!
Welcome to Shepherd University's accreditation homepage!

Shepherd University last hosted a site team visit from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools for a reaffirmation of accreditation visit on March 5-7, 2012.

Shepherd University met all five criteria for accreditation, and was reaffirmed for the maximum time period of 10 years by the Higher Learning Commission, one of the six regional agencies that accredit U.S. colleges and universities at the institutional level.

Using evidence-based data and data-driven results and continuous improvement outcomes from the university's planning documents, Shepherd University's self study demonstrated how it complies with the standards of excellence set by the Higher Learning Commission in its criteria for accreditation.

Moving into the future, the University will use the new Standard Pathway process for Reaffirmation of Accreditation.

Introduction to Pathways (from the HLC Website)
Regional accreditation assures quality by verifying that an institution (1) meets threshold standards and (2) is engaged in continuous improvement. Both the Standard and Open Pathway feature: a ten-year cycle, a focus on both assurance and improvement, Assurance Reviews in Years 4 and 10, and the use of the HLC electronic Assurance System. All Commission Pathways require: annual filing of the Institutional Update, annual monitoring of financial and non-financial indicators, and adherence to Commission policies and practices on institutional change.

The results from the site visit and the new Standard Pathway will allow Shepherd to reflect on planning for current and future strategic priorities through continuous growth, improvement and development.

Dr. Scott Beard, HLC Accreditation Liaison, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Shepherd University has been accredited since 1950 by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges, one of the six regional agencies that accredit U.S. colleges and universities at the institutional level. Accreditation provides assurance to the public and to prospective students that standards of quality have been met.