The University of Olivet has had its accreditation affirmed for another 10 years by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). This represents a strong endorsement of the college’s reputation as an institution of higher education committed to quality and continuous improvement. Ten years of ongoing accreditation is the maximum reaffirmation awarded by the HLC, one of six regional bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The University of Olivet was first accredited in 1913 and has been continuously accredited by the HLC since 1961.
“Olivet’s reaffirmation of accreditation is very good news for the college, the community, and most importantly, our students. It is a sign of confidence by our accreditor in the soundness of our institution and its programs,” said Steven M. Corey, Ph.D., president of The University of Olivet. “As a college, we are very proud of this reaffirmation of accreditation and the external validation of our vison and our work as an institution of higher learning that it represents.”
The process to seek affirmation of accreditation is a deeply reflective, labor intensive one, involving the documentation of sources of evidence of quality and continuous improvement in a 35,000 word assurance argument. The process culminates in a site visit by a team of trained peer reviewers. The work of the reaffirmation process ensures the quality of an institution as a whole and evaluates multiple aspects ranging from academic offerings, governance and administration to mission, finances and resources. Reaffirmation of accreditation also confirms an institution’s compliance with federal requirements, thereby establishing its eligibility to participate in federal student aid programs. “The reaccreditation process compels a college to reflect on its progress since the last comprehensive evaluation and helps us identify our strengths as well as our areas of growth and improvement,” said Maria Davis, Ph.D., provost and dean of the college. “The HLC’s decision to extend our accreditation with them highlights the deep commitment of our faculty, staff, students, trustees, alumni and friends to continually improve The University of Olivet for the benefit of our students.”
For more information about the reaccreditation process, contact Davis at 269.749.7643 or mdavis@uolivet.edu.