IPFW To Host Continuing Accreditation Team

FORT WAYNE, Ind.—A team representing the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools will visit Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) Monday through Wednesday, Nov. 15 to 17, 2010. The team will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of IPFW’s application for continuing accreditation.

For the past two years, IPFW has been engaged in a comprehensive self-study, addressing the Commission’s requirements and criteria for accreditation. While on campus, the evaluation team will gather evidence that the self-study is thorough and accurate. The team will make a recommendation to the Commission concerning IPFW's accreditation and following a review process, the Commission itself will take final action.

IPFW has been accredited by the Commission since 1969, when initial approval was given separately to the Indiana and Purdue University organizations. Prior to that, accreditation was achieved through the general accreditations of Indiana and Purdue Universities. A review by the Commission in 1972 reaffirmed the accreditations and served as a catalyst for the 1975 action by the IU and Purdue Boards of Trustees to further consolidation of programs and services into a single institution. IPFW completed self-study reviews and received continued accreditation from the Commission as a single institution in 1980, 1990, and 2000.

The Higher Learning Commission is one of six agencies in the United States that provide institutional accreditation on a regional basis. Institutional accreditation evaluates an entire institution and accredits it as a whole. Other agencies provide accreditation for specific programs. Accreditation is voluntary. The Commission accredits approximately 1,100 institutions of higher education in a 19-state region and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

The public is invited to submit comments regarding IPFW to: Public Comment on Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne, The Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604. Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the instruction or its academic programs. Written, signed comments must be received by Oct. 15, 2010. The Commission cannot guarantee that comments received after the due date will be considered. Comments should include the name, address, and telephone number of the person providing the comments. Comments will not be treated as confidential.

NOTE: Individuals with a specific dispute or grievance with an institution should request the separate Policy on Complaints document from the Commission office. The Higher Learning Commission cannot settle disputes between institutions and individuals. Complaints will not be considered third-party comment.

For more information on the continuing accreditation process, e-mail Steven T. Sarratore, associate vice chancellor for academic programs, or call 260-481-6536.

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