2006 Review

Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission certifies to the public that Iowa State University meets acceptable standards of institutional quality and provides the opportunity for critical self-analysis leading to institutional improvement. This type of critical self-analysis and subsequent improvements is essential to assisting the University in attaining its vision and goals for the future.

Iowa State’s colleges and departments engage in a regular cycle of program review, and many go through similar accreditation processes. In each, self-analysis leads to plans for improvement and positive change for the unit under review. The Higher Learning Commission accreditation process provides the opportunity to conduct a global review of the University’s health to ensure that its guiding documents, educational programs, organizational structure, mode of governance, and resources are properly aligned and postured to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of its colleges, academic departments, and support units.

Iowa State voluntarily participates in the Commission’s Program to Evaluate and Advance Quality (PEAQ). PEAQ uses a five-step comprehensive evaluation process to determine continued accredited status. The current timeline is given below.

1. Fall 2003 to fall 2005 – The University engages in in a two-year, self-study process and prepares a report of its findings in accordance with the Commission’s criteria for accreditation:

2. Spring 2006 – The Commission sends a team of Consultant-Evaluators to conduct a comprehensive review and write a report containing its recommendations.

3. Summer 2006 – Documents relating to the comprehensive visit are reviewed by a Reader’s Panel or, in some situations, a Review Committee.

4. Summer 2006 – The Institutional Actions Council acts on the recommendations of the Readers Panel. (If a Review Committee reviewed the visit, it takes action.)

5. Fall 2006– The Board of Trustees validates the work of the Institutional Action Council or a Review Committee, finalizing the action.