Upper Iowa University receives positive accreditation report
FAYETTE, Iowa (April 20, 2012) – Upper Iowa University has been notified by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association that a recent report from an AQIP "Quality Checkup Visit" to UIU indicates that the University has shown satisfactory evidence that it is successfully engaged in continuous quality improvement and meets other requirements associated with maintaining institutional accreditation.
UIU maintains HLC accreditation through the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP), which infuses the principles and benefits of continuous improvement into colleges and universities. The checkup visits are conducted during the fifth or sixth year in every seven-year cycle of AQIP participation. These visits are conducted by trained, experienced AQIP Reviewers to determine whether the institution continues to meet the HLC Criteria for Accreditation, and whether the University is using quality management principles and building a culture of continuous improvement as required for participation in AQIP.
"The AQIP Steering Committee, made up of faculty and staff did an excellent job of preparing for this visit. As a result of their efforts and that of many others across the University over the years leading up to this point in the AQIP continuous quality improvement/accreditation process, the outcome of the Quality Checkup Visit was what we had anticipated and hoped for," said UIU President Alan G. Walker. "We have passed the AQIP check-up with flying colors."
Walker noted that as a result of the positive check-up report, the HLC has decided to delegate greater authority to the University over the delivery of its graduate-level degree programs. UIU currently offers four master's degree programs either on campus, online, or at select education centers. UIU graduate degree programs include a masters of education, masters of business administration, masters of public administration and a masters of higher education administration.
Chief Academic Officer David Chown added that the AQIP reviewers were pleased with the University's efforts to incorporate AQIP principles into the UIU culture and operations in ways that developed university-wide processes for continuous quality improvements. "The report applauded the University for successfully moving from an organization with isolated operations to one focused on providing student-centered undergraduate and graduate educational programs undergirded by a common quality improvement culture," Chown added.
A copy of the report from the UIU checkup visit will be read and analyzed by the AQIP panel that reviews institution for Reaffirmation of Accreditation. Information about Upper Iowa's AQIP initiatives is available on the website (www.uiu.edu/aboutuiu/aqip.html).
About Upper Iowa University
Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to over 6,800 students—nationally and internationally—at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and independent study.
Contact:
Monica Bayer Heaton
Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
Phone: 563-425-5773
Cell: 515-291-2070
heatonm@uiu.edu