HLC Public Notification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 4, 2008

Dr. Richard McCallum

(417) 625-9394                                                      

2008 Self-Study Public Notification Press Release

 

JOPLIN, MO (SNS) – Missouri Southern State University will have a comprehensive evaluation visit March 31-April 2, 2008, by a team representing The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Missouri Southern State University has been accredited by the Commission since 1949, when it was Joplin Junior College. Its accreditation is at the bachelor’s degree level and includes selected master’s degrees and an international site.

 

The Higher Learning Commission is one of six accrediting 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 1100 institutions of higher education in a nineteen-state region. The Commission is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

 

For the past two and half years, Missouri Southern State University has been engaged in a process of self-study, addressing the Commission's requirements and criteria for accreditation and aspiration goals for the first year of college. The evaluation team will visit the institution to gather evidence that the self-study is thorough and accurate.

 

The team will recommend to the Commission a continuing status for the university; following a review process, the Commission itself will take the final action.

 

The public is invited to submit comments regarding the university to:

 

Public Comment on Missouri Southern State University
The Higher Learning Commission
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602

 

Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs.

 

Written, signed comments must be received by February 28, 2008. 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.

 

-WWW.MSSU.EDU-

 

 

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