Members of the public who have thoughts on the effectiveness and value of Illinois State University as an institution are invited to share them as the university seeks reaccreditation with the Higher Learning Commission.
ISU is in the final stages of an ongoing, 10-year process that determines whether the regional accreditor will give its stamp of approval to the university. ISU has maintained accreditation with the HLC since 1913.
The HLC is a private, Chicago-based accrediting body recognized by the federal Department of Education. One of six such organizations in the country, the HLC evaluates universities based on various criteria it has set, including institutional effectiveness, quality of education, ethical and responsible conduct and mission.
Accreditation by a rigorized body is required for universities to distribute federal student aid.
Among the final details of the evaluation process is collecting input from students and community members on how well ISU is meeting its mission and the value of the institution itself. A survey seeking student input was emailed to students in April.
Other community members interested in sharing feedback with HLC may either send mailed comments or submit them online via a form on the HLC's website through Sept. 27.
The comments will forwarded to a specific team for review prior to an HLC visit to ISU's campus on Oct. 28 and 29. ISU is in the midst of compiling documentation for inclusion in a final report that will be sent to the HLC for consideration as well.
The accrediting body will issue a decision in 2025.
