To the Faculty and Staff of Case Western Reserve University,
I am writing to update you on Case Western Reserve University’s preparations for the upcoming accreditation review with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The HLC provides institutional-level accreditation for the university and is essential to ensuring CWRU maintains the high standards expected of an institution of our stature, reaffirming the quality of our educational programs and services.
Background on the Accreditation Process
The Higher Learning Commission evaluates colleges and universities to ensure they meet rigorous criteria related to mission, integrity, teaching and learning, and institutional effectiveness. Accreditation not only validates the excellence of our institution but also impacts federal funding, student eligibility for financial aid and the transferability of credits. Once every 10 years, the HLC requires CWRU to document that our policies, processes and performance adhere to the accreditation criteria, and then sends a team of evaluators to campus to validate our report.
Progress and Reports
Our dedicated team, led by Senior Vice Provost Don Feke and Associate Provost Kathleen Horvath, is actively preparing comprehensive reports that document how our achievements align with HLC standards. These reports cover key aspects of university operations, from academic quality and student support to governance and financial stewardship. The Office of the Provost may reach out to some members of the campus community for further input and review.
Upcoming Site Visit
An important component of the accreditation process is the HLC site visit, scheduled for April 14-15, 2025. During this visit, a team of peer reviewers will evaluate our institution through discussions with faculty, staff, students and other stakeholders.
Invitation to Participate
We strongly encourage all faculty and staff to attend the open forums that we anticipate will be held during the site visit. These sessions offer an opportunity to engage directly with the HLC team and contribute to a transparent and comprehensive evaluation process. Your participation ensures that our collective voices are well-represented.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our university’s mission and for contributing to this critical process. Together, we will demonstrate why Case Western Reserve remains a leader in higher education.
Sincerely,
Joy K. Ward
Provost and Executive Vice President