What is Reaffirmation of Accreditation?

Reaffirmation is the normal process required of all accredited schools. Initial accreditation is given for a specific period of time, usually 5 years. The process of reaffirmation (or renewal) is similar to renewing a professional license in that the institution has the opportunity through the process called “Self Study” to evaluate itself (goals, performance, quality improvement) and provide evidence of its adherence to standards to the Higher Learning Commission. An Evaluation Team from The Higher Learning Commission will visit the institution, verify the information contained in the “Self Study”, and make their recommendations to the commission.

NCU received initial 5-year accreditation in 2003. The reaffirmation site visit by the Higher Learning Commission was conducted February 25-27, 2008.

What is the timeline for NCU's reaffirmation of accreditation?

Many people have asked, “When will Northcentral University receive official notice about Continued Accreditation?” Following are key events for this process:

• NCU is conducting a through self-evaluation of its operations resulting in a formal self-study which will be submitted to the HLC for re affirmation accreditation.
• An evaluation team visited NCU in February of 2008.
• The recommendation of the evaluation team for Continued Accreditation will be presented and considered by the Review Committee of The Higher Learning Commission.
• The recommendation of the Review Committee will be presented and acted upon by the Board of Trustees of The Higher Learning Commission. It is this body that actually grants and renews accreditation. It is expected that NCU will receive official notice of its status in the summer of 2008.