For the City Times

STEVENS POINT — The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s accreditation has been reaffirmed following a comprehensive evaluation.

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the accreditor for a 19-state North Central region, has reaffirmed UW-Stevens Point accreditation for the next 10 years. The university was first accredited as Stevens Point Normal School in 1916.

“This reaffirmation is great news and an important milestone for our institution and for our students,” said Chancellor Bernie Patterson. “Students attending UW-Stevens Point and families considering it can be assured UW-Stevens Point is fully accredited and continues to meet its mission to provide high quality education.”

HLC is entrusted by the Department of Education to ensure degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions operate with integrity and commitment to serve the public and fulfill their mission through appropriate use of resources and adherence to criteria established for all colleges and universities. This accreditation process serves as the gateway for eligibility for our students to receive federal financial aid.

More than 100 faculty and staff across campus were involved in gathering data, preparing and editing an extensive self-study addressing 21 core components needed for accreditation. It highlighted strides UW-Stevens Point has made to improve in the last decade.

An on-site peer review team visited campus in March, met with faculty, staff and students, and reviewed feedback from community members and alumni.

The peer review team noted that “in spite of recent enrollment and budget challenges, the institution has maintained a clear focus on providing high quality educational programs for its primarily undergraduate and traditional students along with its missional focus on engagement with the community and region.  Faculty and staff are proud of their institution and dedicated to offering the best educational experience possible to their students.  Many are actively and heavily involved in service to UW-Stevens Point.”

The team concluded UW-Stevens Point met all 21 of the core components of the criteria for accreditation.

“This was a universitywide effort, and your excellent work is evident in the outcome,” Patterson told faculty and staff members.

For more about programs at UW-Stevens Point, go to www.uwsp.edu.