The North Central Association/Higher Learning Commission (NCA/HLC) has confirmed Winona State University’s continued institutional accreditation under the Program to Evaluate and Advance Quality (PEAQ).

A review team was hosted during the HLC Site Visit in March. Review the HLC Site Visit Summary for a quick summary of the findings or view the full HLC Site Visit Team’s Assurance Report.

The review team recognized many of WSU’s strengths, including the Doctor of Nursing Practice, Rochester campus, community service, use of Educational Lean, technology infrastructure, professional development opportunities and the National Child Protection Training Center. Three challenge areas were also outlined: overall assessment of student learning, assessment of general education and diversity.

In response to the assessment, progress has already begun in these areas, including beginning the process of hiring a new director of Institutional Planning, Assessment and Research; appointing a general education director; and holding a Diversity Summit in October.

HLC Steering Committee Co-Chair Rita Rahoi-Gilchrest thanked the many faculty, staff, students and administrators who provided information and assisted the committee. “We’re very grateful for their active participation,” she said. “They were integral to our successful accreditation process.”

Rahoi-Gilchrest said the committee looks forward to continuing these discussions as a community and to determining the university-wide project that will be part of the “Open Pathways” accreditation model.

For more information, contact Rahoi-Gilchrest at rrgilchrest@winona.edu or visit http://www.winona.edu/hlc.