By Nate Perez

Quincy University will begin the process of reaccreditation. The Higher Learning Commission will visit sometime in 2019-2020.

Schools that receive federal aid have to be accredited by the Department of Education. This ensures that students are receiving an education that meets specific standards.

“Everybody on campus can get involved,” Barbara Schleppenbach, associate professor of communication, said. “It is a great chance to talk about things that could be improved. There will be five committees and students are welcome on those, the student members last time really helped us see improvements.”

QU will have to do a self-study, which will last two years, and submit a report showing they are compliant with HLC standards.

Schleppenbach served as a chair member for the self-study in 2009. She will be assisting individuals in charge of organizing the process during the upcoming study.

The HLC will evaluate the report and visit QU. If QU passes, it will receive a “clean bill of health” for the next 10 years.

There are five criteria that a university must meet for accreditation.

Criterion One: Mission

Criterion Two: Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct

Criterion Three: Teaching and Learning: Quality, Resources, and Support

Criterion Four: Teaching and Learning: Evaluation and Improvement

Criterion Five: Resources, Planning, and Institutional Effectiveness

QU will complete a project for the HLC that will improve the campus, which will look at retention and student services. The self-study will also help during the recovery effort.

“This process will re-validate all of the good work that Phil Conover has done, that Tom Ponto has done, and that everybody working with them has done to make sure that our foundation is secure so that we don’t become another St. Joes,” Schleppenbach said.