The Higher Learning Commission this month formally reaffirmed continuation of Rogers State University’s accreditation status, noting the university met all five accreditation criteria with no concerns noted.
The HLC is an independent corporation founded in 1895 as one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. HLC accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the North Central region, which includes Oklahoma and 18 other states.
RSU was first accredited by HLC as a four-year university in 2000 with accreditation continued again in 2004.
As part of the most recent reaccreditation process, RSU conducted a detailed review of all institutional operations, including governing structure, educational programs, student services and finances.
The 18-month review, completed by faculty, staff and students, culminated in a 250-page self-study report submitted to HLC in September 2014. The HLC evaluation team then conducted a November 2014 site visit, meeting with faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members to verify the self-study report was thorough and accurate.
RSU President Dr. Larry Rice extended his thanks to the campus community members who were instrumental in the self-study report. The self-study process was overseen by three coordinators: Dr. James Ford, Director of Academic Enrichment and Professor in the Department of English and Humanities; Dr. Kenneth Hicks, Head and Professor in the Department of History and Political Science; and Dr. Mary Millikin, Assistant Vice President of Accountability and Academics. More than 50 faculty and staff were involved in developing and writing RSU’s self-study report.
Moving forward, the university has elected to follow HLC’s Open Pathway model for reaffirmation of accreditation. As part of the Open Pathway, the university also will propose and complete a major Quality Initiative focused on institutional innovation and improvement. The Quality Initiative will take place between 2018-19 and 2023-24, with the next comprehensive evaluation taking place in 2024-25.
More information on RSU’s accreditation or self-study.