1. Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Re-affirmation of accreditation in 2017-2018 1

2. Why Accreditation Matters Accreditation is the process for assuring and improving the quality of higher education  Provides evidence to the public we are accountable for the services and programs we offer  Allows the institution to receive Title IV — Financial Aid Funds 2

3. 3 Higher Learning Commission HLC serves 1,000+ institutions in 19 states

4. HLC Guiding Values  Focus on student learning  Education as a public purpose  Education for a diverse, technological, globally connected world  A culture of continuous improvement  Evidence-based institutional learning and self-presentation  Integrity, transparency and ethical behavior or practice  Governance for the well-being of the institution  Planning and management of resources to ensure institutional sustainability  Mission-centered evaluation  Accreditation through peer review 4

5. Northern Arizona University Mission Statement To provide an outstanding undergraduate residential education strengthened by research, graduate and professional programs, and sophisticated methods of distance delivery and innovative new campuses and programs throughout the state. Values Strategic Goals Student Success, Global Engagement, Commitment to Native Americans, Diversity, Civic Engagement and community building; nationally recognized research excellence; sustainability and effectiveness 5 Excellence in Education Student Success Educational Access Diversity Integrity Civility

6. Brief History ‪ 1997-1998 HLC Comprehensive Review ‬  Conditional Accredited Status, concerns  strategic planning  assessment of student learning ‬  In 2002, Accredited Status obtained through interim report and site visit ‬ 2007-2008 HLC Comprehensive Review ‬  Successful re-affirmation ‬ of accreditation 2017-2018 ‬ Eligible for Open Pathways ‬ 6

7. Required Processes in the 10-year Cycle Quality Initiative Project Continual improvement project Between Years 5-9 Quality Assurance Process Evidence to support the criteria and federal regulations Year 4 – online review Year 10 – online review and comprehensive site visit HLC’s Open Pathway Process 7 1 2

8. Quality Initiative Project 8 PEER JACKS Student Success Programs: Using Assessment as a Continual Improvement Strategy Student Success Coaching

9. 9 Timeline for OPEN PATHWAY AY 13-14 AY 14-15 AY 15-16 AY 16-17 AY 17-18 NAU’s Quality Initiative Student Success Programs: Using Assessment as a Continual Improvement Strategy Identify next QI project Submit Quality Initiative Report Conduct research study Utilize QI results to improve retention Receive feedback from HLC

10. Quality Assurance Process Focus on the 5 Criteria for reaccreditation Assurance Argument – Narrative telling NAU’s story about how we meet the criteria Evidence File in Assurance System – Electronic documentation supporting the criteria 10

11. 11 Timeline for OPEN PATHWAY AY 13-14 AY 14-15 AY 15-16 AY 16-17 AY 17-18 NAU’s Quality Initiative Student Success Programs: Using Assessment as a Continual Improvement Strategy Identify next QI project Submit Quality Initiative Report Conduct research study Utilize QI results to improve retention Receive feedback from HLC NAU’s Quality Assurance Fall 2017 Site Visit Identify Evidence, strengths, areas for improvement Assumed Practices Campus Engagement Write Assurance Argument Complete Federal Compliance Communication efforts Submit Quality Assurance Argument & Federal Compliance Report

12. Mission Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct Teaching and Learning: Quality, Resources and Support Teaching and Learning: Evaluation and Improvement Resources, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness HLC Criteria 12 1 2 3 4 5

13. Criterion 2: Integrity The institution acts with integrity; its conduct is ethical and responsible. 2.E. The institution ensures that faculty, students, and staff acquire, discover, and apply knowledge responsibly. 1.The institution provides effective oversight and support services to ensure the integrity of research and scholarly practice conducted by its faculty, staff, and students. 2.Students are offered guidance in the ethical use of information resources. 3.The institution has and enforces policies on academic honesty and integrity. Core Component 13 Sub- Components

14. Federal Compliance Report  Federal Compliance Working Group will document how NAU meets the federal regulations  Required by all institutions receiving Title IV funding (financial aid)  Every 10 years 14

15. Comprehensive Site Visit HLC Peer Reviewers evaluate each Criterion and each Core Component and indicate whether NAU met without concerns met with concerns Does not meet The institution meets the Criterion only if all Core Components are met. The institution must be judged to meet all five Criteria for Accreditation to merit continued Accredited Status. 15 HLC peer reviewers evaluate Assurance Filing and Federal Compliance report Focused site visit

16. Additional information Visit nau.edu/Provost/Accreditation hlcommission.org Contact Laurie.Dickson@nau.edu Becky.Butcher@nau.edu April.Peters@nau.edu 16