Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Phyllis Noah, Communications Coordinator
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 464-4854
940 Second Street – Portsmouth, Ohio 45662
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu or pnoah@shawnee.edu
Web site: www.shawnee.edu

            Shawnee State University will undergo a quality check-up visit from Wednesday, Oct. 20 to Friday, Oct. 22 by a team representing the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) of The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
            Shawnee State University has been accredited by the Commission since 1975. Its accreditation is at the master’s degree level.
            The Higher Learning Commission is one of six accrediting agencies in the United States that provide institutional accreditation on a regional basis. Institutional accreditation evaluates an entire institution and accredits it as a whole. Other agencies provide accreditation for specific programs. Accreditation is voluntary.
            The Commission accredits approximately 1,100 institutions of higher education in a 19-state region. The Commission is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
            The goals of the AQIP Quality Checkup Visit at Shawnee State University include:
            · Assuring continuing organizational quality improvement commitment;
            · Confirming the institution’s compliance with accreditation expectations and counseling the institution concerning any issues that require immediate attention; and,
            · Reviewing and updating the relationship between the institution and the Commission.
            The public is invited to submit comments regarding the university by completing an online form at http://www.hlcommission.org/information-for-the-public/third-party-comment.html or by writing:
            Public Comment of Shawnee State University
            The Higher Learning Commission
            30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
            Chicago, IL 60602

            Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs. Written, signed comments must be received by Friday, Oct. 1. The Commission cannot guarantee that comments received after the due date will be considered. Comments should include the name, address and telephone number of the person providing the comments. Comments will not be treated as confidential.
            Note: Individuals with a specific dispute or grievance with an institution should request the separate Policy on Complaints document from the Commission office. The Higher Learning Commission cannot settle disputes between institutions and individuals. Complaints will not be considered third party comment.