UAS retains its accreditation, receives commendations

    Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - The University of Alaska Southeast has announced that the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities has reaffirmed its accreditation.

    This status enables a university to award credit, grant degrees, and access federal financial aid for students. NWCCU is one of seven regional accrediting bodies empowered by the federal government to assure quality in higher education.

    According to the university, retaining accreditation requires attention to fulfilling the institution’s mission and meeting published standards. Normally NWCCU revisits each institution every seven years. Accreditation ensures quality control, assessment of outcomes, and a focus on continuous improvement.

    The Commission took action to reaffirm the UAS accreditation at its June 19-21 meeting after consideration of the evidence presented, including a self-evaluation, peer evaluation, and information received as part of the institutional representative meeting with Commissioners. Chancellor Rick Caulfield attended June meeting in person, accompanied by Provost Karen Carey and Ronalda Cadiente Brown, Associate Vice Chancellor for Alaska Native Programs.

    In the accreditation report, UAS received five commendations. The university was lauded for its recognition and inclusion of Alaska Native languages, arts, and cultures in its curriculum, working with partners like Sealaska Heritage Institute and Tlingit and Haida Central Council. The Commission recognized the important work underway to make UAS campuses places of cultural safety and equity. 

    UAS was commended for its success in optimizing online education opportunities across vast geographic areas, providing student access to strong programming, as well as providing meaningful experiential learning opportunities across all three campuses.

     

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