During the first four days of November, a review team representing The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools will be on the UALR campus for a comprehensive evaluation visit.

For the past three years, UALR has been preparing a self-study report that addresses the Commission’s criteria for accreditation and evaluates progress made on the strategic plan UALR Fast Forward, adopted in 2006. The evaluation team will be on campus to meet with administrators, faculty, staff, and students. After the visit, the team will recommend a continuing status for the university and the Commission will take its final action.

UALR faculty, staff, students, and friends are encouraged to read the self study report, which can be found at https://ualr.edu/accreditation/nca/.

Dr. Susan Hoffpauir, UALR associate vice chancellor for academic affairs and policy who led the self study committee, said the process has been enlightening and encouraging.

“You will be amazed at the progress UALR has made in the past 10 years,” she said. “As someone who has worked here for the past 13 years, I knew that we had achieved many of the goals of the university’s strategic plan, but I didn’t realize the extent of the progress until we started working on this comprehensive report.

“I hope all stakeholders in UALR will take the time to read the study.”

The Higher Learning Commission is one of six accrediting agencies in the United States that provide institutional accreditation on a regional basis. Institutional accreditation requires an evaluation of the entire institution and accredits it as a whole. The Commission accredits approximately 1,100 institutions of higher education in a 19-state region and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

The public is invited to submit comments regarding UALR at any time, but especially during this review period.  Comments can be sent to:

Public Comment on UALR
The Higher Learning Commission
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602