YSU’s full accreditation renewed

The university’s continued accreditation will be celebrated at a reception today.

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools has awarded Youngstown State University full continued accreditation.

The commission also approved YSU’s request to offer a new doctor of physical therapy degree, its second doctoral program. YSU will award its first doctor of physical therapy degrees in August. The HLC board also approved YSU’s request to expand online courses and degree programs.

“This is a critical step in the academic future of the institution,” YSU President David C. Sweet said. “While we have achieved much over these past two years, the continuing accreditation of the institution could be our single most important accomplishment. It is confirmation that the university is working well to serve our students and the community.”

A reception to celebrate the accreditation will be at 3:30 p.m. today in the Chestnut Room of Kilcawley Center.

The purpose of the periodic renewal of accreditation is to reconfirm that YSU is operating effectively within its stated mission and goals. The Higher Learning Commission is responsible for accrediting colleges and universities in a 19-state region from West Virginia to Arizona.

As part of the process, dozens of faculty, staff, students and community members participated in developing a four-volume report that outlines the university’s strengths and challenges in everything from enrollment and diversity to effective teaching and learning and engagement with the community.

The process was led by Bege Bowers, associate provost; Janice Elias, professor and interim dean of the Bitonte College of Health and Human Services; and Sharon Stringer, director of assessment and professor of psychology.

The HLC’s next comprehensive evaluation of YSU is scheduled for 2017-18, with a focused visit on assessment in 2010-11.