Posted 03/31/2000
Contact: Andrew Svec, 218-281-8380
Accreditation Team Affirms UMC Status
The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) recently affirmed the accreditation status of the University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC). The announcement was made following a focus visit by an NCA accreditation review team that included Dr. Robert Reid, Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of Southern Indiana; Dr. Jerry Beasley, President, Concord College; and Dr. Delbert Ringquist, Dean, College of Extended Learning, Central Michigan University.
During an exit summary of its recommendations, the NCA team concluded that UMC’s transition from a two-year college to four-year baccalaureate status has not only met, but in most cases exceeded the established benchmarks. The team added that this transition has been accomplished “in a manner that reflects the quality desired in higher education today.”
The summary cited strengths in UMC’s technology initiatives, physical plant improvements to accommodate baccalaureate programs, success in fundraising, a record of seeking partnerships that expand student opportunities, and the dedication of the faculty, administration and staff.
UMC Chancellor Don Sargeant commented, “This is great affirmation that all our arrows are heading in the right direction. Our ultimate goal is to be an exemplary polytechnic institution, and the NCA team’s report reinforces that we are moving closer to that goal. Our approach has had several major results: employers are clamoring to hire our techno-savvy graduates, our enrollment is increasing, and our reputation is growing. It truly is a success story, and NCA team members commented often during their visit on the remarkable strides that we have achieved in such a short period of time.” UMC began offering baccalaureate degree programs in the fall of 1993.
The NCA team also recommended approval of UMC’s request to offer baccalaureate degrees via distance delivery technologies. Initial sites for these degrees will be Warroad and Marshall, Minnesota.
The NCA team report now moves forward to the NCA Commission for review by either a reader panel or a review committee. Upon completion of that review, both the team and the reader and/or review committee recommendations go before the Commission for its review and action. UMC’s next NCA comprehensive accreditation review is scheduled for the 2004-2005 academic year.