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HLC Accreditation - University of Central Missouri
On March 18-19, 2024, a review team from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the University of Central Missouri’s regional accreditor, will be visiting
our campus to conduct a ten-year reaffirmation of accreditation review, also known
as a comprehensive evaluation (CE). Maintaining regional accreditation is important
for many reasons, including UCM’s ability to offer federal financial aid to students
and to accept from and grant to other universities student transfer credits and credentials.
Prior to the visit, we must complete a comprehensive review of our policies, procedures,
and practices, and determine the extent to which we are our compliant with HLC’s accreditation
criteria. The outcome of that review results in a narrative and supporting evidence
called the Assurance Argument. In addition to ensuring that we maintain our regional
accreditation, the process also provides an opportunity to identify and improve UCM’s
effectiveness and efficiency. Extensive preparation for preparing our Assurance Argument
and for the site visit will be required.
Value of accreditation
Accreditation assures students and parents that the University of Central Missouri provides a quality educational experience that will be recognized as such by potential employers, licensing boards and other higher education institutions. In addition to quality assurance, accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a marker which allows the university to disperse federal (Title IV) student financial aid, and is a requirement in many employer-paid tuition reimbursement programs.
Mission, Vision and Values
The University of Central Missouri believes its responsibility is to enrich each student’s perspective through a cumulative experience that starts with academic rigor and integrates applied learning and servant-leadership opportunities. Our model of continuous learning allows each student to find and fulfill his or her own sense of purpose. By engaging students with multiple sources of learning and creating a dynamic environment that encourages individuals to find their passions and reach beyond themselves, UCM prepares students by giving them knowledge and experiences that broaden and deepen their education so they may flourish in a world of accelerated change.
Mission
The University of Central Missouri (UCM) disseminates knowledge that transforms students into leaders who possess the aptitudes, skills and confidence to succeed.
Vision
Every student achieves that to which they aspire and leaves exceptionally equipped, enriched and connected to UCM.
Values
Community: The University of Central Missouri is committed to developing a caring community that consciously works to foster an atmosphere where responsibility, collaboration, communication and respect thrive. UCM embeds and cultivates a culture of exemplary citizenship, a commitment to civic responsibility, a sense of global awareness and an appreciation for human diversity at all levels in all its manifestations.
Diversity: The University of Central Missouri strives to create an atmosphere where all individuals feel welcomed and valued, and where the expression of different ideas from myriad perspectives contributes to learning that is multi-faceted and transformative. UCM encourages inclusion and respect of individuals with differing values, ideas, beliefs, abilities, life experiences and backgrounds. UCM advocates for principles and actions that support equity and inclusivity and understands that building unity within our various populations is a critical and foundational component of who we are.
Excellence: Striving for excellence is the creative catalyst of what we do at the university, both collectively and as individuals. This aspirational mindset drives the university’s evaluation of our own efforts thereby creating an institutional engine of continuous improvement. UCM recognizes this process encourages the development of curriculum and delivery methods that are both innovative and inspirational. This philosophy is integral to sustaining a culture of excellence in academics, scholarly activity and service.
Learning: The University of Central Missouri is student focused. The university is dedicated to providing an educational experience rooted in a tradition of academic rigor while engaging our students in learning opportunities that are both dynamic and transformative. UCM is committed to educating students who are citizens of Missouri, the nation and the world through future-focused academics delivered by qualified, devoted faculty. The university educates the student as a whole person with an emphasis on continuous learning, preparing them to become lifelong learners and leaders, able to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing society.
Opportunity: The University of Central Missouri believes in creating and offering experiences inside and outside the classroom to develop leadership characteristics, skill sets and knowledge that lead to career advancement and quality of life improvements. The university strives to provide a high-quality, affordable education that enables students to access opportunity and enhance their economic mobility. UCM encourages and supports students in making decisions today that place tomorrow’s opportunities within reach.
Service: With the motto, “Education for Service,” the University of Central Missouri embraces opportunities for the UCM community to develop and exhibit characteristics of responsibility and civic engagement. The university is committed to engaging with our broader community as servant leaders. While UCM incorporates opportunities for students to engage in service through classroom and extracurricular experiences, the university works toward the betterment of our world.
