Who is Webster University accredited by?

To know who accredited Webster University…Read on this article…!

The dream of every parent is to see their children join the best high schools, colleges, and universities to achieve great academic excellence through top-notch learning experiences. Such kinds of experiences can only be got in world-class universities like The Webster University which provides a variety of career paths in Arts and Sciences, Education and Business, and Technology.

Who is Webster University accredited by?

Webster University was founded in 1915 by the Sisters of Loretto and it earned its accreditation in 1925, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). This accreditation applies to all the Webster Campus both internationally and online. The University is also accredited by specialized accreditors for special programs and International Agencies.

Some of the specialized accreditations are for programs like; Nursing, Music, Business Management, Counselling, and Education. 

The Higher Learning Commission is an acknowledged accreditor for institutions in the United States Department of Education and The Council for Higher Education Accreditation to accredit degree-granting colleges and universities. The main duties of the Higher Learning Commission are to;

• Corroborate the standards of an institute’s educational programs at all program levels
• Appraise the standards of the institution past its academic duties which include;

• The Institutes Governance and Administration
• Commitment to the Mission
• Financial status
• Adequacy of its resources

Higher educational organizations can lose their accreditations if they fail to follow the requirements set by the Higher Learning Commission.

Accreditation Requirements by the Higher Learning Commission

Institutions that want to be accredited by the Higher Learning Commission need to attain and keep up with the following requirement policies;

1. Criteria for Accreditation
2. Assumed Practices
3. Eligibility Requirements
4. Federal Compliance Requirements
5. Obligations of Membership

Criteria for Accreditation

The criteria for accreditation are the rules which the Higher learning Commission uses to assess whether an institution deserves accreditation or a reassertion of accreditation.

The following are the criteria that an institution needs to adhere to;

• Have a clear and well-articulated mission statement that guides the institutions day to day activities.
• The varsity should act with integrity with an Ethical and Responsible Conduct
• The university should be able to provide high-quality education experiences wherever they are located at.
• The institution should show responsibility for the standards of its educational programs, academic setting, and support services and ensure it assesses its success rate for student learning operations outlined to promote continuous improvement.
• Sufficient resources, structures, and processes to ensure the institution’s mission is accomplished.

Assumed Practices

Assumed Practices are issues that are determined as facts, unlike matters needing professional judgment and these practices are not expected to change by institutional mission or circumstances.

All institutions need to comply with all the Assumed Practices every single time.

Eligibility Requirement

Institutions that apply for accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission need to meet all the eligibility requirements before a site visit for candidacy is planned.

The following are the eligibility requirements;

1. Jurisdiction of the Higher Learning Commission
2. Legal Status

The institution is lawfully permitted in each state, and country in which it has the interest to award degrees, or carry out activities of higher education.

3. An Independent Governing Board that can exercise its powers to ensure the seamless operation of the higher educational body.
4. A history of Stability in its Operations.
5. Mission Statement.
6. Appropriate Educational Programs
7. Provide the Mission, Vision, and Values of the Institution to the Public.
8. Adequate Financial Capacity.
9. Enough Faculty and Academic Personnel.
10. Sustainable Learning Resources
11. Policies and Procedures
12. Accreditation Record
13. Student Support services among many other requirements.

Federal Compliance Requirements

The Higher Learning Commission is tasked with ensuring that all its members adhere to their Title IV program responsibilities. Adherence to this responsibility by both HLC and institutions is mandatory to ensure that institutions accredited by the Higher Learning Commission can get funds from the federal government 

Obligations of Membership

The following are obligations that need to be met by members who want to be accredited by the Higher Learning Commission;

1. The institution agrees to take part in regular assessments through the procedures set by the Higher Learning Commission policies, presentation of reports requested by HLC, and filing of the Institutional Update.
2. Adhere to reviewed Higher Learning Commission policies and procedures without any problems/complaints.
3. An Accreditation Liaison Officer is appointed by the university in line with the HLC requirements.
4. The academic organization is transparent in all its operations with the Higher Learning Commission.
5. The university should submit payment of dues and fees on time in line with the published Dues and Fees Schedule and agrees to handle any additional charge that comes about due to late payment.
6. The Higher Learning Commission should be notified of any situation that can affect the institution’s status with it, for instance, a reduction in program offerings, and possible institution closure.

Conclusion

Webster University is a private university that offers high-quality educational experiences and it has been able to hold its accreditation since 1925. This is because the institution’s governing board are using its legal powers to establish and run the university according to the stipulated policies by the Higher Learning Commission and maintain its laws and policies, hence providing world-class educational experiences. The article very briefly mentions all aspects of the concerned university that the student can get through.

Frequently asked Questions

1. What happens to an institution that is not compliant with the Assumed Practice, even if it is compliant with all other HLC policies?

Answer

The institution will be subject to Monitoring, Probation, a Show-Cause Order, or adverse action.

2. How many ways can a University in the United States be eligible for Accreditation?

Answer

• Through the eligibility process and candidacy
• Accelerated Process for Initial Accreditation

3. Can a member of the Higher Learning Commission Resign?

Answer

Yes a member of the HLC can resign from the commission by submitting the Voluntary Resignation form with all the information required by the HLC. The effective date of a member’s resignation must be within one year of the date of notification to HLC.