Winona State University

Office of Assessment

 Invitation for Public Comment

Winona State University will undergo a Special Emphasis Accreditation Self Study visit September 23-26, 2001 by a team representing the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association is one of six accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that provide institutional accreditation on a regional basis. The association accredits approximately 950 institutions of higher education in a nineteen-state region. Winona State University has been accredited since 1913. Its accreditation is at the Master's degree level and includes degree sites at the Winona and Rochester Campuses.

 For the last 3-1/2 years, Winona State University has been engaged in a process of self-study, assessing the implementation of each of the Seven Principles for Good Practice. This Special Emphasis Self Study is an option reserved for institutions who the Higher Learning Commission feel are well-functioning and would benefit from an in-depth self study of a unique aspect of their university. Because the Seven Principles form some of Winona State's core values, this self study represents contributions from all areas of the university. The site visit team will visit the institution to gather evidence that the self-study is thorough and accurate. The team will recommend to the Higher Learning Commission a continuing status for the university, and following a review process, the Higher Learning Commission itself will take the final action.

 I invite the public to submit comments regarding the university. Comments should be sent to:

Public Comment on Winona State University
Higher Learning Commission
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602

Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the Winona State University or its academic programs. Written, signed comments must be received by September 12, 2001. The Higher Learning Commission cannot guarantee that comments received after the due date will be considered. Comments should include the name, address, and telephone number of the person providing the comments. Comments will not be treated as confidential.

 Thank you for contributing to the continuous improvement of Winona State University.