Western Oklahoma State College will undergo a
comprehensive evaluation visit March 24-26, 2008 by a team
representing The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central
Association of Colleges and Schools. Western has been accredited
by the commission since 1976 at the associate degree level .
The Higher Learning Commission is one of six accrediting
agencies in the United States that provide institutional
accreditation on a regional basis. Institutional accreditation
evaluates an entire institution and accredits it as a whole.
Other agencies provide accreditation for specific programs.
Accreditation is voluntary. The commission accredits
approximately 1,100 institutions of higher education in a 19
state region. The commission is recognized by the U.S.
Department of Education.
For the past year and half, Western has been engaged in a
process of self study, addressing the commission’s requirements
and criteria for accreditation. The evaluation team will visit
the institution to gather evidence that the self study is
thorough and accurate. The team will recommend to the commission
a continuing status for the college; following a review process,
the commission itself will take the final action.
The public is invited to submit comments regarding the college
to the following address:
Public Comment on Western Oklahoma State College
The Higher Learning Commission
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602
Comments may also be submitted to the HLC website:
www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org
Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality
of the institution or its academic programs. Written, signed
comments must be received by Feb. 24, 2008. The 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.
Note: Individuals with a specific dispute or grievance with an
institution should request the separate Policy on Complaints
document from the Commission office.
The Higher Learning Commission cannot settle disputes between
institutions and individuals. Complaints will not be considered
third party comment.
