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Higher Learning Commission at UMD
BY LISA KUNKEL
STATESMAN STAFF WRITER
iISSUE: 78/23
Every 10 years, since 1967, UMD has been visited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) as part of the accreditation process self-study report, according to Ken Risdon, UMD associate professor in the department of composition and co-coordinator of the Accreditation and Self-study Steering Committee.
UMD was visited by this team early in the week, which consisted on nine members from other Midwestern universities. At 3 p.m. on Monday, in 120 Solon Campus Center, students were able to gather to give feedback about the university. It is through this process that the college gains accredited status, according to Risdon. “All students were invited to meet with the service team,” Risdon said. “They were invited to say whatever they wanted to say … good or bad.”
Risdon said that approximately 30 students showed up to voice their opinions at the meeting. Senior Katie Best is a student representative of the committee as well as Student Association public relations director. She said that the team was asking two main questions of the students: What they liked best about UMD and what you would do if you were chancellor for a day. Best said the students had many positive responses about the campus including an appreciation of smaller class sizes and friendly faculty.
“There weren’t a lot of really negative comments,” Best said.
She said that a pretty typical comment made by many students is issues with crowded parking.
Students, however, were not the only ones able to give feedback. Separate meetings were held at the same time in different locations for AFSCME and civil service employees, Faculty, and facilities and auxiliary staff.
“I think the staff are especially happy to be included,” Risdon said. Risdon emphasized the importance of having an accredited university. “It gives basic credibility to your degree,” he said. “To make sure you’re getting what you’re paying for.” Risdon said that the main topic in discussion this year is improvement of the liberal education program; however, like many larger projects, it’s going to be a work in progress. “Some things aren’t just going to happen over night,” he said.
Risdon did say that many of the smaller issues could come into effect much sooner, depending on their importance. He said that the changes don’t necessarily mean the university is currently doing something wrong, but that there is always room for improvement. “They’re just going to support what we’re already trying to do,” Risdon said. “That’s great stuff to tell a state legislature.”
