Adams State University has resolved all the
concerns identified by the Higher Learning Commission and is fully compliant
with the regional accrediting agency, the HLC board announced Monday.
"The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has removed the sanction of Probation
for Adams State University. HLC took this action based on the institution’s ability
to demonstrate it is now in compliance with all of HLC’s Criteria for
Accreditation," read the HLC decision.
The news galvanized the campus and helps build on the University’s momentum as
Adams State prepares for the Fall 2018-19 Academic year.
"The HLC re-affirming Adams State’s full accreditation status is another positive
step and positions Adams State to fully realize its potential as the leading rural-
serving institution of higher education in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain
Region," said ASU President Cheryl D. Lovell.
"Adams State has excellent academic programs that lead to meaningful and sustaining careers. Quality experiences for all students is a
message we will share more robustly so that young people growing up in the San
Luis Valley and across southern Colorado and northern New Mexico regions, as well as the entire Southwest regions of the U.S.
hear it and understand that they can get an outstanding education at Adams State."
"The HLC has agreed that Adams State operates at a level of excellence for a
university and is fully accredited with no outstanding issues."
Adams State is now on the Standard Pathway with its next comprehensive
evaluation for reaffirmation of accreditation in 2021-22. The institution is required
to submit an Interim Report no later than June 30, 2020.
The Higher Learning Commission accredits approximately 1,000 colleges and
universities across 19 states, including Colorado. On February 25, 2016, the HLC
placed Adams State on probation related to the “integrity and quality of the
University’s online and correspondence offerings.” Since then, Adams State
overhauled its distance education department, shored up its financial position, and
hosted an HLC site-visiting team for a comprehensive evaluation in November
2017.
"The institution has adopted several new policies, including a policy on overload,
that limit the number of credit hours and the number of students one faculty
member can teach,” the HLC board said in making its decision. “The institution
also has reorganized so that the appropriate academic departments and the Vice
President of Academic Affairs provide oversight for the Extended Study courses."
Adams State has new leadership with the hiring of Dr. Lovell, who began July 1,
and Joaquín Vilá, Ph.D., who is the University’s new vice president for academic
affairs. Dr. Vilá arrived at Adams State from Northern New Mexico College in
Española, N.M., where he was dean of the College of Education.
The Fall 2018-19 semester begins Aug. 20 for Adams State.
