Thank you for registering for one of the Higher Learning Commission’s (HLC) Open Forums. The HLC is WashU’s institutional accrediting body and is currently reviewing our assurance argument, which is a response to their five criteria related to our continued accreditation. As part of this review, the HLC review team will be on campus October 28–29, during which three Open Forums will take place. These forums provide an opportunity for the HLC reviewers to meet with and ask questions directly to the WashU community in order to learn more about the WashU experience—how we live out our shared mission, ensure equity and inclusion, and meet the highest academic standards.

Whether you’re a student, part of our faculty, or a staff member, this page will share the types of questions the HLC peer reviewers may ask during the Open Forums, as well as a few resources for your consideration. Your voice matters, and we hope you will feel welcome to answer any of the HLC reviewers’ questions based on your own personal experiences.

WashU community members who aren’t able to attend the forums and would like to speak to an HLC peer reviewer individually can attend one of two drop-in sessions:

  • Monday, October 28, 5–5:30 p.m., Knight Center, Room 200
  • Tuesday, October 29, 10:15–11 a.m., Knight Center, Room 211

If you would like to know more about the HLC Open Forums, please contact Mark Valenzuela or Jill Edwards in the Office of the Provost.

Review the Assurance Argument (WUSTL-Key Required)
For Faculty

Have you read or seen the assurance argument?

What do you know about accreditation?

Where can you find the university mission and how do you fulfill it?

How does WashU support the community at large?

Do you believe you have academic freedom in your teaching?

Does WashU have policies and procedures in place to address ethical conduct in research for both faculty and students?

Have you engaged in the Here and Next Strategic Plan?

Is teaching and learning valued at WashU? Research? Service?

Can you describe the tenure and promotion process? What is your impression of the process?

  • Info: WashU’s Policy Page and criterion 3.C.5 of the Assurance Argument.

What resources are available to support faculty?

Are you familiar with student learning outcomes?

What improvements have resulted from student learning outcomes assessment?

  • Info: Criterion 4.B.2 of the Assurance Argument.

How has your department used its assessment findings?

What evidence demonstrates that students are mastering the General Education learning goals?

How does WashU support students who are underprepared or struggling?

Describe shared governance and how faculty participate in decision-making at different levels of the university?

In what ways does the university make sure that assessment outcomes are used to guide decision-making and resource allocation?

For Staff

Have you read or seen the assurance argument?

What do you know about accreditation?

What are some important benefits of working at WashU?

What is it like to be a staff member at WashU?

Have you engaged in the Here and Next Strategic Plan?

Have WashU administrators established a culture of trust within the university?

Where can you find the university mission and how do you fulfill it?

How does WashU support the community at large?

If you are involved in hiring… what processes are in place to assure qualified candidates are offered positions? Are WashU staff appropriately qualified?

  • Info: Criterion 3.C.7 and 5.B.1 of the Assurance Argument.

Are staff provided with professional development opportunities?

How does WashU support staff?

Does WashU provide sufficient technology support?

  • Info: Criterion 3.D.4 of the Assurance Argument.

(Student Affairs) How does your department evaluate the sudent learning and development that occurs in your area? What are the results of those evaluations?

Do units across campus work collaboratively?

  • Info: Criterion 5.A.3 of the Assurance Argument.

How would you describe the shared governance process at WashU? Do you think staff have sufficient input?

  • Info: Criterion 5.A.1 of the Assurance Argument.

How are planning and budget linked at WashU?

  • Info: Criterion 5.C.2 of the Assurance Argument.
For Students

As a student you can share your part in the WashU story by attending any of our Open Forums and addressing the Higher Learning Commission’s questions about your WashU experience. Meeting the HLC criteria for accreditation is a validation of the degree credentials and high caliber of WashU’s programs, as well as a testimony to the rich curriculum and variety of activities available here. We hope you feel comfortable sharing your experience with the reviewers during these forums. Your voice matters.

Have you read or seen the assurance argument?

What do you know about accreditation?

Why did you choose WashU? Have your expectations been met?

What do you like best about WashU?

Where can you find the university mission and how do you see WashU living it out?

Have you engaged in the Here and Next Strategic Plan?

What distinguishes WashU from other institutions?

Do you know where to go to make a complaint?

Can you get the courses you need when you need them?

If you needed support in a class, do you feel it’s available and do you know where to find it?

What characterizes the relationship between students and faculty?

Are WashU instructors appropriately qualified?

  • Info: Criterion 3.C of the Assurance Argument.

What kind of education does the above-average student get? A transfer student? A non-traditional student? An under-prepared student?

Are you familiar with the learning outcomes of your program?

What is your experience with the following university services: Library, tutoring, dining, Information Technology, health and well-being services?

Do students have the opportunity to provide the administration with input about WashU?

  • Info: Criterion 5.A of the Assurance Argument.

Describe the role of the Student Government Associate.

What kinds of changes are taking place at WashU?  Do you see these as positive or not?