Higher Learning Commission removes sanction for ASU
ALAMOSA — The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has removed the sanction of Probation for Adams State University, Adams State President Dr. Cheryl Lovell announced Monday afternoon, July 9.
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.
"This is wonderful news and a cause for celebration. What a great way to begin the week," Lovell stated.
Addressing and resolving the concerns of the Higher Learning Commission has been a campus-wide effort led by the Vice President of Academic Affairs Office and Assistant VP Margaret Doell. Others who put in extraordinary work to resolve the HLC concerns include: Dr. Matt Nehring and Ken Marquez as Criterion 1 co-chairs; Karla Hardesty as Criterion 2 and Federal Compliance chair; Leslie Alvarez, Criterion 3 co-chair; Beez Schell and Tony Weathers, Criterion 4 co-chairs; Kevin Daniel and Heather Heersink, Criterion 5 co-chairs; Traci Bishop, our amazing assurance system coordinator; Victor Soe and Sarah Rhett for digging up evidence on short notice; Erin Frew, our external reviewer and consultant; and David Moon, external reviewer.
In its decision, HLC noted the university’s efforts to “adopt 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 also noted how Adams State has “reorganized so that the appropriate academic departments and the Vice President of Academic Affairs provide oversight for the Extended Study courses.”
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, in addition to the standard annual reports required.
"Let us collectively move onward and upward with Adams State," Lovell added. "And we will plan a celebration. Stay tuned."