In a letter dated February 27, 2013, The Board of Trustees of the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges (HLC) informed the University that it remains regionally accredited and has been placed on Notice – a status that indicates an institution is pursuing a course of action that, if continued, could lead to it being out of compliance with one or more Criteria of Accreditation. In placing the University on notice, HLC noted several concerns related to accreditation criteria that will require additional written reports, evaluations and site visits throughout the remainder of 2013.

“We are pleased that Ashford University remains accredited by HLC and we will provide the Commission with its request for additional, updated information as the year progresses,” said Dr. Richard Pattenaude, president of Ashford University.

In addition, the HLC Board noted that the University has not demonstrated its compliance with the Commission’s policy on substantial presence, that the University is actively engaged in seeking accreditation from the Western Association of Colleges and Schools for Senior Colleges and Universities (WASC), and that the University has filed a plan to come into compliance with the HLC jurisdictional requirement to establish and maintain a substantial presence in the north central region.

The HLC Commission requested an interim jurisdictional report by July 10, 2013, stating “The Board determined that the interests of students were best served by allowing the University a limited amount of time to try to complete the accreditation process with WASC prior to the Commission taking any further enforcement action with regard to this issue.”

“As we continue through the HLC process, we remain focused on fulfilling our mission of making college accessible and affordable for non-traditional students,” said Dr. Pattenaude. “Ashford University has listened to feedback from both HLC and WASC, has accelerated improvements to support greater student success, and will continue to pursue WASC accreditation.” 

Further information is available in the Public Disclosure Notice on Ashford University, which will be published on HLC’s website at www.ncahlc.org under “HLC Institutions – Public Disclosures.” 

About Ashford University

Ashford University is defining the modern college experience by combining the heritage of a traditional campus with the flexibility and effectiveness of online learning. The University provides a vibrant learning community where high-quality programs and leading-edge technology create a dynamic, immersive and stimulating learning experience. The University offers practical and progressive associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs online, as well as bachelor’s degree programs at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. Ashford University – where heritage meets innovation. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Winet Rodriguez, vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.