Accreditation is a process of validation in which colleges, universities and other institutions of higher learning are evaluated. Accreditation is a measure of quality and a demonstration of OHSU's commitment to continuous improvement. A successful evaluation is important for ensuring OHSU can continue offering the specialized programs it's known for, federal financial aid for students and a desirable place for students to transfer to.  

OHSU maintains continuous accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The standards for accreditation are set by a peer review board whose members include faculty from various accredited colleges and universities. See OHSU's specialized accreditations by program

OHSU is evaluated by the NWCCU at several points over a seven-year period: 

Year One Self-Evaluation Report 

• Report addresses Mission and Core Themes
• No visit by reviewers 

Mid-Cycle Report and Addendum

• Submitted in year three 
• Self-Evaluation Report focuses on how OHSU assesses student learning 
• Reviewers visit OHSU 
• Purpose is to determine readiness for Year Seven 

Year Seven Self-Evaluation Report

• OHSU submits self-study report that includes content and supporting documentation that examines how it meets five accreditation standards
• NWCCU evaluates OHSU against standards and identifies areas of strength and weakness 
• Includes visit from seven to nine NWCCU evaluators
  

Recent and upcoming activity

• January 2016: OHSU's accreditation reaffirmed by NWCCU
• September 2016: OHSU submits Year One Self-Evaluation Report
  
• September 2018: OHSU submits Mid Cycle Self-Evaluation  |  Report and Addendum
  
• October 2018: Small team of NWCCU evaluators to visit OHSU
  
• January 2019: NWCCU's notification on OHSU's Mid-Cycle Report
  

In its reaffirmation of accreditation in 2016, the commission gave OHSU three commendations:

• OHSU's contributions in health care and health sciences to the state of Oregon and beyond.

• OHSU's faculty and administrators for their efforts and commitment to the development of Interprofessional Education across the institution, including rural sites.

• OHSU's faculty for a culture of collaboration for research and education and the university as a whole for partnerships with other institutions, industries, and rural communities.

Contact

For more information about OHSU's accreditation process, contact Robert Halstead, assistant vice provost for accreditation.