The Higher Learning Commission is one of six accrediting agencies in the United States that provide institutional accreditation on a regional basis. Institutional accreditation evaluates an entire institution and accredits it as a whole. Other agencies provide accreditation for specific programs. Accreditation is voluntary. The commission, which accredits approximately 1,100 institutions of higher education in a 19-state region, is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

For the past two years, Monmouth College has been engaged in a special-emphasis self-study examining the integrated studies program of the college’s general education curriculum and addressing the commission’s requirements and criteria for accreditation. The evaluation team will visit Monmouth College to gather evidence that the self-study is thorough and accurate. If so, the team will recommend to the commission a continuing status for the college. Following a review process, the commission will take the final action.

The public is invited to submit comments regarding the college to: Public Comment on Monmouth College, The Higher Learning Commission, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602.

Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs. Written, signed comments must be received by Feb. 3, 2008, and they should include the name, address, and telephone number of the person providing the comments, which will not be treated as confidential.

Individuals with a specific dispute or grievance with an institution should request the separate Policy on Complaints document from the commission office. The Higher Learning Commission cannot settle disputes between institutions and individuals.

Monmouth College has been continuously accredited by the commission since 1913.