What is accreditation?
Accreditation is the process by which universities certify that they meet standards of quality.
Why is accreditation important?
This certification allows universities to act as gatekeepers for federal financial aid dollars, which allows students to apply for financial aid while in attendance. Accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other similarly-accredited colleges and universities, allows graduates to gain admission to other colleges and universities, or to pursue credentials of professional practice. The University of New Mexico has been continuously accredited through the Higher Learning Commission since 1922. Our last comprehensive evaluation was in 2009, and our next evaluation and site visit is scheduled for March 2019.
How has UNM been preparing for the next accreditation review?
In preparation for the upcoming visit, working committees have been gathering evidence and preparing a report, called an “Assurance Argument,” for the University, its branch campuses, and the Health Sciences Center. The “Assurance Argument” is the central document of our accreditation process: it “assures” the Higher Learning Commission that UNM meets the HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation (https://www.hlcommission.org/Policies/criteria-and-requirements.html). That document will be available for public review and comment in the Fall of 2018.
What is the Higher Learning Commission?
The Higher Learning Commission is one of six regional accrediting agencies recognized by the Department of Education. It is responsible for following up on concerns that may affect the University’s compliance with the Criteria for Accreditation.
What did the Aug. 15, 2017 letter from HLC ask UNM to provide?
The letter from the HLC cited an ongoing audit by the New Mexico State Auditor, and requested that the University prepare a report within 30 days of receipt of the letter. The report will summarize the basis for the audit, its impact on the University, and any actions undertaken by any state offices that affect the University. We will also clearly describe the University's policies and practices as related to financial management, and articulate any corrective actions taken in response to the audit’s concerns.
What independent audits are conducted at UNM?
The following is a link(s) to UNM’s Annual Financial Statements audits conducted by the external firm (KPMG) and approved by the State Auditor for FY15 & FY16.
https://fsd.unm.edu/resources/audrep15.pdf
https://fsd.unm.edu/resources/audrep16.pdf
Reports for previous years can be found on the University Financial Services Department website and on the New Mexico State Auditors website.
