IUGB Advances Toward U.S. Accreditation with NECHE

The UPP program, internships, laboratories, residence, and transport—these were just some of the topics students discussed with Dr. Lawrence Schall, President of NECHE, during his visit.

 

A meet-and-greet was held on Tuesday, January 14th, to explore the quality of academics and campus life here at IUGB. The meeting provided an opportunity for students to voice their thoughts and experiences, creating an open dialogue with Dr. Schall. The conversation allowed for valuable feedback on key aspects of university life, such as food, Internet and transportation. 

The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) is an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) that serves as a reliable authority and independent voice on the quality of higher education.  NECHE is a voluntary, peer-based organization that promotes educational excellence and quality assurance for over 200 degree-granting institutions worldwide. It has established “Standards for Accreditation” to ensure quality, innovation, and student success in higher education. The Commission includes faculty, administrators, and public members with no institutional ties, led by Dr. Lawrence Schall. 

On the NECHE website, Dr. Schall has shared the importance of personally engaging with institutions, stating, “The best way I can fully understand the challenges and unique strengths of the schools that we serve is to see our institutions for myself, talk to their leaders, and even visit with students.” True to his words, prior to the meet-and-greet, he met with the faculty and staff to discuss IUGB’s overall operations, including academic quality, campus life, and the next steps in the accreditation process.

 Dr. Kouadio Bertin, Assistant Professor of Political Science, who was present at the faculty meeting with Dr. Schall, indicates that this step is important as it can improve the relationship between faculty and students,” Both faculty and students must understand their responsibilities to improve communication. This clarity can lead to better academic quality and enhance IUGB’s reputation.” 

IUGB will be the first university in the country to achieve U.S. accreditation., which would be a step forward in our journey for global recognition. During his meet-and-greet with students, Dr. Schall shared that when meeting with Professor Mariatou Koné, the Minister of Education, she showed interest in IUGB’s accreditation process. He further explained that the next step would be for him to prepare a report for Dr. Touré, the President of IUGB, outlining his recommendations, which will be followed by a visit in September-October from a group of three assessors to evaluate the progress made.

Dr. Schall’s visit to IUGB marked a significant step forward in the university’s journey toward U.S. accreditation. The open dialogue with students and faculty provided invaluable insights that will help shape IUGB’s academic and campus offerings. With continued collaboration between faculty, students, and NECHE, the path to accreditation promises to bring positive changes that will enhance the quality of education and further elevate the university’s reputation.