Accreditation

The University of New Mexico has been continuously accredited through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1922. The HLC accreditation covers all of UNM’s campuses and programs. The institution’s last comprehensive review occurred in March 2019, and resulted in the reaffirmation of accreditation. The next comprehensive evaluation will take place during the 2028-29 academic year. To learn more about the University’s accreditation, please visit UNM’s accreditation webpage here.

For Specialized Accreditation, maintained individually for many UNM degree programs and colleges or schools, see: https://accreditation.unm.edu/about/specialized-accreditation/index.html

History

You may find the official correspondence with HLC related to visits and reports here. [UNM’s 2019 HLC report]

Academic Program Review

Through Academic Program Review (APR), Academic Affairs and College/School/Branch leadership teams, departmental faculty, staff, students, external stakeholders, and external academic peer reviewers develop an assessment of an academic program’s record, needs, and opportunities. At its best, the process addresses continuous improvement grounded in reliable evaluation, alignment with professional and national standards, development of research and teaching strengths, assessment of student outcomes, and responsiveness to stakeholders. Results from the APR inform planning on curriculum, professional development, research needs, hiring plans, student support, and facilities. Completing APR on a regular cycle is a fundamental responsibility for the leader (Chair, Director, Division Head) of an academic unit.

The UNM Office of Assessment and Academic Program Review (OAAPR) oversees and facilitates the academic unit review process on seven-year cycles. The office supports academic units in preparing Self-Study Reports; organizing the APR site visit, reviewer report and action plan; convening a mid-cycle review; and supporting strategic thinking. APR offers an opportunity for program reflection and future planning. OOAPR secures documentation for demonstrating program value to the state and community and satisfies University accreditation criteria.

The Office of Assessment and Academic Program Review site provides information about the process, forms, a calendar, and APR records.

Program Assessment

Program Assessment yields insights enabling faculty and staff to improve student learning and learning environments, enhance student experience and opportunities, and develop and execute collective goals. It also provides evidence of program and institutional effectiveness. The UNM Office of Assessment and Academic Program Review (OAAPR) supports the process of continuous improvement through assessment with: information, workshops, consultations, and resources; report support and collection; evaluation of assessment processes and outcomes; and institutional reporting on assessment. Program assessment is a fundamental research tool to strengthen teaching and learning and a required University and accreditation practice with a three-year cycle for all degree programs. OOAPR provides extensive resources and support on assessment and brings stakeholders together in monthly Provost’s Committee on Assessment (PCA) meetings.

Academic Programs and Professional Licensure

Enrolling in UNM degree programs helps students gain knowledge and skills that support preparation for specific professional licensures. However, in many cases, completion of a degree program is not equivalent to fulfillment of all requirements for professional licensure. For example, completion of the J.D. Program is not equivalent to passage of the bar exam enabling a lawyer to practice, nor is passing the bar exam in New Mexico equivalent to licensure to practice outside of the state. The U.S. Department of Education Code of Federal Regulations CFR §668.43 requires colleges and universities to communicate publicly and directly to prospective and current students if programs leading to a license or certification meet licensure requirements in other states. UNM maintains information on degree programs and their relation to professional licensure on a professional licensure disclosures page. To serve students, address compliance, and protect reputation, please ensure the accuracy and precision of website, advisement, course, and program communication about a degree program’s relationship to licensure. A statement that a degree “leads to licensure” incurs responsibility to document how licensure requirements are met in their entirety in each of the fifty states.