Important Notice for Prospective Students

In June 2002, an Ohio Board of Regents (OBR) team visited Union Institute & University-an Ohio corporation-to respond to our request for reauthorization as a degree-granting institution. By state statute, OBR is required to conduct regular reauthorization reviews of all Ohio institutions of higher education. This visit was an important part of our continuing efforts to develop and enhance our degree programs and to identify the best ways to integrate Vermont College into the university. Periodic reviews by licensing bodies are an important part of the academic process at higher educational institutions all across the United States.

The OBR team was supportive of our institutional mission, commending the University's emphasis on interdisciplinarity, social relevance, and reaching out to under-served populations. They were also supportive of the doctoral program's low residency requirements and its service to adult professionals.

The review resulted in a series of recommendations for improving the program model and the quality of outcomes; the university is committed to evaluating those recommendations and adopting changes, as appropriate. The team also recommended that, due to the recent review of the Ph.D. program and the opportunities associated with the acquisition of Vermont College, Union Institute & University has requested and been granted provisional authorization from the Ohio Board of Regents for two years, to accommodate the reauthorization and reorganization processes. OBR has scheduled a team visit for February 2005, during which Union Institute & University will request full authorization from the Ohio Board of Regents.

What are the implications of the Ohio Board of Regents provisional authorization?

Accreditation. The Regents report and recommendation does not affect Union Institute & University's accredited status. Accreditation by a regional association is a nationally recognized acknowledgement that an educational institution meets appropriate quality standards. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools; the next scheduled comprehensive accreditation review will be in 2009-2010.

Doctoral Program. There are likely to be changes in doctoral program policies and procedures that will affect doctoral learners who enter the program after December 31, 2002. It is the university's belief that these changes will have a positive impact on the doctoral program experience and will help learners to develop stronger programs.

Other Union Institute & University programs. The Regents recommendations for change are specific to the doctoral program and should not have an impact on other degree programs.