The U.S. Department of Educations re-evaluates institutions of higher learning every 10 years and DU is completing its re-accreditation process this year.

For the past three years, Janette Benson, associate professor in psychology and director of Academic Assessment, and Jennifer Karas, associate provost for Undergraduate Academic Programs, oversaw DU’s effort to demonstrate the efficacy of the university’s pedagogical systems and practices by amassing data, surveys and statistical comparisons to prepare for the voluntary process of accreditation by regional evaluators and consultants.

DU’s participation in the re-accreditation process dates back to 1914.

Although accreditation does not affect DU’s collegiate status in national college ranking systems, it does reaffirm DU’s reputation as a center for higher education and community involvement.

Accreditation evaluators will be on campus in November to evaluate DU’s academic programs in five areas: mission and integrity, preparing for the future, student learning and effective teaching, acquisition, discovery and application of knowledge, in addition to engagement and service.

The external assessment also offers the opportunity for students to voice concerns.

“It takes 3 years to get here and an entire university to write this document, but its completely worth it,” Benson said.