Ashford University Receives Notification from HLC

The Board of Trustees of the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges (HLC) met on July 11, 2012 to consider the recent action by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) concerning Bridgepoint Education's Ashford University. On July 12, 2012, Ashford University received a letter from the HLC communicating its Special Monitoring status to confirm compliance with the Commission's Criteria for Accreditation, including the Minimum Expectations. In an effort to ensure that the University continues to satisfy HLC's accreditation requirements, the HLC Board of Trustees is requiring Ashford University to provide a report by August 10, 2012. Ashford University is also required to host an Advisory Visit within 60 days of the Commission's receipt of its report. Subsequently, at its meeting in February 2013, the HLC Board of Trustees will review the report of the Advisory Visit team and the University's response to those documents. "We are accredited, and will continue our critical service to our non-traditional students, largely comprised of working adults and underserved populations," said Dr. Elizabeth Tice, president and chief executive officer of Ashford University. "We are fully committed to providing the opportunity for a brighter future to the more than 90,000 students currently attending Ashford University in pursuit of a higher education."