Friends University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, telephone 1-312-263-0456, www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org. Friends University has been accredited from 1915-27; 1928-39; and 1951-present. In 2005, Friends University was accepted into the Higher Learning Commission’s Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP), a voluntary alternative process for maintaining accreditation by infusing the principles, practices and benefits of continual improvement into the University’s culture. The Friends University AQIP Systems portfolio can be viewed online here, or visit the Friends University AQIP page here.

Additionally, several of Friends University’s programs are accredited by specific accrediting bodies:

• Friends University’s Carnegie classification is Masters I.
• The Friends University Department of Music is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music, 11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21, Reston, VA 20190, (703-437-0700). The requirements for entrance and for graduation are in accordance with the published regulations of the National Association of Schools of Music.
• The Teacher Education program at Friends University is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). This accreditation includes the undergraduate and graduate levels of professional education programs offered at the institution. In addition, the education programs at Friends University are approved by the Kansas State Department of Education, 120 S.E. 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66612, (785-296-4073).
• The Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at Friends University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), 112 S. Alfred St., Alexandria, VA 22314, (703-838-9808).

Third party comments
Friends University is seeking comments from the public about the University in preparation for its periodic evaluation by its regional accrediting agency. The University will host a visit March 14-16, 2012, with a team representing the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. Friends University has been accredited by the Commission since 1951. The team will review the institution’s ongoing ability to meet the Commission’s criteria for accreditation.

The public is invited to submit comments regarding the University to:
Public Comment on Friends University
The Higher Learning Commission
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago IL 60602
www.ncahlc.org

Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs. Comments must be in writing and signed. Comments cannot be treated as confidential.

All comments must be received by February 14, 2012.