CLINTON —
Ashford University officials announced Monday the for-profit university was denied initial accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
WASC is one of seven regional accrediting commissions, accrediting schools in California, Hawaii and the U.S. Pacific Islands.
While the WASC acknowledged, in the letter explaining the denial, the “substantial investment” Ashford made to the Clinton campus, it noted several deficiencies for accreditation in its region.
Among the items that did not meet accreditation standards were student retention and completion methods including tracking student progress, a sufficient core of full-time faculty members, and an effective system for assuring and monitoring student learning and academic rigor.
Ashford is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the HLC’s North Central Association through 2015. The HLC is the accrediting body for a 19-state region, including Iowa.
Ashford was seeking the WASC accreditation because the primary focus of its activities have shifted from Iowa to California since it was accredited by the HLC in 2006. Ashford’s online enrollment has increased tenfold in recent years, with most of its students being served out of the San Diego office, according to the background information provided by the WASC.
Ashford officials have until Dec. 1 to prove it meets the “substantial presence” requirement set forth by the HLC in order to maintain its accreditation.
During a meeting to discuss the demolition of the former Clinton Country Club building last month, Ashford Vice President John Ballheim revealed that the university has no current plans to expand its presence in Clinton.
If Ashford does not meet the standard it could potentially have its HLC accreditation revoked. Losing accreditation altogether would have a substantial negative impact on the for-profit college including the loss of federal funding.
Ashford’s parent company, Bridgepoint Education, shared the news of the denial Monday, causing its stocks to tumble by more than 33 percent. Bridgepoint stocks have been down 47 percent over the past 12 months, despite an increase in enrollment.
Other for-profit colleges have seen similar drops in stock prices. DeVry stocks are down 50 percent over the past 12 months, while Apollo Group has seen a 27.8 percent decrease over the same time period.
Ashford officials plan to appeal the commission’s decision and reapply for accreditation as permitted by WASC procedures. The accreditation would not be granted until June of 2013.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Ashford University is seen on Bluff Boulevard in Clinton. University officials announced Monday the school was denied initial accreditation. Herald file photo
Discussion
July 10, 2012
Ashford University denied accreditation
School officials to reapply in December
- Local News
-
-
Committee looking for new Camanche City Hall location
A committee has agreed to look at alternative locations for Camanche City Hall.
-
CVB director hiring announced
A new director has been hired to lead the Clinton Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
-
City creates demolition list
City officials are looking at different properties that need to be demolished throughout the city and soon will consider a new ordinance they hope will deter the need for future nuisance building demolition.
- No one injured in morning fire CLINTON — No one was injured in an early morning fire at Hawthorne Woods Apartments, 1241 Gateway. The Clinton Fire Department was dispatched at 1:23 a.m. today for smoke and fire in a bedroom of a multi-family apartment complex. According to a press
-
City forced to cut $1.1M from budget
CLINTON -- The city of Clinton is scrambling to cut more than $1.1 million from next year's budget because of a settlement that was reached between the Clinton Board of Review and Archer Daniels Midland. As part of a settlement that ADM and the Cli
-
Railport: Clinton, CRDC work on future process
CLINTON — With the first rail-served tenants moving in, officials with the city of Clinton, McClure Engineering and the Clinton Regional Development Corp. met Tuesday to discuss the future of the Lincolnway Railport.
- Proposal to write off sewer debt moves forward CLINTON — The city finance director will have the ongoing authority to write off sewer bills from finalled accounts as long as the balance is under $10, members of the Internal Operations Committee decided Tuesday. City Finance Director and interim C
- Board examines congestion at schools FULTON, Ill. -- Potential congestion around the River Bend middle and elementary schools is being discussed by the River Bend Board of Education. The board discussed drop-off policies during Monday's meeting. The district decided in March to eliminat
-
Energized savings
CLINTON -- It didn't happen in one day, with one switch or with one person, but through a concerted effort, the Clinton School District has saved more than $2 million by utilizing energy-efficient practices. The Clinton Community School District was
-
Fitness club is expanding
CLINTON — Less than two years after opening, the Iron Horse Fitness Club is more than tripling their space by moving to the former Rodeo Saloon and Feedhouse. Owners Ashley and Brad Gendreau, 31, of Thomson, Ill., will move by August from the locatio
- More Local News Headlines
-
Committee looking for new Camanche City Hall location
