Accreditation

2018 Comprehensive Evaluation

The University of Cincinnati has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1919. In September 2018, the University successfully underwent its reaffirmation of accreditation, a rigorous process that occurs every ten years.

The reaccreditation process includes writing an Assurance Argument, demonstrating Federal Compliance, and hosting a site visit by a team of reviewers. These reviewers are faculty and staff from other universities with similar missions. As part of the Assurance Review, the institution submitted an Assurance Argument, along with supporting evidence, explaining how it complies with each Criterion and Core Component. The peer review team used the Assurance System to conduct its thorough review of the materials.

The successful reaccreditation in 2018 confirms the University of Cincinnati’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, institutional improvement, and compliance with HLC standards.

Steering Committee

  • Gigi Escoe
  • Bryan Smith
  • Susana Luzuriga
  • Adrian Hall
  • Lauren Thomas
  • Jamie Byrne
  • Michele Ralston
  • April Poteet

HLC Assurance Chapter Authors and Experts

Chapter 1

  • Jamie Byne - Chair
  • Trisha Smith
  • Bleuzette Marshall
  • Tracy Herrmann
  • Kathie Maynard

Chapter 2

  • Jamie Byne - Chair
  • Talia Bryan
  • Matt Serra
  • Pat Limbach
  • Bleuzette Marshall
  • Greg Vehr
  • Susan Mantel

Chapter 3

  • Gigi Escoe
  • Lauren Thomas - Co-Chair
  • Caroline Miller
  • Beth Young
  • Deborah Tenofsky
  • Tamie Grunow
  • Paul Foster
  • Tara Warden
  • Nicole Mayo
  • Melody Clark
  • Yonatan Eyal
  • Amy Lind
  • Jason Lemon
  • Adrian Hall
  • Matt Serra
  • Keisha Love

Chapter 4

  • Amy Lind - Co-Chair
  • Bryan Smith - Co-Chair
  • Gigi Escoe
  • Ricardo Moena
  • Chris Sullivan
  • Erinn Green
  • Leila Rodriquez
  • Erynn Casanova
  • Ashley Currier
  • Beth Faller
  • Adrian Hall
  • Carney Sotto
  • Regina Sapona
  • Nicole Mayo

January - July 2017

  • Create rough draft of documents
  • Identify risks
  • Attend HLC National Conference (core team)

August 2017

  • Complete initial draft
  • Identify steering committee members
  • Launch HLC website to the public

September 2017

  • Create rough draft of documents
  • Identify risks
  • Attend HLC National Conference (core team)

October 2017

  • Revise drafts
  • Attend UC governance meetings
  • Collect evidence to support claims
  • Identify sources

November 2017

  • Attend governance meetings for additional input  and feedback

December 2017

  • Creation of final report by the Steering Committee

January 2018

  • Continue finalizing working draft
  • Conduct interviews
  • Confirm, fact check, and validate draft document and supplementing materials
  • Continue steering committee meetings

February 2018

  • Launch the University of Cincinnati's HLC Month
  • Load documents on to our university website
  • February 13: HLC Day for faculty, staff, alumni, and students

March 2018

  • Collect public comments and feedback
  • Revise draft, incorporating public feedback
  • Compile any additional evidence or supporting materials

April 2018

  • Finalize draft
  • Load evidence into HLC system

May 2018

  • All UC HLC documents uploaded into HLC system

Fall 2018

  • August 25: Public comment period closes
  • September 24-26: HLC Site Visit
1

David Becker

BEARCATS FOR LIFE

During my time at UC, I’ve been surrounded by people who genuinely care about helping others find direction

2

Shauniece Steele

BEARCATS FOR LIFE

Shauniece Steele credits the University of Cincinnati for shaping her leadership, courage, and confidence — lessons that continue to guide her as an athletic administrator and proud Bearcat for life.

3

Sarah Mullins

BEARCATS FOR LIFE

From student to alum, Sarah Mullins carries the Bearcat spirit wherever life takes her—proof that being a Bearcat for Life truly never ends.

4

Samantha Hillman

BEARCATS FOR LIFE

UC gave her a fresh start — and a lifelong connection. From student life to a career telling UC’s story, this Bearcat found her home and her purpose right here on campus.

5

Jac Kern

BEARCATS FOR LIFE

UC alum Jac Kern found her way back to Cincinnati—and to UC—where she now shares the powerful stories that remind her what it means to be a Bearcat for Life.

6

Annelise Atkinson

BEARCATS FOR LIFE

From life-changing internships to lifelong friendships and love, UC gave her everything — experiences, confidence, and a forever Bearcat family.

7

Maddie Bell

BEARCATS FOR LIFE

Discover how UC alumna Maddie Bell turned her Bearcat experience into a lifelong passion for community and purpose. Her story proves that being a Bearcat doesn’t end at graduation — it’s just the beginning.

9

Cashmere Wright

BEARCATS FOR LIFE

From standout Bearcat to lifelong ambassador, Cashmere Wright reflects on how his time at the University of Cincinnati shaped his drive, leadership, and lasting connection to UC.

10

Abby Revetta

BEARCATS FOR LIFE

Discover how third-generation Bearcat Abby Revetta ’17 found her purpose at the University of Cincinnati. From internships to lifelong friendships, UC shaped who she is — and who she’ll become.