A Higher Learning Commission (HLC) peer reviewer visited the College of Nursing Northern Division in Norfolk and the UNMC College of Dentistry in Lincoln. The HLC found no areas needing attention following a November multisite visit to UNMC.
HLC visits include meetings or phone calls with college deans and administrators, academic deans, student services deans and personnel, library and academic support staff, faculty and students. The reviewer also assessed physical facilities, including classrooms, labs, libraries, and technology access.
The reviewer noted the use of technology, such as the MultiTaction iWall and Zoom, to allow for real-time collaboration among College of Nursing students throughout the state. Also noted was the recently completed state-of-the-art clinical simulation lab and other improvements at the College of Dentistry.
“UNMC has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1913,” said UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “Therefore, the positive response of our visitor to the College of Nursing Northern Division and the College of Dentistry is no surprise. Nonetheless, I wish to extend my appreciation and congratulations to the faculty and staff who hosted and helped our HLC reviewer, not only for the success of the visit, but for the ongoing professionalism and effectiveness of the colleges.”
“We are delighted that the Higher Learning Commission visit went so well and are always pleased when others see the quality of the programming and the lovely facilities, the talents and dedication of our faculty and staff, and the excitement and commitment our students have to nursing,” said Juliann Sebastian, Ph.D., dean of the UNMC College of Nursing. “The Northern Division provides vital nursing education at baccalaureate and graduate levels resulting from a community-led request that culminated in opening that campus in 2010.”
“We are very pleased with the successful outcome of our Higher Learning Commission site visit,” said Janet Guthmiller, D.D.S., Ph.D., dean of the UNMC College of Dentistry. “I am tremendously grateful for the support of Kendra Schmid, Ph.D., and for our students, faculty and staff that participated in preparing the site visit materials and meeting with the site visitor. I would like to thank Dr. Yun Saksena, our associate dean for education, who led the college’s site visit efforts. We value opportunities to review our programming and facilities as we continue to strive to provide the best possible educational experiences for our students.”
Dr. Sebastian also thanked Dr. Schmid, as well as Teresa Hultquist, Ph.D., Liane Connelly, Ph.D., Lynnette Stamler, Ph.D., and Cara Mouw for writing the report and coordinating the visit for the College of Nursing.