Accreditation is a process of validation in which colleges, universities and other institutions of higher learning are evaluated. Accreditation is a measure of quality and a demonstration of OHSU's commitment to continuous improvement. A successful evaluation is important for ensuring OHSU can continue offering the specialized programs it's known for, federal financial aid for students and a desirable place for students to transfer to.

OHSU maintains continuous accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The standards for accreditation are set by a peer review board whose members include faculty from various accredited colleges and universities. See OHSU's specialized accreditations by program.

OHSU is evaluated by the NWCCU at several points over a seven-year period:

Year One Self-Evaluation Report

• Report addresses Mission and Core Themes
• No visit by reviewers

Year One Self-Evaluation Report

Mid-Cycle Report and Addendum

• Submitted in year three
• Self-Evaluation Report focuses on how OHSU assesses student learning
• Reviewers visit OHSU
• Purpose is to determine readiness for Year Seven

Mid-Cycle Report

Mid-Cycle Report Addendum

Year Seven Self-evaluation Report

• OHSU submits self-study report that includes content and supporting documentation that examines how it meets five accreditation standards
• NWCCU evaluates OHSU against standards and identifies areas of strength and weakness
• Includes visit from seven to nine NWCCU evaluators

Recent and upcoming activity

January 2016: OHSU's accreditation reaffirmed by NWCCU

September 2016: OHSU submits Year One Self-Evaluation Report

September 2018: OHSU submits Mid-Cycle Self-Evaluation Report and Addendum

October 2018: Small team of NWCCU evaluators to visit OHSU

January 2019: NWCCU acknowledges OHSU's Mid-Cycle Report

Commendations from the commission

In its reaffirmation of accreditation in 2016, the commission gave OHSU three commendations:

1. OHSU's contributions in health care and health sciences to the state of Oregon and beyond.
2. OHSU's faculty and administrators for their efforts and commitment to the development of Interprofessional Education across the institution, including rural sites.
3. OHSU's faculty for a culture of collaboration for research and education and the university as a whole for partnerships with other institutions, industries, and rural communities.