VINCENNES, Ind. - Vincennes University is one of 26 concurrent enrollment programs to be granted accreditation by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP). This brings the total number of accredited programs across the country to 112, spanning 22 states.

"I'm very pleased to recognize Vincennes University’s Project EXCEL Program as one of a select group of 112 concurrent enrollment partnerships nationwide accredited through NACEP's extensive peer-review process. Vincennes University has demonstrated to its peers that the college courses it offers in high schools are of the same high quality as college courses offered on campus," said Dr. Diana Johnson, 2018-19 chair of NACEP's Accreditation Commission.

As the nation’s only accrediting body for these unique and impactful educational partnerships, NACEP’s standards serve as the model criteria for ensuring parity in faculty, course content, student outcomes, and support. Receiving NACEP accreditation means an institution has met the nation’s most rigorous standard in concurrent enrollment program development, management, and evaluation across multiple, multifaceted program areas.

“NACEP accreditation demonstrates a commitment to academic integrity and the delivery of an authentic college experience in the high school classroom; it is a goal that every concurrent enrollment program should aspire to and work towards,” said Amy Williams, NACEP Executive Director.

“As the availability of college credit opportunities for high school students expands, it is vital that we maintain quality to provide a meaningful collegiate experience for students. The programs that received accreditation meet established best practices in concurrent enrollment in the areas of curriculum, faculty, students, assessment, and program evaluation,” remarked Dr. Diana Johnson, NACEP Accreditation Commission chair and associate vice president for learning at NorthWest Arkansas Community College.

“NACEP accreditation is the hallmark of excellence, assuring that programs offer college courses in high schools that are as rigorous as courses on their campuses, thereby supporting student achievement and postsecondary success.”

To earn accreditation from NACEP, concurrent enrollment programs conduct a self-study, document how their programs adhere to NACEP’s 17 standards, and undergo a rigorous peer-review process conducted by a team of representatives from NACEP-accredited programs as well as the NACEP Accreditation Commission. NACEP’s accreditation is valid for five years for initial accreditation and then seven years for reaccreditation, during which time programs are expected to uphold NACEP’s standards and report annually on program practices.

Vincennes University President Chuck Johnson notes that, “Indiana has a focus on concurrent enrollment programs, particularly dual credit in high schools. VU, working with partners in industry, K-12, and higher education throughout Indiana, has taken the lead in establishing innovative programs that are helping Indiana leap ahead of other states in addressing the critical skills gap. A recent example of that innovation has been the launch of a new Automation and Robotics Academy in Jasper, which was formed by a partnership with the four Dubois County Schools, Patoka Valley Career Cooperative, Vincennes University Jasper, and several leading employers. Students will get high school and college credit along with real-world experience in key industry sectors in and around Dubois County. Such collaborations are occurring all over Indiana and VU is proud to be helping to lead their development."

“Ensuring program, and ultimately student success requires strong partnerships between secondary and postsecondary education centered on a mutual commitment to quality in all aspects of the program. NACEP accreditation reflects that commitment to quality across all elements of the program. These institutions have committed the necessary resources, particularly campus faculty time and effort, to support high-quality concurrent enrollment.” said NACEP Executive Director, Amy Williams. Concurrent enrollment increases student’s college aspirations, engagement, and success thus concurrent enrollment programs hold tremendous potential for increasing college completion and addressing national attainment gaps. The positive benefits of dual and concurrent enrollment on college access and degree attainment were validated by the Department of Education’s What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) in a review of the experimental and quasi-experimental literature.

The full listing of the 112 NACEP accredited programs nationwide can be found here.

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Vincennes University Newsroom

VICKIE PUFFER, Communications Coordinator & Online Newsroom Manager
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MARCIA MARTINEZ, University Life Reporter & Sports Information Director
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VINCENNES UNIVERSITY, Department of University Relations, www.vinu.edu/news/newsroom