Grand Valley State University may be changing their reviewal process for tenure and promotion of faculty members in order to keep their accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

In 2008, the HLC reaccredited GVSU for the following 10 years. In their report it states, “While flexibility and disciplinary focus are maintained in the current process, consistency across colleges and the university is difficult to achieve since there is no university level involvement in the promotion and tenure process outside of an appeal instance.”

The HLC suggests that GVSU change the promotion and tenure process to include university level involvement. If GVSU chooses not to change this process, its accreditation may be at risk.

According to the Summary of Commission Review, GVSU’s next reaffirmation of accreditation will be in 2018-2019.

This issue was discussed during the provost’s report at the ECS meeting on Oct. 3 and was not an official item on the agenda. It will continue to be discussed and may appear on the ECS agenda in the future.

The HLC is an independent corporation that oversees the accreditation of degree-granting colleges and universities in 19 Midwestern and South-Central states, including Michigan.