New year at MLC, accreditation renewed
From the office of President Mark Schroeder
A new academic year has begun at Martin Luther College (MLC), New Ulm, Minn., our synod's school of ministry. Opening enrollment is 712 compared to 723 at the beginning of last school year.
The most significant development over the summer is that the school has been accredited for the maximum term of ten years. The accreditation follows an extensive three-year self study conducted by MLC staff and faculty, culminating with a visit by the accreditation team from the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Accreditation is important for MLC for a number of reasons. Only students who attend accredited colleges and universities are eligible for federal and state educational grants and loans. Last year 70 percent of MLC students received some form of government financial aid. Graduation from an accredited institution has also become an expectation for admission into graduate schools. In many states, graduation from an accredited institution is a prerequisite for obtaining state licensure.
The commission's visiting team identified a number of strengths at MLC. It recognized "an outstanding level of commitment among students, faculty, administration, and staff—certainly this is a mission focused institution." They also noted that the college has "consistently sought and responded to identified needs for academic programs in order to serve its constituencies." Other strengths noted were facility enhancements, financial support for faculty continuing education, the use of assessment for improvement of the college, and a positive relationship with the community of New Ulm.
The team also identified a number of concerns that the college will strive to address in the coming years. Included among those concerns were teaching loads that are higher than at most institutions and the fluctuation in the financial support provided by the synod in recent years.
As Martin Luther College carries out its role of training future church workers, we can be thankful for the blessings that God provides to his church through this school, and we can also continue to ask God to bless the efforts of the MLC faculty, students, and staff.
Serving in Christ,
Mark Schroeder
Filed Under: accreditation, enrollment, martin luther college, MLC
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