BEYOND EXPECTATIONS

YU Receives Perfect Scores While Furthering Academic Success

York University continues to advance towards its goals for the future. Earlier this year, YU received the exciting news reaffirming its accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). York University has been continually accredited by the Higher Learning commission since 1970, one of six regional accrediting bodies in the country. In addition to reaffirming university accreditation, the institution received a rare perfect score from the Higher Learning Commission who noted all criteria were fully met.

Institutional accreditation requires a holistic assessment of an institution’s programs, faculty credentials and student outcomes, as well as its administrative infrastructure and financial profile. The reaffirmation decision was granted after a rigorous self-study which included a site visit by peer reviewers in October 2023.

Reflecting on the recent assessment and visit, Provost Shannon Leinen '07 said, “During the visit, we came together to share with the HLC the accomplishments and growth of the past decade. The collaborative, dedicated, and innovative spirit displayed by our faculty, staff, and students left an impression, affirming that our journey towards educational excellence is on the right course, meeting and exceeding industry standards!”

Because of the excellent review, York University will not need to undergo comprehensive review again until the year 2034. Leinen was quick to note, “The process of self-evaluation for accreditation will be an on-going process that enables us to continually monitor our own operations to ensure best practice and institutional health in all departments.”

Looking ahead at the future of York, Leinen added, “The university continues to evolve and stay a relevant academic institution with fantastic faculty. We are constantly evaluating our curriculum as we embark on a mission to shape and add innovative programs to the catalog that will not only meet the needs of tomorrow, but also inspire and empower the next generation of trail blazers who will proudly include York University on their resume.”

In addition, York University has received approval from the Nebraska Department of Education to offer a concentration in early childhood education as part of its Master of Arts in Education (MAE) program beginning Fall 2024. This new concentration will allow students to add an endorsement to their elementary or special education teaching license to teach preschool, kindergarten, and up to 3rd grade.

Education majors participating in the bachelor’s to master’s program and MAE students can receive the Early Childhood Education teaching endorsement by completing 18 graduate credits. Additionally, teachers licensed in special education can add this endorsement to teach children ages 3-5 with special needs.

Dr. Cheryl Couch, the director of the MAE, is passionate about early childhood special education. She emphasized the crucial role of early childhood education in our educational system. She stated, “By incorporating early childhood education into the master's degree, educators can gain specialized content knowledge and learn strategies to effectively support children's development and learning during their formative years. Early intervention can help level the academic playing field and build critical foundations for children's futures.”

This new program results from a collaboration between York University and the York County Development Corporation (YCDC). YCDC approached the university due to the county's growing need for additional preschool and childcare workers.

Provost Shannon Leinen said, "Introducing an Early Childhood Education Program to York University's Master of Arts in Education is about supporting our community and its growing population. Additionally, the online format assures access for a much larger audience where it was previously unavailable. The outcome is access to quality early childhood education that will benefit future generations, especially those in remote areas. We are excited about answering the call, which will help meet some needs in the teaching shortage."

This partnership responds to a community need and builds a strong foundation for children's education. The program will provide educators with the specialized skills and knowledge to support the development and learning of young children in our community and state.

Furthermore, in June, York University also received approval from HLC to launch a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program this fall. Designed for adult learners with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, this 36-credit-hour program will prepare students for professional management positions within healthcare institutions, including hospitals, clinics, care centers, pharmaceuticals, insurance, and other service providers.

York University's master's programs are 100% online and asynchronous. The two-year program will include twelve courses. It will cover a broad range of leadership and administrative topics, including healthcare management, healthcare systems, healthcare law, marketing, economics, ethics, crisis communication, team building, and evaluation.

A+Finally, Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX, approved a $23,000 grant to York University for a Sound and Vision Studio Suite. The proposal was written by Leanna Hawley '83, director of the Academic Resource Center at Levitt; Jared Wiley '07, digital solutions manager; Provost Dr. Shannon Leinen '07; and Amanda Smith '84, support services manager.

The Sound and Vision Studio will be housed in the upper level of the Phyllis Mackey Center. When complete, the studio will include a room for students to use a virtual reality headset (VR), a room for students to record and produce podcasts, and a room for a One Button Studio, a recording studio that allows users to easily save their recording on their own storage drive. These rooms will provide students with the ability to utilize professional resources for their course projects or personal endeavors. It is projected to be available for use starting in the spring semester of 2025.