Considerations about accreditation

U of N recognizes the value of accrediting agencies in maintaining predictability in quality of education. Therefore, U of N may apply for accreditation in the future. However, at this time, for the following reasons, we are not in the process of doing so:

1. University of the Nations is unique in its international missionary training scope with locations in many countries. Validation by an accrediting agency in one nation could be limiting. With the U of N, students may begin their education in South America, continue it in the United States and complete their U of N degree requirements in Europe. This type of international scope is a challenge for accrediting agencies to validate.

2. U of N is an integral part of Youth With A Mission (YWAM), an international and interdenominational missionary organization. Normally, accreditation agencies require the separation of the educational institution from the parent organization, thus requiring U of N to separate from YWAM. However, by design, U of N is an integral part of YWAM and only able to fulfill its purposes as such.

3. The U of N Board of Regents consists of the YWAM Global Leadership Team (GLT) and representatives from the YWAM worldwide regions, fields and ministry divisions. Accreditation generally requires a partially non-YWAM governing board. The present U of N Board of Regents is from a diverse international group, which understands the founding principles of the mission and the university. Since the development of U of N International is still in a formative stage and needs freedom to grow into the fulfillment of the purposes for which it was created, we do not believe that it is right to form a non-YWAM governing board. The U of N does have an International Advisory Board, which consists primarily of non-YWAM representatives.

4. U of N maintains a staff of volunteer missionaries who must raise their own support independent of their positions with the university. Accrediting agencies require salaries for university staff members on the basis that a good solid income helps to ensure stability in the university system and quality in its programs. The U of N is establishing a track record to demonstrate stability through a history of quality long-term staff with independent support. But for now, the lack of salaries for staff could preclude accreditation. Presently, U of N has a growing student population internationally, and a steady stream of long-term staff members from Youth With A Mission branch campuses.

5. Our modular approach to education (taking one intensive 12-unit course per academic term) is generally unknown by accrediting boards. We need to demonstrate its effectiveness, which also justifies the visiting teacher concept utilized in our schools. Academic content taught in our schools is presented by both long-term staff members and visiting speakers. Most of these teachers have extensive international experience and excellent academic and professional credentials. Because of their experience, nearly all are able to present a broad perspective in their fields of expertise.

6. Most university accrediting agencies require large centralized library systems. U of N's present library resource strategy utilizes smaller libraries with electronic technology that tap into the vast online resources of university libraries and archives worldwide. The Kona campus library is continually adding to its multimedia resources (books, periodicals, videos, CD-ROMs, audio files, etc.) so that these resources may be made available to U of N locations as needed.

A commitment to quality education

During the first 30 years of its existence, the University of the Nations has demonstrated a commitment to quality education. Our students have been highly recognized by many institutions of higher learning, both Christian and non-Christian. In other words, our students are accepted as transfer students, and they are given transfer credit for those U of N courses which relate to the programs into which they transfer. U of N courses typically do not transfer on a one-to-one basis, but neither do the courses of other universities. Accreditation is not always the main factor in that decision. The major factor is quality of instruction, as proved out by quality of the student. On that basis, our students have consistently met or exceeded the standards of other institutions.

We recognize that lack of accreditation can leave certain professional doors closed. But for many students, this is not an insurmountable problem. It all depends on what career or profession the individual student is pursuing, for what purpose, and in which nation. In the United States, licensing authorities in some professional fields require accredited degrees, as the basis of eligibility for licensing. However, for many international students or for U.S. students pursuing careers in ministry, public service or commerce, accreditation is not an issue at all. U of N in Kona, Hawaii, has been evaluated by the U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and has been granted authority to issue F-1 student visas.

Transfer credits with U of N International are provided by the colleges. Contact numbers for these colleges are available in the U of N Catalog. Transfer credits with the U of N International are provided by its eight regional records centres. Contacts are listed in the catalog.