Van Andel Institute Graduate School seeks third party comments

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Jan. 8, 2018)—Van Andel Institute Graduate School (VAIGS), under the auspices of Andel Research Institute, offers a program of study leading to a Ph.D. in cell and molecular genetics. VAIGS is seeking reaffirmation of its accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) as part of the standard pathway. VAIGS was granted initial accreditation in November 2013. As part of the reaffirmation process, VAIGS invites comments from the public prior to an on-site evaluation visit by a team from HLC.

In the United States, colleges and universities voluntarily seek accreditation from nongovernmental bodies. The Higher Learning Commission is one of six regional organizations that conducts institutional accreditation. To ensure the accreditation process is responsive to a broad range of constituents, HLC has integrated into its regular accrediting processes the third-party comment process mandated by the federal Higher Education Act Amendments. HLC forwards these comments to the evaluation team members and the institution.

Comments should address substantive matters related to the quality of VAIGS and its academic programs. Comments should include the name and address of the person(s) providing the comments, and will not be treated as confidential. Interested parties can submit comments by Monday, Jan. 29, either online at http://www.hlcommission.org/Student-Resources/third-party-comment.html or by regular mail:

Third-Party Comment on Van Andel Institute Graduate School
Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604-1411

More information about the Higher Learning Commission can be obtained through its website at www.hlcommission.org. The VAIGS website is found at vaigs.vai.org.

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ABOUT VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE GRADUATE SCHOOL
Van Andel Institute (VAI) is an independent nonprofit biomedical research and science education organization committed to improving the health and enhancing the lives of current and future generations. Established by Jay and Betty Van Andel in 1996 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, VAI has grown into a premier research and educational institution that supports the work of more than 360 scientists, educators and staff. Van Andel Institute Graduate School (VAIGS) develops future leaders in biomedical research through an intense, problem-focused Ph.D. degree in cell and molecular genetics. By combining rigorous, inquiry-based coursework with extensive experience in laboratories led by the Institute’s expert faculty, VAIGS prepares students for productive careers in biomedical research and beyond. The Graduate School thrives within the state-of-the-art facilities of Van Andel Research Institute, with access to extensive core technology support and the resources of collaborators in Grand Rapids, Michigan and around the country. Learn more about Van Andel Institute or donate by visiting vai.org.