West Liberty University participates in the Higher Learning Commission’s Open Pathway 10-year cycle of accreditation.  Institutions in the Open Pathway are regularly monitored through HLC’s institutional update, substantive change requests, interim monitoring and other processes. WLU was recently reviewed at the 10-year-point in 2017-18 and was granted reaffirmation of accreditation until 2027-28.

As part of West Liberty’s ongoing monitoring by the Higher Learning Commission, an interim report was required and submitted on May 11, 2020. The report describes in detail the process implemented for preparing a strategic plan that includes key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure success in achieving goals, and includes a follow-up communication process for keeping internal and external stakeholders informed. On May 18, 2020 the HLC reviewed and accepted WLU’s Interim Report, and no further reports are required at this time. West Liberty’s Open Pathway Assurance Review is scheduled for 2022.

The strategic planning process began in the summer of 2018, and Dr. Jeremy Larance was named the Assistant Provost for Academic Innovation and Strategic Planning. An external consultant, Kathleen McDermott, Director of Nonprofit Advisory Services at McKinley Carter Wealth Services, was hired, and numerous administrators, staff and faculty were appointed to assist with the project. 

On May 3, 2019, the Planning Task Force created a broad implementation plan for the institution with strategic goals and action plans for each of four strategic themes: Academic Success, Branding, Operational Efficiency, and Student Experience. Dr. Larance reconstructed the broad plan into one coherent Strategic Plan document, a five-year detailed implementation designed to guide, motivate, and support West Liberty University’s strategic plan initiatives.