Art department receives accreditation

November 20, 2007

Of the thousands of art schools across the United States, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) has accredited only 277.  One of those is the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

"Accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design is a significant distinction," Art Department Professor and Chair Robert Mertens said.   "It signifies that the UW-Whitewater art program has met rigorous standards for membership in this respected national organization."

NASAD is a national accrediting agency for art and design and art and design-related disciplines.  The association also provides information to the public. It produces statistical research, provides professional development for leaders of art and design schools, and engages in policy analysis.

For current and prospective students it acknowledges that the artwork produced by students in the program meets the highest of standards in the discipline and is competitive at the national level. This recognition marks the realization of a process the art department first began in 1996 and culminated in an on-site visit by a NASAD accreditation team in the spring of 2006.

"The entire art faculty, programming staff and student body should take pride in the significance of this accomplishment and be congratulated for their collaborative, diligent and thorough efforts in realizing this major goal," Mertens added.  "This recognition is indicative of the commitment and engagement of the entire art department and the resulting high quality of work it produces."

 "Congratulations to Chairperson Bob Mertens and the Art Department," said Interim Chancellor Richard Telfer in a recent blog entry.  "Congratulations also to Interim Dean Dick Haven and Interim Provost John Heyer."

In its final report the Commission reported: "The Commission commends the institution for the thoughtful and comprehensive response to the Commission's request.  The Commission commends the administration of the university and the Art and Design unit for making an investment to upgrade facilitates, address health and safety issues and address personnel needs during a time of severe budget cuts."

NASAD establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials.  Other Wisconsin NASAD members are UW-Madison, UW-Stevens Point, UW-Stout and the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design.