Spring International Language Center Granted Reaccreditation

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Students from the Spring International Language Center gather on the lawn of Uptown Campus West

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Spring International Language Center has been granted 10-year reaccreditation with no reporting requirements by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation.

The center teaches English to international scholars who will be studying in the United States and uses intensive study programs to improve their language skills quickly. The center is hosted by the University of Arkansas at its Uptown Campus.

The Intensive English Program and the Teaching English as a Foreign Language certificate program offered by Spring International Language Center were reviewed separately, and both will retain their accreditation through 2024.

Adriana Treadway, assistant director of the center, said it is unusual to be granted a full 10-year accreditation without reporting requirements.

“Schools rarely get that, so this shows that we are a very strong school and assures us we are doing things right. It also gives us credibility and strengthens our relationship with the University of Arkansas,” she said.

The accreditation process started 18 months ago when the Spring International staff began compiling a self-study of their two programs. Leyah Bergman-Lanier, director of the center, admitted the process was a lot of work, but said it was equally beneficial. She also underscored the importance of accreditation to the students Spring International serves.

“It was an incredibly daunting undertaking since the program has grown and changed significantly since our last accreditation cycle. But it is also a very positive task, as the self-study process allows us to improve and helps us grow as an institution and a program,” she said. “Furthermore, it lets students, as well as faculty and the academic community at large know that we are a program that not only believes in standards, but upholds them.”

Bergman-Lanier emphasized that Spring International has always focused on its mission and principles and has continuously strived to offer excellent student services, unsurpassed courses and a variety of cultural and community service experiences to their students.

“We have always pursued a path of high standards, but the external recognition is another way in which our work is validated and encourages us to maintain them,” she said.

The reaccreditation is a significant accomplishment for the center’s staff and sets them apart in their field. The report from the accrediting body indicated that the Spring International’s relationship with the University of Arkansas should be a standard for similar programs across the country.

“This is the collective achievement of an amazing staff and faculty that dedicate themselves to their students and to excellence every day. I’m really proud of this school and the people that work in it,” Bergman-Lanier said.

The Commission on English Language Program Accreditation, the agency which granted reaccreditation, is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accrediting agency for English language programs and institutions. It is the only specialized accrediting agency of its kind in the nation.