Once again, The College of Idaho has been honored on the national stage with its upcoming inclusion in the 2018-2019 edition of “Colleges of Distinction,” a national guide for colleges recognized for their excellence in undergraduate-focused higher education.
Colleges of Distinction selects schools to feature based on a number of metrics revolving around the guide’s four major “distinctions” — Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community and Successful Outcomes. The guide celebrates colleges not only for their academic successes, but also for the opportunities they give students to learn, grow and succeed, including the use of High Impact Educational Practices and a student-centered approach to education. Each included school undergoes a review of their institution’s freshman experience in addition to its general education program, strategic plan, and alumni success and satisfaction.
“We are absolutely thrilled to recognize The College of Idaho as a College of Distinction for its effective dedication to student success,” said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer for Colleges of Distinction. “Colleges of Distinction is so impressed with the C of I’s curriculum, which is enriched with the kind of High-Impact Educational Practices that are most crucial for student development. Such innovative engagement is preparing the next generation of young adults to thrive after college.”
David Douglass, Dean of the Faculty and Vice President of Academic Affairs at the C of I, acknowledged the significance of selection as a College of Distinction. “This recognition affirms our efforts to provide a transformative educational experience, purpose-built for students today,” he said. “It is as important to us as it is to students seeking to find the right college to attend.”
This year isn’t the first time the College has been featured in the guidebook and on the Colleges of Distinction website, with this year marking the third year straight the College has received the honor. In addition to general honors, the College received special recognition for its business and education programs, recognizing each program as first-rate with professional accreditations in the field.
“Colleges of Distinction is far more than a ranking list of colleges and universities,” Schritter said. “We seek out the schools that are wholly focused on the student experience, constantly working to produce graduates who are prepared for a rapidly changing global society. Now recognized as a College of Distinction, The College of Idaho stands out in the way it strives to help its students learn, grow, and succeed.”
Colleges of Distinction’s annual guidebook will be released this fall.
The College of Idaho has a 127-year-old legacy of excellence. The C of I is known for its outstanding academic programs, winning athletics tradition and history of producing successful graduates, including seven Rhodes Scholars, three governors, and countless business leaders and innovators. Its distinctive PEAK Curriculum challenges students to attain competency in the four knowledge peaks of humanities, natural sciences, social sciences and a professional field—empowering them to earn a major and three minors in four years. The College’s close-knit, residential campus is located in Caldwell, where its proximity both to Boise and to the world-class outdoor activities of southwest Idaho’s mountains and rivers offers unique opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. For more information, visit www.collegeofidaho.edu.