Student engagement earns Defiance College national recognition

DEFIANCE, Ohio – Innovative learning opportunities for students at Defiance College in 2014–2015 earned the school recognition among the nation’s Colleges of Distinction.

“Colleges of Distinction is delighted to honor Defiance College for its success in expanding programming by developing competencies relevant to graduates’ lives,” said Tyson Schritter, executive editor for Colleges of Distinction. “Active engagement is well recognized as a key to ensuring that undergraduates get the most out of their educations, and it has proven correlation with on-time graduation as well. Students increasingly demand access to hands-on learning, and Colleges of Distinction congratulates Defiance College for leading the way in the development of new methodologies that prepare students for the future.”Defiance College students earned college credit and valuable life experience while participating in study abroad programs in more than a dozen countries, as well as through service learning, learning communities, internships, and other educational paradigms.

Schools must demonstrate results across the Four Distinctions—Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. High school counselors and educators make nominations and each school is evaluated on key indicators including student engagement, student empowerment, and curricular innovation. Colleges that have distinguished themselves in each of the Four Distinctions and that have demonstrated dedication to enriching student outcomes through innovative learning opportunities are then invited to join Colleges of Distinction.

The annual process to select the nation’s Colleges of Distinction also includes a review of each institution’s freshman experience, as well as its general education program, strategic plan, and alumni success and satisfaction measures.

“Colleges of Distinction provides more than just a ranking or a tally of test scores. We identify colleges that offer every student an educationally rewarding experience,” said Schritter. “The Colleges of Distinction have earned solid reputations for nurturing and serving their students across every measure. Like Defiance College, our member schools provide the affirming undergraduate experience every student deserves.”

Since 1999, the Colleges of Distinction website and e-guidebook have recognized and honored schools throughout the U.S. for excellence in undergraduate-focused higher education. The member schools in the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their focus on the undergraduate experience. CollegeofDistinction.com provides dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and more for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information, visit CollegesofDistinction.com

Defiance College, chartered in 1850, is an independent, liberal arts institution in Northwest Ohio offering more than 40 undergraduate programs of study as well as graduate programs in education and business. Defiance College has received national recognition for its educational experience of service and engagement. The college website is www.defiance.edu.