The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an independent corporation and one of two commission members of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), which is one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. The Higher Learning Commission accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the North Central region.
Recent News
Website Redesign: Phase 1
Welcome to the Commission website’s new look! The new design, updated navigation, and improved search function represent phase 1 of a yearlong project to improve the website. Phase 2 will occur in stages over the coming months as content and cross-referencing functions are updated and enhanced. We welcome your comments.
Learn about the Commission’s New Pathways for Reaffirmation of Accreditation
The Commission currently offers two programs for maintaining accreditation: the Program to Evaluate and Advance Quality (PEAQ) and the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP). In September 2012, the Commission begins a three-year transition during which PEAQ will be replaced by two new Pathways: The Standard Pathway and The Open Pathway. AQIP continues as another pathway.
Report of June Board Actions
Adopted Policy Changes
The Board of Trustees adopted the following revised policies. They are effective immediately unless otherwise noted.
The Board approved on first reading the following proposed revised policies and bylaw changes. The Commission invites comments on these proposed policies and bylaw changes before the Board takes final action in November 2012. Comments can be sent to
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. Comments must be received by September 14, 2012.
The Board adopted the preliminary budget for fiscal year 2013 and the Dues and Fees Schedule for fiscal year 2013. Dues invoices were mailed July 2. The only change to the 2012-13 dues is a $100 increase to the base dues. This follows two years in which the Commission had not changed the rate or the formula for calculating dues.
Institutional Actions
The Board of Trustees took action on a number of institutions. These actions have been posted on the Commission’s Web site.
New Criteria for Accreditation Adopted
In February, the Board of Trustees adopted the following revised policies.