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Commission Policies Affecting Institutional Affiliation

The Commission has institutional policies that affect the affiliation of colleges and universities with the Commission. The policy book is updated throughout the year.

Recent Board Actions on Policies

The Board of Trustees of the Higher Learning Commission met on February 23 - 24, 2012. The following actions took place.

Adopted Policy Changes

The Board adopted the following revised policies. They are effective immediately unless otherwise noted.

Policy changes related to Criteria for Accreditation

Policy changes related to Institutional Obligations of Affiliation

Policy changes related to exit session

Policy changes related to 1) electronic records and communication and 2) peer reviewers on the handling of Commission records

For additional information on the new Criteria for Accreditation, see the Criteria Booklet.
For the current versions of these documents, visit:
Criteria for Accreditation
Minimum Expectations within the Criteria for Accreditation
Obligations of Affiliation

Proposed Policy Changes

The Board approved on first reading the following proposed revised policies. The Commission invites comments on these proposed policies before the Board takes final action in June 2012. Comments can be sent to policycomments@hlcommission.org. Comments must be received by May 9, 2012.

Policy changes related to Pathways for Reaffirmation of Accreditation
Policy changes related to federal compliance

Updated Information on Credit Hour Policy

The Commission has published information on Commission expectations for institutions and teams related to the new federally-mandated policy on the credit hour and updates related to the Federal Compliance Program. They are effective for visits beginning January 1, 2012.

Institutional Change

The Commission recognizes that change within affiliated institutions is constant and supports change to improve educational quality. The Commission has defined specific conditions under which the institution needs to obtain authorization before implementing changes because they may affect accreditation.

A complete list of Commission Policies related to the Higher Education Opportunity Act is available. 

Information on Procedures and Approvals

•    Procedures for Change of Control, Structure or Organization
•    Appeals Procedure 2011

Comments on the new policies may be sent using this online contact form.