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 November 3 - 4, 2011. The following actions took place.
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 February 2012. Comments can be sent to policycomments@hlcommission.org. Comments must be received by January 9, 2012.
Policy changes related to the Criteria for Accreditation and Related Policies
Policy changes related to Obligations of Affiliation and Related Policies
Policy changes related to Electronic Records and Communication/Peer Reviewers on the Handling of Commission Records
Policy changes related to the Exit Session
For additional information on the proposed change in the protocol for exit sessions during team visits, see the Official Commission Procedure on Exit Sessions
Adopted Policy Changes
The Board adopted the following revised policies. They are effective immediately.
Policy changes related to Course Locations
Policy changes related to Credit Hour
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.
