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Higher Learning Commission Decision-Making Bodies and Processes

Decision-Making Bodies

Actions on affiliated organizations are taken by decision-making bodies comprised of organizational representatives and public members. Unless otherwise specified, the decision-making bodies are broadly representative of the colleges and universities accredited by the Commission, with attention to institutional type, control, size, and geographical distribution. All decision-making bodies abide by the Commission's conflict of interest policies.

Visit the Calendar of Events to see a list of meetings of the Commission's decision-making bodies.

  • The Board of Trustees is the governing body of the Commission. The Commission's member organizations elect Trustees in the spring to four-year terms that begin on September 1. The Board is made up of no fewer than fifteen and no more than twenty-one persons. One of every seven Trustees is a representative of the public, and the others are broadly representative of organizations that are members of the Commission.
  • The Accreditation Review Council (ARC) consists of no fewer than sixty experienced consultant-evaluators. The Board of Trustees appoints them to four-year terms that begin on September 1. The Board also appoints representatives of the public to serve on ARC. ARC members serve on Readers Panels and Review Committees.
  • The Institutional Actions Council (IAC) consists of twenty experienced peer reviewers and six public members. The Board of Trustees appoints IAC members to four-year terms that begin on September 1. No person can serve simultaneously as a member of ARC and IAC. IAC members serve on IAC Panels.

The decisions made within the last year are available at Recent Actions.

The Commission also has the following groups:

  • The Appeals Body reviews Commission institutional actions when requested by the institution.
  • The Financial Panel reviews institutions whose Annual Financial Reporting data may cause concern about the institution.
  • The Multi-Site Reviewer body reviews institutions that have been approved for Streamlined Decision-Making to ensure they are continuing to meet the standards for the Streamlined process.
  • The Nominating Committee nominates candidates for election to the Board of Trustees.