Actions on HLC member institutions and institutions seeking accreditation are taken by decision-making bodies comprised of institutional representatives and public members. These groups meet via webinar and in-person throughout the year, and collectively they review more than 1,000 institutional cases annually.

HLC’s Decision-Making Process

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is the governing body of HLC. It typically holds in-person meetings three times a year to take action on institutional cases, to approve and adopt changes to HLC policy, and to conduct other regular business.

Board Meeting Schedule

Within 30 days following the meeting date, HLC will post a summary of institutional actions and proposed and adopted policy changes.

2022–23 Academic Year

November 3–4, 2022
February 23–24, 2023
June 22–23, 2023

Institutional Actions Council

The Institutional Actions Council (IAC) reviews and, if applicable, takes action on institutional cases. It reviews cases in two settings: meetings and hearings.

Meetings are typically held via webinar with a committee of IAC members. Cases that do not require Board action are heard in meetings. Representatives from the institutions are not present at these meetings. The IAC meeting committee’s action is final unless HLC policy requires the Board to take final action.

Hearings are typically conducted in-person with a committee of IAC members and representatives from the institution and peer review team. The IAC hearing committee typically makes a recommendation to the Board for final action.

IAC Meeting and Hearing Schedule

Dates are subject to change.

IAC Meetings

Within 30 days following the meeting date, HLC will post a summary of institutional actions.

2022–23 Academic Year

October 3–4, 2022
November 14–15, 2022
January 9–10, 2023
February 27–28, 2023
April 24–25, 2023
June 5–6, 2023
July 17–18, 2023
August 28–29, 2023

IAC Hearings

2022–23 Academic Year

December 5–6, 2022
April 17–18, 2023
July 31–August 1, 2023

Appeals Body

The Appeals Body is selected by the Board of Trustees to be available to serve on Appeal Panels. Although many actions by the Board are considered final actions, in some cases an institution may appeal an adverse action of the Board. Meetings of Appeal Panels are held as needed.