Open Pathway Overview
The Open Pathway is one of two options institutions have for maintaining their accreditation with HLC. It follows a 10-year cycle and, like the Standard Pathway, is focused on quality assurance and institutional improvement. The Open Pathway is unique in that its improvement component, the Quality Initiative, affords institutions the opportunity to pursue improvement projects that meet their current needs and aspirations.
All institutions eligible to choose a pathway may participate in the Open Pathway.
Policies
Pathways and Related Process Requirements—INST.C.10.005
Substantive Requirements for Reaffirmation of Accreditation—INST.C.10.010
Evaluative Activities Applicable to All Institutions—INST.C.10.040
Procedures
The Open Pathway’s 10-year cycle includes the following institutional reviews:
Regular Monitoring
Institutions submit an annual Institutional Update, which is reviewed by HLC to monitor organizational health, comply with certain federal requirements, and identify any changes that may require HLC follow up. HLC will also apply change processes as appropriate to planned institutional developments, and will monitor institutions through reports, visits and other means as it deems appropriate.
Year 4: Assurance Review
Institutions complete an Assurance Review to ensure they are continuing to meet HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation. The institution submits an Assurance Filing that demonstrates the institution is in compliance with the Criteria and has pursued institutional improvement efforts. A peer review team evaluates these materials and makes a recommendation to the Institutional Actions Council (IAC) regarding the institution’s compliance with HLC requirements and whether monitoring should be required. The IAC will take final action if monitoring is recommended by the team. If the institution is assigned a focused visit or placed on Notice, it will be moved to the Standard Pathway.
See HLC's procedural document on the Open Pathway Year 4 Assurance Review for information on preparing the institutional narrative and evidence for this review. It also provides guidance for peer review teams on how to evaluate the institution’s materials.
Years 5-9: Quality Initiative
Institutions design and undertake a Quality Initiative project. HLC peer reviewers approve an initial project proposal, as well as a report on the outcomes of the project.
Year 10: Comprehensive Evaluation for Reaffirmation
Institutions undergo a comprehensive evaluation to ensure they are meeting the Criteria for Accreditation, pursuing institutional improvement and complying with certain requirements set by the U.S. Department of Education. This review leads to an action regarding the reaffirmation of the institution’s accreditation.
