Higher Learning Commission

U.S. Department of Education 

HLC Recognition

The U.S. Department of Education has granted renewal of HLC’s recognition of its role as a national higher education quality assurance agency for another five years.  

Accreditors Respond to Proposed Rulemaking on Quality Assurance in Career Services

The Council of Regional Accrediting Commissions (C-RAC), of which HLC is a member, submitted a response to the U.S. Department of Education regarding the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), "Financial Value Transparency and Gainful Employment (GE), Financial Responsibility, Administrative Capability, Certification Procedures, Ability to Benefit (ATB)" published on May 19, 2023. In its response, C-RAC asks the Department to consider the statutory role that accreditors already have in quality assurance of career services rather than developing further metrics to be overseen by the U.S. Secretary of Education and to consider moving this issue to future regulatory negotiations involving accreditation.  

New Requirements for Distance Education and Additional Locations 

The U.S. Department of Education “Dear Colleague Letter” issued on May 18 regarding distance education relates to the thresholds for determining when a program is offered through distance education.  

See Changes That Affect Your Work for more information. 

Legislation Related to DEI in Higher Ed and Accreditation   

Congress 

Two bills concerning accreditation have been introduced in Congress: 

Accreditation for College Excellence (ACE) Act , May 25, 2023, Introduced by Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT) 

Fairness in Higher Education Accreditation Act , June 1, 2023, Introduced by Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Mike Lee (R-UT) 

Both bills would prohibit accreditor standards related to diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as affirmative action. The ACE Act would also limit accreditors to standards named in regulation. HLC is tracking the bills.  

States

Legislation regarding diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as certain topics related to race and sex at institutions of higher education, has been introduced or passed in states throughout the country. HLC is tracking and analyzing this legislation and its impact, if any, on accreditation. In addition, HLC developed this statement on its Relationship Within the Triad regarding the role of accreditors in the three-part regulatory system that includes the states and federal government.