Higher Learning Commission

At its June meeting, HLC’s Board of Trustees considered policy changes related to faculty qualifications, prison education programs, and seeking accreditation with HLC. We invite feedback on the proposals before the Board considers them for adoption in November. 

In addition, the Board adopted policy proposals on second reading, approved the dues and fees schedule for the coming academic year, and took a number of institutional actions. 

Comment on Proposed Policy Changes 

The Board will vote on the following proposals at its meeting in November 2023. Email your comments to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by September 18. 

Faculty Qualifications

Revises the faculty qualification provision in HLC’s Assumed Practices to emphasize that an institution is responsible for establishing and maintaining reasonable processes for determining that its instructors are qualified. An institution could deem instructors qualified based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, academic credentials, progress toward academic credentials, equivalent experience, or some combination thereof. 

Faculty Qualifications Policy Change

To help clarify the proposed policy change, HLC has also developed draft updated guidelines on determining qualified faculty that reflect the proposed policy language. 

Pell-Eligible Prison Education Programs

Amends HLC policies related to substantive change to include requirements for Pell-eligible prison education programs and additional locations where Pell-eligible prisons education programs are offered. The requirements align with guidance from the U.S. Department of Education related to the reinstatement of Pell Grant eligibility for students enrolled in such programs. 

Prison Education Program Policy Change 

Accelerated Process for Initial Accreditation 

Revises the accreditation history requirements that would potentially qualify an institution to participate in HLC’s Accelerated Process for Initial Accreditation. 

Accelerated Process Policy Change

Adopted Policy Changes 

The Board adopted the following policy changes on second reading. They are effective immediately. 

• Arbitration Requirements 
  Amends the current arbitration provision in HLC’s Obligations of Membership policy to align more closely with federal regulations. The scope of the provision is now limited to disputes arising from adverse actions and only includes an “initial arbitration” requirement. HLC also published a new procedure regarding arbitration. 

• Institutional Actions Council (IAC) Authority 
  Clarifies that the IAC has the authority to take action on all accreditation decisions for which exclusive authority is not retained by HLC’s Board. 

• Processes for Certain Changes of Control 
  Aligns HLC policy with recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Education on Change of Control requirements in certain circumstances. HLC has also published an updated Change of Control, Structure or Organization procedure that reflects the policy changes.  

Dues and Fees Schedule 

HLC’s 2023–24 Dues and Fees Schedule is now available. Dues invoices were mailed to institutions in late June. 

Members will note that HLC has opted to increase our dues by 2.2%, the first substantial increase in the last 10 years. We made every effort to keep the increase as limited as possible. Facing the post-pandemic time, we will continue to seek areas of cost savings and spaces for increasing value. 

EVOLVE Strategic Plan Update 

HLC has released a new progress update on our EVOLVE 2025 Strategic Plan. Highlights include continued work on the process of reviewing and updating our Criteria for Accreditation, a member survey on alternative credential offerings, and ongoing research in defining and advancing student success. 

Institutional Actions 

See June 2023 Institutional Actions for actions taken by the Board. 

Next Meeting 

The Board’s next meeting will be held November 2–3, 2023. Actions taken at that meeting will be shared in the November Leaflet.