Accreditation is built on peer review, and HLC relies on expert volunteers who play an essential role in assuring the quality of HLC’s member institutions.

The new peer reviewer application is currently open in Canopy. Learn more about who we're looking for and apply by September 20, 2024.

On This Page:

• Benefits of Service
• What You'll Do
• Who We're Looking For
• How Reviewers are Selected
• Apply to the Peer Corps

Benefits of Service

Serving as a peer reviewer is an engaging, immersive experience. Gain insight from colleagues and develop a comprehensive understanding of HLC’s accreditation to help your home institution.

What You'll Do

Our peer reviewers are trained to evaluate colleges and universities and provide advice and consultation to help them continuously improve.  

In the context of each institution’s mission, you’ll use HLC requirements to assess materials, conduct in-person and virtual evaluations, and write reports. 

Here are some of the things you’ll do as a peer reviewer: 

• Collaborate with a peer review team on evaluations, visits and panels 
• Research institutions and thoroughly read submitted materials 
• Engage with institutional representatives and communicate evaluation findings 
• Maintain confidentiality and avoid conflicts of interest with all assignments 

Read more about peer reviewer Responsibilities and Expectations of Service.

Who We're Looking For

Wondering if the peer reviewer role is right for you? Generally, we’re looking for someone who:

• Listens attentively and communicates effectively
• Can examine materials with an eye for detail
• Gives constructive criticism tactfully and with care
• Is patient, flexible and can take direction
• Remains impartial and unbiased even in the face of conflicting opinions
• Has at least five years of experience in higher ed
• Has a master’s or other appropriate terminal degree; doctorate preferred. In certain circumstances, individuals with other recognized expertise, skills or experience may be eligible to serve 
• Is currently employed by an institution accredited by and in good standing with HLC 
• Primarily resides in the United States 

How Applicants Are Selected for the Peer Corps

We ask applicants to submit cover letter describing their relevant experiences along with a resume or CV.  Preference will be given to applicants who meet the diversity initiative or our areas of critical need.   

• The Peer Corps Diversity Initiative seeks to increase the number of peer reviewers who reflect the ethnic and racial diversity of HLC’s member institutions. 
• Critical needs areas reflect specific areas of expertise, specialty, types of institutions or Carnegie classification where HLC is in need of more reviewers.  

For the fall 2024 application cycle, the critical need areas are:  

• Based on Institutional Type: 
  • Seminaries
    
    • Associate and Baccalaureate colleges, particularly faculty from these institutions 
  • Based on Education or Expertise: 
    • Art, fine arts, music performance 
      • Preferably education or expertise in one of these areas, particularly with an MFA degree 
    • Medical or allied health fields, particularly veterinary science, dental, or osteopathy 
      • Preferably education/expertise in one of these fields or employment role with direct supervision or involvement in one of these fields or programs 
    • Budgeting/finance expertise 
      • Preferably CFOs, individuals with an MBA or CPA, or individuals with a self-reported expertise in this area, particularly from associate, baccalaureate or smaller master's colleges  

Apply 

Think you’d be a good fit for the role? You’ll use Canopy, HLC’s system for institutions and peer reviewers to manage their information, to submit your application. Submit your application in Canopy by September 20, 2024.