March 2023

The Board of Trustees of the Higher Learning Commission approved the following policy changes on first reading on March 26, 2023. HLC invites comments on these proposals before the Board takes final action on second reading in June 2023. Comments should be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by June 9, 2023.

• Processes for Certain Changes of Control
  The proposed changes would align HLC policy with recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Education on Change of Control requirements.

February 2023

At its meeting on February 23–24, 2023, the Board of Trustees of the Higher Learning Commission approved the following proposed policy changes on first reading. HLC invites comments on these proposals before the Board takes final action on second reading in June 2023. Comments should be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by May 15, 2023.

• Arbitration Requirements  
  The policy change would amend the current arbitration provision in HLC’s Obligations of Membership policy to align more closely with federal regulations. The scope of the provision would be limited to disputes arising from adverse actions and would only include an “initial arbitration” requirement.
• Institutional Actions Council (IAC) Authority  
  HLC policy currently specifies the types of accreditation decisions that may be made by the IAC, and those for which the Board retains authority. The policy changes would clarify that the IAC has the authority to take action on all accreditation decisions for which exclusive authority is not retained by HLC’s Board.